Why is my cat pooping on the floor instead of in the litter box? You walked out of your room and saw your cat sitting on the floor next to the litter box and pooping. Is this an accident or mischief? Know that your cat isn’t doing this out of naughtiness — she is actually facing some issues with the litter box, such as the litter tray being too small, the litter quality or scent being unpleasant, or possibly a medical issue. In this guide, we will discuss the top 10 reasons that will help you understand why your cat is pooping on the floor. Understanding these triggers turns frustration into action.
Understanding Why Cats Poop Outside the Litter Box
Cats are naturally clean animals — even more cleanliness-loving than humans. When you notice that your cat has started defecating outside the litter box, it usually means she is trying to tell you something, such as the litter box location not being right, or that she herself is experiencing medical, behavioural, or stress-related issues. It may also happen due to environmental changes.
Veterinary studies show that the most common cause of cats pooping outside the litter box start with health problems. Other causes are things we can usually fix at home ourselves. By identifying the issue early, you can keep your cat healthy, save money, prevent this behaviour from becoming a long-term habit, avoid messes in the house, and maintain a clean home.
Reasons Why Your Cat Poops on the Floor
Digestive Issues (Constipation, Diarrhoea, IBD)
Gut-related problems explain why a cat may be pooping on the floor. Constipation in cats causes painful bowel movements, making it difficult for them to use the litter tray, so they end up going outside it.
Sometimes diarrhoea comes suddenly without warning, leaving them no time to reach the litter tray. In addition, inflammation of the intestines, stomach pain, and other digestive issues cause discomfort and urgency, which also lead to accidents.
Constipation In Cats
Learn the common causes, warning signs, and simple home care tips to help your cat stay comfortable and avoid constipation problems.
Older cats quietly endure illnesses, but there is often a hidden reason behind sudden inappropriate elimination. Because of severe joint pain, senior cats avoid stepping onto elevated areas, which leads them to poop right outside the litter box or even on the sofa.
Observe your cat to see how she jumps onto higher surfaces. If she hesitates or cries while doing so, it means that pain may be the reason she is defecating outside the litter box. Get blood tests done by a vet to confirm the underlying cause. Relieving the pain will help bring her back to normal habits within a few days.
Diabetes or Kidney Disease
In cats, diabetes and kidney disease cause disturbances in thirst and bowel movements. In such conditions, the litter tray may feel rough or uncomfortable to your cat, so she looks for cooler surfaces like cold tiles. If you notice that an older cat is passing stool outside the litter box, get blood and urine tests done without delay. If treatment is not started promptly, these illnesses can become more severe. Early treatment helps restore comfort and well-being.
Wrong Litter Box Location
When cats defecate, they need privacy and a sense of safety — just like humans. If the litter tray is placed in a common area, in the middle of the house, or near the kitchen, cats don’t feel comfortable or secure. They then look for a quiet or private place in a room to relieve themselves. Where you place the litter tray is very important, but most people don’t consider it significant. However, this is often one of the main reasons behind pooping outside the litter box.
Disliking the Litter Type or Texture
Switching from fine clumping unscented litter to thicker particles can immediately trigger a reaction. Cats are sensitive — some dislike any new change, while others like to observe new things. Some types of litter get stuck between their toes or tickle their nose when they use it.
If you suddenly changed your cat’s litter, it may confuse or bother her. The easy solution is to provide two litter trays with different types of litter and observe which one your cat uses. Simply make the one she prefers a regular part of her routine.
Litter Too Deep or Too Scented
We may want scented litter for our cats because it gives off a pleasant fragrance, but this smell can overwhelm a cat’s sensitive nose. In the same way, filling a 4 cm–deep litter tray can make the cat feel scared, and she doesn’t want to get her belly dirty. Both of these issues push her toward using tiles or the sofa instead.
Covered, High-Sided, or Noisy Boxes
Covered trays trap smells and make some cats feel cornered – perfect for an ambush in their minds. Automatic self-cleaning boxes frighten others with sudden rakes and whirrs just when they’re most vulnerable. Behavioural issues in cats often hide inside fancy gadget trays.
Open, low-sided trays in quiet corners win every time. If your cat bolts mid-poop when the box makes noise, a simple plastic storage tub with one side cut low works wonders and costs almost nothing.
Box Too Small or Hard to Enter (Senior Cats)
Kittens grow very quickly without us even noticing. A litter box that is either too big or too small becomes difficult for the cat to use, and instead of struggling with it, they may poop right next to the entrance of the box. Choose a litter tray that is about one and a half times the length of your cat’s body. Select a U-shaped box with more space and low sides.
Dirty or Infrequently Cleaned Litter Box
Cats absolutely hate finding old poop in their litter tray. Even a small uncovered piece is often enough to make them go somewhere else. Cleaning the litter box is extremely important. Scoop the litter twice a day, and change the litter once a week. You will see how happy your cat becomes, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly she stops pooping on the floor and starts using the litter box again.
