When your Cat decides not use the litter box and instead poops on the floor, this can be a really frustrating problem!
Especially when your Cat has the litter box right there in front of them but he decides to poo on your beautiful carpet or expensive rug.
This is such a common problem for Cat parents, basically avoiding the litter box and pooing in places your Cat shouldn’t be
I can relate; because my Cat used to do the same thing!
Poo anywhere and everywhere and the worst place is on the carpet, cleaning that up is a nightmare!
I’ll let you decide how much of a hard work that is!
But let me give you some glad tidings. My Cat has stopped this behavior!
He does not poo on the floor anymore
I can teach you what I’ve learned so If you want to stop your cat from pooping on the floor – you need to look at the what is causing this
Here’s some points you need to look at
- Medical Issue
- Look at the Litter box
- Litter box location
- Is it stress related
- Patience and consistency
These are the factors you need to look at.
This article has everything you need to know about how to stop a Cat from pooping on the floor.
Keep reading…
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First, Why Is My Cat Pooping On The Floor?
Medical Issues
The first thing you should do is take your Cat to the vets to rule out any medical conditions
Your Cat won’t just suddenly not use the litter box for no reason
Or just to annoy you
There could be a underlying problem which is causing your Cat to poo outside the litter box
Maybe your Cat is feeling constipated which is causing your Cat to not use the litter box
It could be diarrhea and your Cat cannot just hold it in
It could even be something like kidney disease or inflammation bladder
These diseases are something not to be taken lightly
Problem is – your cat is a expert at hiding this
So it becomes difficult to know when your cat is not feeling too well
But what if there was a way of knowing straight away your cat is not well?
Would that be a life saver?
Of course!
Good news is you can!
How?
By using Cat litter that detects problems such as…
Alpha Paw – Color Changing Genius Litter
It’s a natural cat litter that monitors your cats health by containing an indicator that changes colour when abnormalities in your cats urine are detected.
- PRIME & REVOLUTIONARY CAT LITTER: Genius Litter is a revolutionary natural cat litter that monitors your cat's health. This premium item contains an indicator that responds to deviating values in the urine such as blood, alkaline, bilirubin, or abnormal PH levels.
- SUPER ABSORBENT: Our non-clump crystal sand cat litter allows urine or pee to be absorbed in seconds, the easiest way to keep your catbox fresh all day long. Plus, cleaning the litter box is quick and easy because it stays dry, leaving no trace. Best of all - no odor - making Alpha Paw cat supplies a great choice for multi-cat families.
- LOW-TRACKING: Our natural cat litter refill items do not contain perfume and will not stick to your cat's paws, preventing any unhealthy licking or messy house tracking. It is all natural, hypoallergenic, contains no chemicals and no additives added, safe for you and your cat or kitten.
- BEST ODOR CONTROL & DUST FREE: Help keep the litter box area neat and ready to use for your furry four-legged friend with Alpha Paw dustless cat litter. This scoopable cat litter stays ultra-clean even after weeks of scooping, creating a more inviting and better smelling litter box. Dust-free for less mess when you scoop and pour.
- TRUSTED BRAND: We only want the best for your furry companion, and we are committed to helping them live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Your pet is special and worth it, which is why we design honest, high-quality products curated by pet parents, for pet parents.
Pretty Litter
By using a cat litter brand name Pretty Litter
This cat litter is not your ordinary litter
It changes color when your cat uses it if he has a health problem
Yep! – Just by using the litter box you’ll be able to detect any health problems
Interesting right?
It sure is and it’s a must for cat parents
I have written a in-depth review which you should deffo read (There’s a discount code you can use in the review!)
Taking your Cat to the vet will ensure that your Cat is healthy and nothing medically is causing him to avoid using the litter box
Pretty Litter
Pretty Litter defines it’s self as “the worlds smartest cat litter” and “Health monitoring litter that won’t break your back, or the bank”.
- Tracks potential illnesses in your cats – the litter changes colour to tell you when your cat has a health issue that needs dealt with.
