Why Do Cats Instinctively Use a Litter Box?

While house-training dogs is a relatively time-consuming process, cats usually take to using a litter box effortlessly from the start. The reason for this dates back to their behavior before domestication.

It is primarily their instincts that make litter box use almost second nature for cats from birth. In the wild, your cuddly sofa cat is not only a predator but also prey. To avoid detection by predators, it is essential for them to eliminate traces of their presence, such as urine and feces. The simplest way to achieve this is by burying them. This behavior has persisted to this day. For this reason, outdoor cats often seek sandy or freshly dug soil for their needs. In our case, molehills in the garden have become cat toilets. Indoors, they similarly require a surface suitable for digging, which is what the litter box provides. To share a personal anecdote: when we accidentally locked our indoor cat in the bathroom, and the litter box wasn’t in there, the cat resorted to using the small rug in front of the bathtub. It even diligently attempted to cover its business by piling up the fabric. I’ll explain shortly why this is significant.

Even for a smaller cats, using the litter box comes naturally right away

Even kittens just a few weeks old can skillfully use the tray provided for them—this behavior is so deeply ingrained. It becomes easier for them if another cat, such as their mother, also uses the same litter box, but this isn’t strictly necessary for them to become litter-trained.

What can disrupt litter box use?

Certain circumstances can deter your cat from using the litter box. One common issue is an inappropriate tray. For example, if it’s too tall, it might be difficult for the cat to climb in and out. A covered tray might also feel uncomfortable for some cats. Similarly, the type of litter can be problematic—cats often dislike overly coarse or scented varieties.

Hygiene is another important factor. Cats are extremely particular about cleanliness. If they find the litter box insufficiently clean, they might choose another spot in the house to do their business. As mentioned earlier, in our case, the fluffy rug became the preferred spot, but the same can happen with bedspreads or the soil in potted plants.

This is especially common when transitioning an outdoor cat to an indoor environment. Soil may feel more familiar to them than the absorbent material used in litter boxes. In such cases, it’s a good idea to remove or cover plant pots and choose a litter that feels as natural as possible for the cat.

Do not disturb the cat!

The location of the litter box can also cause problems if it’s not suitable. A spot that is too noisy or in a high-traffic area can make the cat uncomfortable while doing its business. Similarly, placing the litter box too close to the feeding and water bowls isn’t ideal—understandably, no one wants to eat where they pee or poop!

It’s recommended to choose a quiet, well-ventilated, and easy-to-clean spot in your home. In many cases, the bathroom is the most suitable option, but it’s worth evaluating your available spaces before deciding.

Although litter can have a slight odor, a regularly cleaned (at least once a day) litter box for a healthy cat shouldn’t be noticeably smelly. If it is, there might be an issue with the cat’s waste, which is worth discussing with a veterinarian.

Finally, here’s the golden rule: experts recommend having as many litter boxes as you have cats, plus one extra. For example, one cat ideally needs two litter boxes, two cats need three, three cats need four, and so on.

When the Cat is Sick

Sometimes, a health issue or illness can make it difficult for a cat to use the litter box. Joint pain, for example, can make getting in and out of the box challenging, while urinary or kidney problems may cause discomfort, which the cat might associate with the litter box. This can lead to the cat avoiding the litter box altogether.

If your usually house-trained cat suddenly stops using the litter box and starts peeing or pooping in other areas of the house, this possibility should be considered. In such cases, a visit to the veterinarian is essential to identify and address any underlying health problems.

Other warning signs include frequent attempts to urinate, crying in pain while urinating, lethargy, changes in eating and drinking habits, or any other symptoms suggesting your cat is unwell. It’s also important to note that psychological issues can be a factor. Stressed or anxious cats often start marking their territory more frequently.