My new cat keeps sleeping in the litter box. Is this normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 4 months and 4 days old | 46 lbs
Hello, I just adopt this cat about 4 days ago. On the 2nd day he squats in litter box for more than a minute while keep meowing,then digging for a while and do the same. On 3rd day he lies on the litter box for quite a while and still do the same thing, so the next day I bring him to the vet which the doctor said he is healthy, but after vet visit,he sleep on the litter box. This makes me very anxious, is there something wrong with him? He eat just fine too
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 5th, 2017
Laying in the litter box is not uncommon for a cat that just moved to a new home, many cats tend to do that, they tend to feel "safer" in the box. if he does not seem to have any problem urinating, if he is eating and drinking normally, just give him some time to open up, he will grow out of it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on August 2nd, 2019
If only Friday could talk! Some cats will lay in their litter boxes although most won't. If he is simply laying in the box, try providing him with a second box without litter and a blanket in the bottom. It may just be that he likes the enclosed space. If he is posturing at all or it seems like he is using the bathroom more or trying to use the bathroom, then this likely indicates pathology and he should be examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
my kitten is 16 weeks old and recently has started laying down in his litter box? he still uses it as he should and is eating and drinking normally. he plays and cuddles. but i am worried about this change in behavior. he also is teething. is this so
I’m traveling so I kept my cat in my friend’s house she has already 2 cats so since last night my cat is hiding u from my friend b her cats and they didn’t eat anything and not used litter even... So is it ok or that’s not normal?? For the first time
I brought a new cat (4 years old) home about 36 hours ago and she hasn't come out from under the bed at all, nor will she eat drink or use the litter box. Should I be concerned?
Added a second litter box since he had a UTI and now he slept in the new litter box instead.
My cat keeps trying to sleep in his litter box. He’s acting completely normal other than that
What does it mean when my cat is sleeping in a litter box?
I adopted a cat and brought her home yesterday. Since then, I don't think she's had anything to drink from the water fountain or water dish, and she's only used her litter box once that I can tell. I'm feeding her wet food twice daily & she's eating
My kitten has been sleeping in the litter box, and when he’s not in there, he’s being very aggressive; he bites and claws without being provoked. Can teething start as early as 9 weeks?
My cats pregnant and keeps laying in her litter box iv cleaned this out is it normal for them 2 do this
I've just adopted a 3-4 month old kitten who's been living outside. Since I've had her, which has been almost 24 hours, she hasn't peed or pooped once. But she has eaten and drank water. I don't know what to do and I'm worried something is wrong.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
