Have you noticed that your cat isn’t covering up their junk in the box? While it’s normal to wonder if something’s wrong, this behavior isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. In fact, most healthy cats who don’t cover their poop or pee in the litter box do so for one of three common reasons. In this short blog, we’ll explore these reasons and offer solutions to encourage your cat to cover their eliminations moving forward.
1. Territorial Behavior
Cats are naturally territorial creatures. In a multi-cat household, a cat may choose to leave their eliminations uncovered as a way of marking their territory. The scent signals other cats to “back off,” letting them know who’s in charge.
What you can do:
- Reduce competition: Ensure you have enough litter boxes for all your cats. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one more box than you have cats.
- Create separate spaces: If there is tension between cats, provide multiple litter box areas throughout your home to give each cat their own space. Confidence building sessions can also help reduce tension between kitties.
- Support harmony: Consider using calming solutions like Cat Calm, CBD or calming herbs to reduce stress and territorial disputes.
2. Litter Preference
Cats can be quite picky about their litter. If the texture, scent, or type of litter isn’t to their liking, they may avoid spending extra time covering their poop or pee.
What you can do:
- Experiment with different types: Try different natural textures, like pine or paper pellets to wood shaving or coconut litters.
- Avoid scented litters: Strong fragrances designed to mask odor can be off-putting to cats, as well as toxic. Never use scented litters.
- Keep it clean: Scoop the litter box daily and completely change out the litter weekly to ensure a fresh environment.
3. Litter Box Size and Comfort
The size and shape of the litter box can also play a big role in your cat’s bathroom habits. If the box is too small or cramped, your cat might not feel comfortable enough to properly cover their waste.
What you can do:
- Go bigger: Opt for a larger litter box, like storage totes from the department store. Some cats prefer open boxes, while others may like covered ones.
- Ensure easy access: Make sure the box is easily accessible and placed in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home.
Additional Tips to Encourage Good Litter Box Habits
- Observe their behavior: Watch how your cat interacts with the litter box. This can give you clues about their preferences and comfort levels.
- Address stress: Changes in the household, such as new pets, visitors, or routines, can cause stress that affects litter box behavior. Creating a stable environment can help.
- Check for health issues: While most cases of uncovered elimination are behavioral, it’s always a good idea to rule out medical issues with your veterinarian. Conditions like arthritis or urinary tract infections can make covering waste uncomfortable for your cat.
Cat Tip
Figuring out why your cat isn’t covering their pee or poop in the litter box is key to solving the problem. Whether it’s a territorial issue, a dislike of their litter, or discomfort with the box itself, making a few adjustments can often encourage your cat to resume this natural behavior.
With a little patience and attention to their preferences, you can help your cat feel more comfortable in the litter box—and keep things cleaner for everyone in the household!
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