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My cat keeps pooping outside the litter box. What can I do to stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 2 months old

My cat lately has pooped outside of her liter box past two days every other week we clean out her liter box is this normal?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about your problem with Bella! I would increase the frequency of cleaning, I normally recommend scooping daily and then dumping the entire box and washing weekly. Many cats will have litter box aversion if the box isn’t cleaned enough. Also we recommend one more litter box than number of cats in the house (1 cat needs 2 boxes, 2 cats need 3 boxes, etc). If the accidents continue I would recommend an exam by her vet to check for possible medical causes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 22nd, 2019

    Cats will defecate outside the box for many reasons. Here is a good article to explain the different reasons: https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-top-5-reasons-your-cat-is-avoiding-her-litter-box-and-what-to/ Although the vet can't find any medical causes, you may try a diet change. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can often help as can feeding a canned food with additional water added. There is also a special prescription diet made by Royal Canin called Fiber Response that many cats respond well to. For behavioral causes , there are a few factors to adjust. Cats are sensitive to the type of litter, size of the box and location of the box. If you have more cats, you need 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional box. You should also have a litter box on every floor of the house. This article discusses different types of litter and litter boxes: https://www.petcoach.co/article/cat-litter-finding-the-right-fit-for-your-cat/ In general though, cats prefer large, uncovered litter boxes, clay-based clumping litter that is scoped every day and a private, quiet location. If you have other cats or dogs, if they can access the litter box, it may cause Cass to be afraid that she could find herself trapped in the box. Cats are a prey species in the wild and they still retain those instincts. Clean the carpet with a good enzymatic cleanser. This will to get rid of any smells. There are things you can do at home to help to keep Cass relaxed and that may help to ensure good litter box habits. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Using a Feliway diffuser, setting aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play for Cass or switching her food to Royal Canin Calm may help. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with house soiling. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 6th, 2021

    A good first step is to make sure Mitzi can get in and out of her litter box, and to note if the accidents are happening after a certain time of day or event (IE after heavy play, or in the evenings) as this could indicate an issue such as trouble getting into the box, or pain from the joints, etc after playing or exercise. I'd also try to watch her when she goes to make sure she's not climbing into the box, but sticking her bottom out the side of it and missing it (if the accidents are happening next to, but not in the box). If you are seeing the above issues, a vet visit to rule out any health issues that could be causing discomfort with going/getting into the box, or trying a box with raised sides and a door may help address the issue. If it's behavioral, making sure her box is in a low stress place where your other cat can't bother her while she goes, and offering praise or a treat when you do see her successfully use the box (without missing it) can help encourage her to use it with less stress. If you catch her in the act of having an accident, calmly picking her up and placing her in her box (and then rewarding if she finishes anything in there) can help as yelling or punishing can lead to more stress and accidents (and hiding them in harder to reach spots.) Pheromone diffusers such as Feliway can also be plugged into the room where the litter box is to make it a relaxing spot to go.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 27th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is usually due to a medical issue such as intestinal problems like parasites for instance. In some cases it is behavioral and after ruling out a medical reason, a behavioral issue has to be considered. I would recommend you check in with your veterinarian to rule out a medical issue first as that can result in discomfort. They can then recommend therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

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