When a cat that's always used the litter tray suddenly starts going somewhere else, it's frustrating and worrying. But cats don't do it out of spite. A cat avoiding the tray is telling you something is wrong, whether that's their health, the tray itself or something stressful at home. This guide covers the most common reasons, how to work out what's going on, and how to get your cat back on track.
Start with a vet check
Health problems are one of the most common reasons cats stop using the tray, so see your vet first. Common medical causes include:
- Urinary problems, like cystitis, crystals or a urinary infection. Weeing hurts, so the cat links the tray with pain.
- Constipation or diarrhoea.
- Arthritis. Stepping over a high-sided tray can be painful for older cats.
- Kidney disease and diabetes, which make cats wee more, so the tray fills up faster.
- Age-related confusion in senior cats.
This is an emergency: if your cat, especially a male cat, is straining in the tray, going in and out often, passing only drops of urine, or crying while trying to wee, see a vet straight away. A blocked bladder can be life-threatening within a day or two.
Toileting or spraying?
It helps to know which you're dealing with.
- Toileting outside the tray: the cat squats and leaves a normal-sized puddle or stools, usually on a flat surface like carpet, a bath mat or a bed.
- Spraying: the cat backs up to an upright surface, like a wall, door or curtain, with their tail raised and quivering, and sprays a small amount of urine. Spraying is a form of marking, and is usually linked to stress or other cats, including cats seen through the window. It's more common in cats that aren't desexed.
Is it the tray?
Cats are very particular about their toilet. Check these common culprits:
- Not clean enough. Scoop at least once a day and wash the whole tray every week or two. Our guide to how often to wash pet bowls and bedding covers litter trays too.
- The wrong litter. A sudden change of litter, or a strongly scented one, can put cats off. Most cats prefer fine, unscented, clumping litter, about 5cm deep.
- The wrong tray. Too small, sides too high, or a hood that traps smells. Try a larger, open tray.
- The wrong place. Trays in busy, noisy spots, next to the washing machine, near food bowls, or where the cat can be cornered by another pet are often avoided.
- Not enough trays. The rule of thumb is one tray per cat, plus one extra, in different parts of the house.
- Cleaning products. Strong-smelling disinfectants can put cats off. Wash the tray with hot water and a mild, unscented cleaner.
Is it stress?
Changes at home can upset a cat's toilet habits. Common triggers include:
- a new pet, baby or person in the house
- moving house, renovations or new furniture
- visitors, or a change in your routine
- conflict with another cat in the house
- neighbourhood cats visiting the garden or looking in the windows
How to get your cat back on track
- See your vet to rule out a medical cause.
- Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine. Avoid ammonia-based products, which smell like urine to a cat and can draw them back to the same spot.
- Reset the tray setup. Clean trays, unscented litter, a quiet location and enough trays for every cat.
- Make the accident spot less appealing. Put a food bowl, a bed or a toy there, as cats don't like to toilet where they eat or sleep.
- Reduce stress with a calming diffuser, extra hiding spots and plenty of play.
- Never punish your cat. It increases stress and usually makes the problem worse.
Products that help
Feliway Classic Diffuser. Releases a copy of the facial pheromone cats leave on things they feel safe with, and helps reduce urine marking and stress-related behaviour. Plug it into the room where the accidents happen most. Feliway Classic Spray can be used on marked spots once they've been cleaned.
Royal Canin Urinary Care. Formulated to help maintain a healthy urinary tract in adult cats. Hill's Urinary Hairball Control is another option. If your vet has diagnosed a urinary condition, follow their advice, as a prescription diet may be needed.
Inaba Churu. A 91% moisture treat that helps cats drink more, which supports a healthy bladder. Read Is your cat drinking enough water? for more ways to help.
Feliway and Royal Canin are ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days. Not sure what will help? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Find help for your cat
Browse our full range of dry cat food and cat treats, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your cat. We're happy to help.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat is straining to wee or seems unwell, see your vet straight away.