Why is my cat pooping on the floor? This query has saddened many feline owners, who ended up leaving their cats in shelters. If the same thoughts come to your mind, skip them because we have 10 solutions for how to stop a cat from pooping on the floor, verified by cat owners and behaviorists.
Are you tired of finding unexpected surprises from your cat on the floor like I am? It can be frustrating. It is irritating and unpleasant for pet parents to deal with this situation. But don’t worry because we have some solutions to solve your problem and put an end to this stinky situation so that you can enjoy yourself with your kitten without any stress. Here are some practical ways to stop this behavior of your feline friend in an easy way.
How To Stop A Cat From Pooping On The Floor
The reasons for cat poop outside the litter have already been discussed. It’s time to figure out solutions for how to stop your cat from pooping outside the litter box. There are several reasons for this feline behavior, but each comes with a solution. So, sit with your feline friend and read the solutions list.
Litter Box Location
Cat is a creature of habit, and due to this behavioral problem, the cat doesn’t like moving the litter box from place to place. It wants the box in its exact position. By nature, a cat is a cleanliness freak who never wants its litter tray next to food and water bowls. Cats also like to have their box in quiet and safe places to do their business properly.
The litter tray should also be away from human food areas. A utility room, store room, or hallway is a good idea for placing litter trays.
The litter box should be easily accessible to your feline friend. It is not a good idea to place it in an awkward place where your furry friends feel trapped while finding their poop box. Choose a location where cats feel comfortable using it. If your cats have a habit of repeatedly visiting a particular place in your house, then place the litter box there to check whether they use it or not.
Solve Other Litter Box Issues
Choose a box that your cat loves to use. There is a possibility that your feline might like a litter box with a lid or like larger box rather than a compact one.
You can solve this problem by placing multiple boxes for your feline friends and letting them choose the litter box as per their comfort. Keep an eye on them to see their preferences in choosing the litter box. Some cats like large shallow plastic storage bins instead of decorative and expensive litter boxes because of extra space in them.
Jamie Thomas, the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) and Executive Director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue, answered our question about how to stop a cat from pooping on the floor.
“You could also add another litterbox. There should be at least one for every cat and one for every level of your home. Changing the size could also help- is it too small or too big? Even the lid on or off is something to try. Sometimes cats love lids; sometimes they hate them.
Don't change things too quickly, though- and only change one factor at a time. If you change the size of the box, lid, and litter, you won't know which is helping them and which is a coincidence. And if your cat is easily stressed, that's definitely too many changes at once! You don't want to create more issues when you're trying to solve one.”
Special Recommendation For Senior Cats
If you have an older cat or a cat with mobility issues, use a litter box with low sides so that your cat can climb in and out easily. It is recommended to have a litter box ramp or stairs so that your cat feels comfortable using a litter box.
“If your cat is old and has osteoarthritis, try a litter box with the sides cut out so they can walk straight into the litter tray without needing to lift joints up,” says Dr. Corinne Wigfall, BVMBVS(Hons), the veterinary spokesperson and registered veterinarian at SpiritDog Training.
Multiple Cats
If you have multiple cats, remember that cats are territorial creatures, and they never want another cat to use its territory. Thus, the best you can do is to avoid this situation. Place different litter boxes at different locations in your home for several cats. It will help your cat use the litter box without any issues.
Cats Sensitive To Certain Smells
Use a different type of litter until you find the one your cat prefers. Most cats have a behavioral problem; they like unscented, clumping litters. Such types of cats get irritated with the strong odor of litter.
What Best Can You Do?
Give them two little boxes to choose from according to their choice, and keep an eye on them to check their preferences while choosing the litter box.
Daily Cleaning
“Make sure to scoop the litter box on a daily basis and change the dirty litter completely at least once a week (preferable) or more often if needed,” says Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, who works at We Love Doodles.
Dr. Corinne Wigfall says, “If you are very busy and don’t always have the time to do this, look into a robotic cat litter tray that keeps the litter tray clean in between you changing the litter tray. Whilst expensive, they are often a good solution for very fussy cats.” In addition, deep cleaning of the box is also necessary.
Enzymatic Cleaner
“Some cats use the scent of previous stools to mark toileting areas, so it's really important to clean the area thoroughly your cat once defecates outside of the litter box with an enzymatic cleaner,” says Dr. Corinne Wigfall.
However, don’t use strong smells like vinegar or ammonia because they may irritate your feline’s airways and skin and make your cat believe it is the right toilet. Be careful while using Enzyme based cleaner; purchase the right product wisely.
Herbal Cat Attractions
You can also put some herbal cat attractions in the box to attract your cat. Moreover, you can also purchase cat litters which already have come with some mixed cat attractants.
Keep Them Away From Stress
Why is my male cat pooping on the floor? This query horrified me once. I noticed my cat's behavior, and I realized that several times when he is stressed, he poops on the floor. Thus, what you need is to make your furball stress-free.
Keeping your feline friend away from the stress will stop it from pooping on the floor. Keep them busy in playful activities and provide them with fun toys like ping pong balls and plastic rolling balls. They cannot get bored, and indulging in such activities relieve stress. Playing with your cat near the litter box will also sometimes solve problems.
Medical Conditions
There are many health problems that require medical attention, in the case of your cat pooping on the floor. It is more evident when cats continuously poop on the floor. These medical issues require your special attention and a quick response to call your vet.
One of the most common health issues is feline interstitial cystitis. If your Felis catus shows the behavior of extra pee and poo than usual, then immediately take them to a vet. If it feels pain while pooping, you need a vet to deal with it.
Some other medical conditions that need a vet include inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea and constipation, and urinary tract infections.
Check this video by Dr. Julia Hughes, Shelter Health and Wellness Veterinarian, Ontario SPCA & Human Society, and learn how you can make your cat stop peeing and pooping outside the litter box:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p2Pi0zfgH8
Reward System For Good Behavior
If everything goes well, then the reward is what your furbaby deserves. Suppose they don’t do house soiling, reward and praise them for their good behavior by giving them a food treat, playing games, or buying their favorite toy at home. This appreciation will help and encourage them to use the litter box instead of pooping outside the litter box.
How To Punish A Cat For Pooping Outside The Litter Box
What if you have done all we have suggested in this guide, but still, your cat is not ready to go into the box? Use the kid's water gun spray to stop cat from pooping on carpet. It is minor punishment that never scares, harms, or stresses your cat.
Startle your cat with a water gun to stop them from doing this. If your cat is irritated by water gun spray, it will discourage them from pooing on the floor. Remember, don't scare or punish your cat strictly; it will stress them and worsen the problem. Calmly say 'no' to them, picks them up, and put them in the litter box. Don’t yell, as it will scare them.
Conclusion
Cat pooping on the floor is unpleasant and irritating for many pet owners. Still, you can handle this situation easily and comfortably by considering the abovementioned steps. I hope this guide about how to stop a cat from pooping on the floor has solved all your queries. So, it’s time to find the reason and teach your feline baby manners.