Working Through Litterbox Problems

Originally published in LEO on December 15, 1999 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Originally published as part of Jeff Seidenfaden's weekly Like Cats and Dogs newspaper column, this article tackles one of the most common—and frustrating—problems faced by cat owners: litter box issues.

When a cat suddenly stops using the litter box, many people assume it's simply a behavior problem. In reality, inappropriate elimination is often a cat's way of communicating that something is wrong. Whether the cause is medical, environmental, or behavioral, understanding the reason behind the behavior is the first step toward finding a lasting solution. More than twenty-five years later, this remains one of the most frequently discussed topics in feline medicine and behavior.

Original 1999 Column

One of the most common reasons cats are surrendered to animal shelters is because they stop using their litter box. While this can be one of the most frustrating problems a cat owner faces, it is often a problem that can be solved with patience and a little detective work.

The first step is to rule out a medical problem.

Cats suffering from urinary tract infections, bladder stones, constipation, kidney disease, or other health conditions may associate pain with using the litter box and begin eliminating elsewhere. For this reason, the first call should always be to your veterinarian.

If your cat receives a clean bill of health, it's time to investigate the litter box itself.

Ask yourself a few questions.

Has the litter recently been changed?

Some cats become very particular about the type or texture of litter they prefer. A sudden change in brand, fragrance, or consistency may be enough to discourage them from using the box.

Is the litter box clean?

Cats are naturally clean animals and often refuse to use a dirty litter box. Scoop waste daily and clean the box regularly to keep it inviting.

Is the litter box located in a quiet area?

Cats appreciate privacy. A litter box placed near a noisy furnace, washing machine, or in a busy area of the home may cause a cat to seek a quieter location.

If you have more than one cat, you may also need more than one litter box. Competition or territorial behavior can sometimes prevent a cat from comfortably using a shared box.

Stress can also play a significant role.

Changes in routine, moving to a new home, remodeling, the arrival of a new baby, or the addition of another pet can all contribute to litter box problems. Whenever possible, identify recent changes that may be affecting your cat.

Avoid punishing your cat.

Yelling or rubbing a cat's nose in the accident rarely solves the problem and often creates additional anxiety, making the behavior even worse.

Instead, focus on discovering the underlying cause and correcting it.

With patience, consistency, and a willingness to understand what your cat is trying to communicate, most litter box problems can be successfully resolved.

The Pet Guy Perspective Today

This is one article where the core message has held up exceptionally well.

Even today, veterinarians emphasize that a sudden change in litter box habits should always be treated as a medical concern until proven otherwise. Urinary tract disease, urinary blockages, arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions can all contribute to changes in elimination behavior. In male cats especially, urinary blockages can become life-threatening within hours.

Behavioral causes remain just as common. Cats thrive on routine, and seemingly small changes—a different litter, a new pet, unfamiliar visitors, or even moving the litter box a few feet—can create enough stress to trigger avoidance.

One recommendation that has become even more common since this article was originally published is the "one litter box per cat, plus one extra" guideline. For example, a two-cat household should ideally have three litter boxes located in different areas of the home.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is this: your cat isn't being spiteful. Cats communicate through their behavior. When they stop using the litter box, they're trying to tell us something deserves our attention. Listening with patience instead of frustration almost always leads to a better outcome—for both the cat and the family.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

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• Basic Training for Your New Puppy

• Giving Thanks, One Pooch at a Time

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About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns, television features, and educational articles spanning more than three decades. Each article is carefully republished to preserve its historical authenticity while making it accessible to today's pet owners.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is The Pet Guy—an award-winning pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, entrepreneur, and animal advocate who has spent more than three decades helping families build better relationships with their pets. Through his newspaper columns, television appearances, and educational outreach, Jeff has shared practical, compassionate advice with hundreds of thousands of pet owners across the country.