If your cat is suddenly skipping the litter box or leaving surprises where they shouldn’t, you’re not alone. Litter box issues are one of the most common (and frustrating) problems cat owners face. But don’t worry—there’s almost always a reason behind the behavior, and many ways to fix it.
Our knowledgeable Aldergrove, BC Canada veterinary team shared their top answers to the most common questions about litter box problems, what to watch for, and how to get your cat back on track.
Q: My cat has started going outside the litter box. What’s the first thing I should do?
Staff: First, don’t assume it’s just behavioral. Medical issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, or even arthritis can cause a cat to avoid the litter box. The first step is always to rule out a medical cause with a vet exam and possibly a urine test. It’s not uncommon for cats to associate the box with pain if they’re having trouble urinating. Contact our Aldergrove, BC Canada pet clinic to make Fluffy an appointment.
Q: What are some common medical causes of litter box problems?
Staff: Some of the most common include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Arthritis (making it hard to climb into the box)
If your cat is straining to urinate, crying out, or visiting the box frequently with little output, that’s an emergency. Call our Aldergrove, BC Canada pet clinic right away.
Q: What if my vet says my cat is healthy—what else could be causing the issue?
Staff: Once we’ve ruled out medical problems, we look at environmental or behavioral triggers. Cats are extremely sensitive to changes. Some things that can trigger litter box avoidance include:
- A dirty litter box
- A new type of litter
- A change in box location
- Stress from moving, new pets, or guests
- Conflict with another cat in the home
Even something like a loud washing machine near the litter box can be enough to make your cat avoid it.
Q: How many litter boxes should I have?
Staff: The golden rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, aim for three boxes. This helps reduce competition and gives your cats options in case they don’t want to share.
Q: Does the type of litter matter?
Staff: It definitely can. Most kitties prefer unscented, clumping litter with a soft texture. Strong scents, pellets, or crystal litter may be off-putting to sensitive cats. If you’re changing litter types, do it gradually—mix the new with the old over several days to help them adjust.
Q: Where should I place the litter boxes?
Staff: Choose quiet, low-traffic areas that are easy to access—but not isolated. Avoid placing boxes next to loud appliances or in areas where your feline friend could feel trapped or startled. Make sure older cats don’t have to climb stairs to reach the box.
Q: What kind of litter box should I use?
Staff: Most cats prefer uncovered boxes, as they offer more visibility and airflow. Covered boxes may trap odors and make some cats feel vulnerable. Also, make sure the box is large enough—at least 1.5x the length of your cat—from nose to tail.
Q: How often should I clean the litter box?
Staff: Ideally, scoop at least once a day and fully clean the box weekly with unscented soap and water. Cats are clean animals, and a dirty box is one of the most common reasons for avoiding it.
Q: What else can I do if my cat still won’t use the litter box?
Staff: Keep a journal to track patterns—time of day, location of accidents, changes in the home, etc. You can also try adding litter attractants or Feliway diffusers to reduce stress. But if the problem continues, don’t wait—reach out to your Aldergrove, BC Canada vet for support. The sooner we address it, the easier it is to resolve.
Final Thoughts
Staff: Litter box issues are never fun, but they’re also rarely hopeless. In many cases, a simple change—or catching a health issue early—can solve the problem. And remember: your cat isn’t doing it out of spite. She’s trying to tell you something.
Need Help Solving a Litter Box Problem? We’re Here for You.
If your cat is having litter box issues, contact our Aldergrove, BC Canada pet clinic today to ask questions or schedule an appointment. We’ll help you rule out medical problems and can talk to you about ways to get your cat back on track.
!Social Media Icons