- No more litter box smell – traps odor instantly and then eliminates moisture, so you’ll never smell your cat’s dirty business again.
- Scoop your cats poop less – no one likes doing it and now you don’t have to.
- Refill just ONCE per month – no longer do you need to refill the box daily!
- Cat litter delivered to your door – so you never run out and have to improvise.
- Cleaner and safer litter – is 99% dust free and household friendly.
- Over 20,000 customer reviews – so you know you’re getting a trusted and loved product.
Litter Box Issues
Litter Box
One of main and common reasons why a Cat will poop the litter box is because the litter box itself!
There are so many things to consider with the litter box
Let’s go through them!
Clean litter box
Cats are very clean animals and they expect their litter box to be clean too
I mean, would you use a washroom that is filthy and not clean?
Then your Cat is the same!
Clean the litter box everyday and make sure it is clean for your Cat to use.
Clean it with the right products…
But what you clean it with is just as important as cleaning it because typical household bleaches, disinfectants, and bleaches can actually put cats off using them as they smell so strong and cat’s have a sensitive sense of smell.
You are best to use a scentless Enzyme Cleaner instead, here’s my favourite choice…
The All Natural Enzymatic Cleaner
Self Cleaning Litter Boxes
If you use a cleaning litter box then your cat always has a clean spot to poop in…
Leo’s Loo Too Covered Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Self cleaning
- Odor eliminations
- Google and Alexa voice controls
- Advanced sensors and radars to keep your kitty safe
- Smart connected app
- Triple layer safety protections
- Free Shipping (US only)
- Quiet
- 90 Day Trial
- 1 Year Warranty
Check Latest Price
READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Self Cleaning Litter Boxes on Amazon
- THERE IS A NEWER VERSION OF THIS ITEM THE NRA15-V5.0
- Easy to use
- Cleans in seconds. Clean litter drops back into the pan while the waste deposits into a convenient pull-out tray for quick and easy disposal
- Does not require electricity, liners or filters
- Suitable for small to Medium cats
- SELF CLEANING ELITE LITTER BOX LARGE With extra features including Integrated Litter Step, Chrome Plated Locking Clips and Accents and signature Midnight Black color.
- PATENTED SELF CLEANING SIFTING GRATE Separates waste from clean litter depositing waste in convenient pull out tray no scooping required!
- FEATURES INTEGRATED LITTER STEP The litter setp is designed to catch and contain litter from cats paws
- STRONGER IMPROVED CLIP DESIGN The Elite features the newer stronger clip design. STRONGER MORE DURABLE MATERIAL The newer versions of the Roll 'n Clean litter box feature stronger more durable material and a stronger sifting grate
- PROUDLY MADE IN CANADA using high quality materials.
- SELF CLEANING ELITE LITTER BOX REGULAR with extra features including integrated Litter Step, Chrome Plated Locking Clips and Accents and signature Midnight Black Color
- PATENTED SELF CLEANING SIFTING GRATE separates waste from clean litter depositing waste in convenient pull out tray no scooping required!
- FEATURES INTEGRATED LITTER STEP The litter step is designed to catch and contain litter from cats paws. No need for liners, filters or wall plug-in
- STRONGER IMPROVED CLIP DESIGN The Elite features the newer stronger clip design, with the added bonus of chrome plating. STRONGER MORE DURABLE MATERIAL The newer versions of the Roll 'n Clean litter box feature stronger more durable material and a stronger sifting grate.
- PROUDLY MADE IN CANADA
Here’s a article where I go into a little more detail – How often should I was my cats litter box
Another point to look at is where is the litter box located
Litter box location
Is the litter box placed somewhere high?
Maybe your little furball is finding it difficult to climb up the stairs to reach the litter box
Cats can suffer from arthritis and this could be a reason for your Cat pooping on the floor
Is the litter box located near your Cats food or where your Cat drinks
This will put off your Cat as they would not want to relieve themselves at a place where they eat
Pretty much common sense!