Stress, Anxiety, or Feeling Insecure
Even the smallest changes at home can affect your cat’s behaviour, such as a new family member, moving furniture, loud noises, or construction work. All of these disrupt a cat’s routine. Cats get frightened when they sense a potential threat. In such an environment, a litter tray placed in an open area seems intimidating to them, so they prefer to relieve themselves in a hidden or secluded spot.
How To Stop Your Cat From Pooping On The Floor
Choose the Right Litter Box (Size, Shape, and Height)
If you have found your cat’s most preferred litter tray, then congratulations — you’ve succeeded. Before buying a litter tray, it’s better to measure your cat’s length. Whatever the length is, choose a tray that is one-and-a-half times bigger than that.
A tray with low sides plays a very important role, especially for cats who feel like they’re getting dirty or struggle to step into a tray that’s too high. You can get large plastic trays at affordable prices from Pet Mart. Choose an open-top litter tray because some cats feel unsafe in closed litter trays.
So, now that you’ve found the easiest solution to your cat’s litter box problem, go ahead and buy a great litter tray for your cat — and read in detail about how to choose a litter tray
how to choose the right litter box For your cat
Find out which litter box size, shape, and features suit your cat best for a cleaner, stress-free home.
Every cat has its own preferences when it comes to litter. To find out what your cat prefers, test three different litter trays, each filled with a different type of litter such as fine clumping, wood pellets, and recycled paper. Then observe which litter your cat uses the most — that means that is the litter your cat prefers. After that, make the chosen litter a consistent part of your routine. Changing the litter frequently (to different types) can confuse your cat.
Keep the Box Clean (Daily Scooping Routine)
Scoop the litter tray twice a day, and wash the litter tray thoroughly once a week, then refill it with fresh litter. Sometimes cats may use a litter tray that hasn’t been cleaned, but if this continues regularly, it can lead to major accidents. Most cat owners notice improvement in their pets within 48 hours after adopting this routine. You should also try it and then tell us how long it took for your pet to return to its normal routine.
Improve Accessibility for Senior or Arthritic Cats
A small adjustment from you can play an important role for older cats. Cut down the front edge of the entry so your cat can easily step inside. Or you can buy a storage tub for around £10 and remove one side — it becomes a comfortable, peaceful, and hassle-free tray. With this small modification, you can help your arthritic cat quickly return to its old habits.
Remove Stains and Smells With Enzymatic Cleaners
By regularly using a cleanser, you can clean the soiled surface. You might still smell the odour, but your pet won’t — because an enzymatic cleanser breaks down the proteins, preventing your cat from soiling the same spot again.
Cleanliness plays a very important role in every small action. Pour the enzymatic cleanser on the soiled surface, leave it for a while, and then clean it with a cloth after some time.
Use Calming Aids Like Pheromone Diffusers
When your cat’s life is going through a lot of chaos — whether it’s anxiety, depression, or any medical issue — plug-in calming pheromones like Feliway send a message to cats that “everything is okay.” This helps your cat feel more relaxed.
These pheromones are completely safe and drug-free, causing no harm; they simply send comforting signals to help your pet feel better. Vets also usually recommend these sprays first whenever your cat is experiencing stress.
When To Take Your Cat to the Vet
Even with a perfect litter tray, if your cat suddenly starts pooping outside it, this demands your attention. Observe your cat for symptoms such as blood, mucus, joint pain, stomach pain, swelling, or weight loss — all of these indicate the need for an immediate vet consultation. If your cat continues to poop outside the litter tray despite regular cleaning, schedule a vet appointment within the same week. Early treatment can prevent serious illnesses and discomfort. You’ve got this most cats return to perfect habits once their real problem is solved! For more detailed advice on feline health, the International Cat Care website has excellent resources .
FAQS
How to get a cat to stop pooping outside a litter box?
Identify the cause, clean the box daily, adjust litter type, improve location, reduce stress, and ensure enough boxes in the home.
Why is my cat pooping on the floor with a clean litter box?
Even with a clean box, medical issues, stress, disliked litter texture, location problems, or past negative experiences can trigger floor-pooping.
How to punish a cat for pooping outside the litter box?
Never punish your cat. Instead, address medical issues, adjust the litter box setup, reduce stress, and create a comfortable, safe bathroom environment.
Should I be concerned if my cat poops outside the litter box?
Yes, because it often signals medical discomfort, stress, or litter box problems. Investigating early helps prevent worsening behaviour or hidden illness.
Cat lover extraordinaire! Kitty Corner Blog is where I share advice on cat training, food, and care. Come along for tips to make your cat’s life amazing!
