Cat Not Using Litter Box? 9 Common Mistakes To Avoid

By Lorie Huston, DVM. Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Updated Apr. 28, 2023

cat litter box cleaning with cat watching

Istock/CasarsaGuru

Key Takeaways

If your cat is not using the litter box, it may be due to a medical, behavioral, or environmental issue.
Common mistakes include dirty litter boxes, poor placement, and not having enough boxes.
Straining, crying, or frequent attempts to use the box may signal a medical problem.
Creating a clean, quiet, and stress-free litter box setup is key to encouraging consistent use.

1. Not Using the Right Litter

Using the wrong type of litter is one of the most common reasons a cat is not using the litter box.

Cats can be very particular about their litter, especially when it comes to scent and texture.

Strongly scented litters are often designed for human preference, not for cats. Because cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell, perfumes and fragrances can be overwhelming and may cause them to avoid the litter box entirely.

In addition, some cats are sensitive to how litter feels under their paws. You may need to experiment with different types of cat litter to find one your cat prefers.

Research on cat litter preferences shows that cats tend to favor:

Unscented litter
Dust-free formulas
Clumping litter

Choosing the right litter can make a significant difference in encouraging proper litter box use.

2. Not Keeping the Litter Box Clean Enough

A dirty litter box is a common reason a cat will stop using it. Cats are naturally clean animals and often refuse to use a box that is soiled.

To keep the litter box clean, scoop at least once daily, sometimes more often, depending on your cats’ habits and how many cats and boxes you have.

At least once a week, throw out all the litter, scrub the box completely with a non-perfumed cleaner, and fill it with fresh litter.

Since most litter boxes are plastic, they trap odors, so replace them once a year.

3. Placing the Litter Box in the Wrong Location

A poorly placed litter box can cause a cat to avoid using it.

Cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, and easy to access.

Avoid locations near loud appliances like washing machines or dryers, as sudden noises can frighten your cat and discourage use.

Make sure your cat can use the box without being disturbed by young children, dogs, or other pets.

The box should also be easy for your cat to access. They should not have to travel long distances to get to the box. In multi-story homes, place at least one box on each floor.

4. Not Using the Right Litter Box

Using the wrong litter box can make your cat uncomfortable and lead to litter box avoidance.

Cats generally prefer larger boxes that allow them to move freely. Make sure the litter box is at least 1.5 times the length of your cat.

Senior cats or those with mobility issues (like arthritis) benefit from low-sided litter boxes. This makes it easier to enter and exit without pain.

Litter box hoods are also problematic for many cats. Though hoods do offer privacy, they also create a dark environment with only one way in or out. Because cats are not only hunters but also prey animals, they need to be able to see what’s happening around them.

In addition, hoods tend to trap odors and dust that your cat might find less appealing. A hooded litter box may simply be an invitation for your cat to find a different place to eliminate.

5. Not Having Enough Litter Boxes

Too few litter boxes can lead to stress, competition, and litter box avoidance—especially in multi-cat homes.

Many cats prefer not to share a litter box. Some may even choose to urinate in one box and defecate in another.

To reduce conflict and encourage proper use, provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, that means keeping three litter boxes inside the home.

This helps prevent:

One cat blocking access
Fear or avoidance of a “shared” box
Stress-related elimination outside the box

6. Not Noticing Changes in Urination

Changes in your cat’s urine can be an early sign of a medical problem.

Scooping the litter box is a daily task, but it’s important to pay attention to what you’re removing.

Monitor for changes in:

Size of urine clumps
Frequency of urination
Color or consistency

If you notice larger or more frequent urine clumps, it means your cat is peeing a lot more than usual. This can indicate a health issue and should prompt a veterinary visit.

7. Ignoring Strange Litter Box Behavior

Unusual litter box behavior is often a sign of an underlying medical problem.

Watch for changes such as:

Crying or vocalizing in the litter box
Repeatedly entering and exiting the box with little or no output
Suddenly running out of the box as if startled

These behaviors may indicate pain, discomfort, or urinary issues. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.

8. Making Too Much Noise Near the Litter Box

Loud or unpredictable noises near the litter box can scare your cat and lead to avoidance.

Common problem areas include:

Laundry rooms (washers and dryers)
Garages
Kitchens
Children’s play areas

Self-cleaning litter boxes may also startle some cats. However, many of these devices have a timer that waits until the cat has left the box to release the cleaning arm, so it won’t startle them.

9. Putting the Litter Box Where the Dog Can Access It

Dogs and other pets interfering with the litter box can cause stress and lead to avoidance.

If your dog has access to the litter box:

They may eat stool, which can spread disease and cause digestive issues
They may ingest litter, which can be harmful
Their presence can make your cat feel unsafe while using the box

Even brief interruptions can cause your cat to seek out a different, less desirable place to eliminate. That’s why litter boxes should always be safely tucked away from the prying noses of pooches and fingers of toddlers.