Another location you should avoid putting the litter box is near a place where your Cat will get scared
For example,
Near a washing machine or a dishwasher
The noise would get your Cat scared which is the reason your Cat is pooping outside the litter box
Another thing to consider is,
Does your Cat have a escape route once he has relieved himself?
Is your Cat safe when using the litter box?
What i’m getting at is, make sure the litter box is in a safe place basically
Now, if you have a small apartment and struggling to place the litter box in a convenient place then you can read my article on where to put Cat litter box in a small apartment
Number of litter box
How many litter boxes do you have for your Cat?
If the answer is “1” then you should have another one
The general rule is to have one litter box plus an extra for one Cat
You see, Cats tend to pee in one and poo in another
So this could be a reason why your Cat has started pooping on the floor
If you have a multi Cat household then each Cat should have 2 litter boxes
You can read more about getting your Cat to use the litter box by visiting How to train your Cat to use the litter box
Stress
Did you know Cat can get stressed too?
They are very emotional animals
And intelligent too!
If you are feeling stressed due to work or just family related, then this can have a effect on your Cat
Which will lead to your Cat to poop outside the litter box.
Using A Cat Calming Kit
These can help keep your cat calm and reduce stress…
- ✅100% DE-STRESS FORMULA: Our calming diffuser refill & plug-in is one of the best anti-stress diffusers for cats that helps to reduce anxiety. A solution to decrease fighting between cats and allow them to live in harmony
- ✅ DRUG-FREE: The diffuser emits a copy of the harmony marker pheromone. This allows cats to feel at ease and maintain a harmonious connection with one another.
- ✅ CORRECTION PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIOR: Effective for 90% of cats to reduce fighting, scratching, urine marking, hiding, and other behavior among cats in the household
- ✅HOW TO USE: The diffuser kit covers an area of up to 700 square feet for 30 days of use. After that, you need to replace the refill. Plugin upright into a wall outlet with vents facing up and never into power strips. Unsafe use can cause the diffuser's increase odor or leak.
- ✅ FIRST EFFECT: For best results, keep the diffuser connected for at least 7 days at all times
Another reason your Cat could get stressed is because of the following
- Another Cat or Pet or a new member has been introduced to the family. This will stress your Cat out as Cats are very territorial
- New house or change in environment
- Other Cats entering into your Garden or are coming into your area
- Absence of the owner – If you have been away more than usual can upset your Cat and cause him stress
All these points mentioned above are factors that can cause your Cat to be stressed
And this will result in your Cat not using the litter box and pooping on your Carpet or rug!
If your Cat is stressed then I would recommend you read my article on how to calm a stressed Cat down
Now let me expand on the above ways to stop your cat from peeing on the floor.
How To Stop A Cat From Pooping On The Floor
1. Restrict Your Cat’s Access to Areas It Like to Poop
If you have noticed your cat has been pooping on a certain spot on the floor, put a barrier to it. Your cat can re-adjust to the change and resort to using its litter box.
If this is still not working, confine it to one room for a while until it learns not to soil on the floor.
When doing so, remember to keep your cat well-fed, watered and entertained at all times by providing all the necessities such as food, drink, toys and a cosy bed.
If the behaviour persists, you may have to keep your cat in a small place for a few weeks, such as a large cat or dog cage with a litter pan and a sleeping ledge.
However, do not totally confine the cat all the time. It is inhumane and can stress the cat out.
2. Take Your Cat to the Vet for a Checkup
Have you given it a thought that the reason your cat could be soiling the floor is due to medical problems?
It is not easy to know if your cat is sick or in pain because they are quite good at hiding it.
However, it is important to rule out health problems before taking further action to stop your cat from pooping on the floor.
It’s likely that your cat is pooping on the floor because it’s suffering from colitis, constipation or a problem with its anal glands.
There are some health issues you can find in advance like UTI’s by just using the correct litter…
- PRIME & REVOLUTIONARY CAT LITTER: Genius Litter is a revolutionary natural cat litter that monitors your cat's health. This premium item contains an indicator that responds to deviating values in the urine such as blood, alkaline, bilirubin, or abnormal PH levels.
