Why Does My Cat Poop Outside the Litter Box? Causes and Fixes

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Finding poop on the floor is frustrating, but it is rarely spite. Cats are clean animals, and a cat that poops outside the box is telling you that something is wrong. The cause may be medical, environmental or emotional, and the fix starts with finding out which.

Medical causes

See a vet first, especially if the behavior is new.

• Constipation or megacolon, which makes defecation painful, so the cat associates the box with pain. See constipation in cats.
• Diarrhea, which gives little warning. See diarrhea in cats.
• Arthritis, making it hard to enter the box or squat. See arthritis in cats.
• Parasites, such as worms. See worms in cats.
• Inflammatory bowel disease and other gut disease.
• Anal gland problems.
• Hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and diabetes, which can alter habits. See hyperthyroidism in cats.
• Cognitive dysfunction in older cats. See caring for a cat with dementia.
• Pain from other causes. See signs of pain in cats.

Litter box factors

• Cleanliness. Many cats refuse a dirty box, especially for feces. Scoop daily or more often. See how often to clean a litter box.
• Number of boxes. One box per cat plus one. See setting up a multi-cat home.
• Size. Boxes should be at least one and a half times the cat's length. See litter box types compared.
• Covered boxes. Hoods trap odor and may feel confining.
• Litter type. Cats may dislike scented, rough or deep litter. See how to choose cat litter.
• Location. Noisy or busy places, or boxes near food, deter cats. See where to put the litter box.
• Automatic boxes, which may frighten some cats. See automatic litter boxes: worth it.
• Access. High sides can be hard for seniors. See senior cat home modifications.

Stress and behavior

• Changes in the home, such as a move, new pet or baby.
• Conflict between cats, including guarding the box.
• Fear of the box, after a scare or pain.
• Territory marking.
• Anxiety. See signs of stress in cats and how to calm an anxious cat.

What to do

1. See a vet. Bring a stool sample, and describe the pattern.
2. Add a box in a quiet place, with a different litter, and see which the cat prefers.
3. Keep boxes clean.
4. Make access easy.
5. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner, and block access to the spots. See how to remove cat urine odor.
6. Place a litter box or a food bowl at the spot, if the cat keeps returning.
7. Reduce stress, with routine, safe spaces and enrichment.
8. Do not punish, and do not rub the cat's nose in it.
9. Be patient. It can take weeks.

Where the cat poops tells you something

• Near the box: problem with the box.
• On soft surfaces: may be a comfort issue or substrate preference.
• In hidden spots: fear or anxiety.
• On your bed: a plea for attention or seeking your scent. See why does my cat pee on the bed.

Kittens

Kittens may need retraining. See kitten litter training.

Collecting useful information for your vet

Before the appointment, note how long this has gone on, how often it happens, what the stool looks like and where the cat goes. Bring a fresh stool sample in a sealed bag, a photo of the stool if possible, and information about diet, litter changes and anything new at home. Tell the vet whether the cat strains, cries, produces small hard stools or has diarrhea. This helps pinpoint whether the cause is constipation, an infection, parasites or something else.

Constipation in detail

Constipation is one of the most common medical causes. Dry, hard stool is painful to pass, and a cat may start to avoid the box because it links it with discomfort. Dehydration, low fiber, obesity, arthritis and kidney disease can all contribute. Your vet may recommend more water, a diet change, fiber or medication. Never give human laxatives or enemas to a cat, because some products are toxic. See cat water fountains: worth it.

Senior cats and mobility

Older cats with sore joints may find a high-sided box hard to climb into, and may choose the floor outside. A low-entry box, a ramp and a soft mat can make a major difference. Place a box on each floor of the home, so that the cat does not need to climb stairs in a hurry.

Checking progress

After you make changes, keep a calendar of accidents. A drop in frequency suggests you are on the right track. If accidents continue after a vet check and an improved setup, ask about a referral to a veterinary behaviorist.

When to see a vet

See a vet right away if there is blood, straining, diarrhea or other signs. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.