Cat Pooping Outside Litter Box

Joint pain and arthritis often occur in aging cats and climbing in and out of deep or covered litter boxes may become increasingly difficult. Pooping and peeing require different stances so while it might be fine for 1 your cat might not like it for 2. This means that if you have two cats you should provide three litter boxes.

cat pooping outside litter box

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There can be two main things behind why your cat is pooping outside the litter box.

Cat pooping outside litter box.

The optimal number of litter boxes is one for each cat plus one more.
If you have a covered litter box she may feel cramped in there while perching in position to poop.
I have tried absolutely everything to get to stop from ever sort of cat box litter anxiety meds food multiple vets trips locking her in a bathroom for 2 weeks even allowing her access to go outside and she still proceeds.
She pees and poops where ever she pleases.

Box is too small if the box is too small your cat might hang over it or be uncomfortable using it resulting in your cat pooping outside the litter box.
If your cat is older and has arthritis it may be difficult for her to perch on the litter substrate in order to eliminate solids.
The box is difficult for your cat to access due to pain or physical limitations.
Rule out medical issues.

If youve added a second cat consider installing additional litter boxes rather than trying to make both cats share a box.
You cat may poop everywhere except the litter box such as near the back door the front door on the floor etc.
Many senior or disabled cats defecate outside their litter box because of its size depth or location.
Note that the boxes need to be in totally different places.

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Why is my cat suddenly pooping outside the litter box.