- SUPER ABSORBENT: Our non-clump crystal sand cat litter allows urine or pee to be absorbed in seconds, the easiest way to keep your catbox fresh all day long. Plus, cleaning the litter box is quick and easy because it stays dry, leaving no trace. Best of all - no odor - making Alpha Paw cat supplies a great choice for multi-cat families.
- LOW-TRACKING: Our natural cat litter refill items do not contain perfume and will not stick to your cat's paws, preventing any unhealthy licking or messy house tracking. It is all natural, hypoallergenic, contains no chemicals and no additives added, safe for you and your cat or kitten.
- BEST ODOR CONTROL & DUST FREE: Help keep the litter box area neat and ready to use for your furry four-legged friend with Alpha Paw dustless cat litter. This scoopable cat litter stays ultra-clean even after weeks of scooping, creating a more inviting and better smelling litter box. Dust-free for less mess when you scoop and pour.
- TRUSTED BRAND: We only want the best for your furry companion, and we are committed to helping them live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Your pet is special and worth it, which is why we design honest, high-quality products curated by pet parents, for pet parents.
3. Keep the Litter Box Consistently Clean
Cats like a clean environment. If the litter box is dirty and stinking from its pee, your cat will avoid using it and resort to conducting its private business on the floor.
For that reason, you need to keep the litter box clean at all times.
Frequently clean up filthy litter and after disposing of the spent litter, clean the litter box with warm water and a sponge. pet-safe cleaning solution every other week.
You can then restock it with a new supply of clean, odour-free litter (some cats do not like scented litter).
4. Use Diffusers and Collar to Relax Your Cat
Stress and anxiety can push your cat into pooping on the floor. If you discover stress and anxiety are the cause of this unwarranted behaviour, you can try a calming diffuser or collar.
Calming diffusers or collars are infused with calming scents and pheromones.
The scent and pheromones released from the collar or diffuser aid in reducing cat stress-related behaviours.
- ✅100% DE-STRESS FORMULA: Our calming diffuser refill & plug-in is one of the best anti-stress diffusers for cats that helps to reduce anxiety. A solution to decrease fighting between cats and allow them to live in harmony
- ✅ DRUG-FREE: The diffuser emits a copy of the harmony marker pheromone. This allows cats to feel at ease and maintain a harmonious connection with one another.
- ✅ CORRECTION PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIOR: Effective for 90% of cats to reduce fighting, scratching, urine marking, hiding, and other behavior among cats in the household
- ✅HOW TO USE: The diffuser kit covers an area of up to 700 square feet for 30 days of use. After that, you need to replace the refill. Plugin upright into a wall outlet with vents facing up and never into power strips. Unsafe use can cause the diffuser's increase odor or leak.
- ✅ FIRST EFFECT: For best results, keep the diffuser connected for at least 7 days at all times
5. Add Another Litter Box
If you have several cat living in your house, you may have to install additional litter boxes. Having your cats share the same litter box could be why one of your cats likes pooping on the floor.
The other cats may feel they have no choice but to poop on the floor if one of the cats tries to claim the litter box as his own. Also, some cats may refuse to use a litter box if another cat has used it and left their scent in it.
Every cat in your home needs its own litter box, so make sure you have enough of them and place them in different areas throughout your home so that each cat has its privacy to relieve itself.
- OPEN-TOP KITTY LITTER BOX: This large cat litter pan provides ample space on all sides for cats to do their business comfortably, and is great for small cats or kittens to access
- KEEPS LITTER CONTAINED: The jumbo cat litter box features a wide base to keep mess contained within the pan for litter-free floors It features a rim on all sides to easily lift move the pan Dimensions: "22 x 165"
- PET CLEAN UP: Swiftly clean up after your dog or cat while at home or on walks with a variety of waste management products From waste bags, rakes, pans, trainings pads to poop scoopers, litter boxes litter, we've got you your pet covered
- PETMATE CARES: For over 50 years, we at Petmate are passionate about our dogs, cats, and furry friends in general! Starting with the very first dog kennel, we've produced plenty of eco-friendly products that pets will love
- JUST FOR PETS: Petmate makes a variety of pet products for dogs, cats, chickens, & other small furry friends. Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm Hammer, Booda, Chuckit, Jackson Galaxy, Hyper Pet, PetFusion & more!
