Melanie's Blog Why doesn’t your Cat bury poop? I often hear pet owners complain that their cats can’t bury their poop, which makes the house smelly, and then start to ruthlessly laugh at their cats for being stupid. In fact, it’s really not because cats don’t bury their poop because they’re stupid! Instead, the reasons behind it are worth considering.
1. The litter box is too dirty
Cats love a clean litter box, so make sure to clean the litter box at least once a day. “Some cats may put their poo right in front of the litter box if it’s not set up attractively, but they want to be as close to it as possible.
2. The litter box is too small
The litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat for it to be comfortable.
3. Your Cat likes different types of litter substrates
Your cat may find that a particular litter texture makes his paws uncomfortable. The smell of cat litter can also be uncomfortable for your cat’s sensitive nose. Most cats prefer an unscented, clumpy litter base.
4. Not enough litter boxes
Provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the house. So if you have a cat, you should have two litter boxes. If you have two cats, you will need three litter boxes, and so on.
5. Cat is not comfortable with the location of the litter box
Cats who don’t feel safe in the litter box may not take the time to bury their feces after excretion because they want to limit their vulnerability. Litter boxes near windows and glass doors, or in noisy open spaces, can be a problem. Even places that are too close can cause discomfort, as cats like to feel like they can easily escape when threatened. A private, low-traffic place, where your cat already likes to be, is a better choice. Litter box placement can be particularly tricky in multi-cat households, so don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.
6. Your cat is stressed
Not only can change be stressful for you, but it can also be unsettling for your cat. So if you’ve recently moved, started a new job, adopted another pet, or brought home a newborn, your cat may lose its normal routine.
7. Your cat is sick or in pain
In some cases, abnormal toilet habits are a sign of a medical problem. For example, a cat with arthritis may be unable to crawl into the litter box because of the pain, while a cat with an injured paw may stop burying poop. In addition, inappropriate excretion can also be caused by many major medical problems, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and more.
Your Cat is trying to communicate with other Cats
Some cats may use feces as a social signal to other cats, possibly to establish or enforce territorial boundaries. This behavior is called tagging.
How do I get my cat to bury her poop and stick to the litter box?
If your cat isn’t burying her poop, the first step is to see your veterinarian so you can rule out any medical causes especially if she’s defecating outside the litter box. Once you’ve determined that her health isn’t the culprit, you can begin addressing the underlying issues listed above, with the goal of giving your cat the best litter box experience.
So, for example, if you suspect your cat just doesn’t like the litter you’re currently using, don’t throw away the old substrate and replace it with new, cold-treated litter entirely. Instead, serve the old one in one container and the new one in another.