6) Create a fun loving environment that eliminates stress
If your Cat is stressed then he will use the litter box
You need to make sure your Cat is healthy, happy and his standards of life is being met.
Play with your Cat everyday and give him his own toys and play area so he doesn’t get bored when you are not there.
Here’s an article I wrote on how to show your Cat you love them
Cat trees are a fantastic way to give your cat all the space he needs to unwind…
- 🌱Quality and Protective Materials: The multi-level cat tree is composed of good quality 0.5in particle board with 400g skin-friendly plush covering, reinforced posts are wrapped with natural sisal rope for cats to scratch and sharpen their claws without damaging your own furniture.
- 🌱Lovely and Lively Designs: 2 spacious hideaway houses offer super soft and warm lounging spots, sisal rope coiled posts help develop positive scratching habit, 3 top perches platform to enjoy the feeling of being at the top of the world and sit on to look out the window, multi-layer tower meets the climbing nature of kittens. With this cat condo, your kitty could enjoy all day on this tree.
- 🌱Sturdy and Stable: Stability is always the priority. The bottom base is reinforced to ensure the stability of the whole cat tree, anti-toppling fittings are included for double security.
- 🌱Two Interactive Balls: The cat condo hangs two fur balls which will add extra fun for cats. round platform Dia.: 12”, big room:19.5"Lx9.6"Wx9.4’’H, small room: 11.2"L x 11.2"Wx 9.5’’H, Max Load Capacity up to 44Lb. This cat tree is for small and medium cats, if your cat is too big, pls don't purchase!
- 🌱Easy to Assemble and Nice Looking: Its attractive look can be compatible with any room décor as a piece of nice pet furniture.. All the hardware and tools are included. If you have any questions about our cat tower, please feel free to contact us!
7) Training Your Cat Not To Poop On Then Floor
You can train your Cat to use the litter box if your Cat is still or a kitten or you have recently adopted.
Simple methods like locking all off rooms except the cats room where the litter box is or re-inforcing his good behaviour can work wonders.
You can check out my article on How to train your Cat to use the litter box
And if you have a kitten you can check out this article How to litter train a kitten fast
8) Patient and consistency
Remember patience is key here
You need to be have patience and be consistent in getting your Cat to use the litter box
Using the litter box is second nature so it should not be too hard!
If your cat does poop outside the litter box then whatever you do, do NOT shout at your cat
And most importantly don’t punish your cat
This will just make matters worse
How?
Your cat may get stressed and that can cause even more pooping outside the litter box – it can also cause peeing outside the litter box and I’m sure you don’t want that problem too
Your cat will become scared of you – this won’t be good for your relationship with your cat
Yes, it’s frustrating but trust me
All this patience will pay off when your cat stops pooping outside the litter tray
8 Ways to Stop a Cat from Pooping on the Floor
Here’s a reminder of the 5 ways to stop your cat from pooping on the floor:
- Limit Your Cat’s Access to Places Where It Likes to Relieve Itself
- Scheduling a Visit with Your Cat to the Veterinarian
- Make a Point of Keeping Your Litter Box Clean
- Use Diffusers and Collar to Relax Your Cat
- Add Another Litter Box
- Create a fun loving environment that eliminates stress
- Training Your Cat Not To Poop On Then Floor
- Patient and consistency
Another Permanent Solution To Stop Your Cat Pooping On The Floor
Now, here’s some useful information on how to train your cat not to spray but the techniques revealed inside often work just as well for stopping a cat from pooping…
That’s why I would recommend checking out Cat Spraying No More
Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API