Cats may defecate on the floor due to a medical issue, stress, or a filthy litter box. Whether the behavior began suddenly, consult a veterinarian first to rule out a medical concern, and then note if anything noteworthy has occurred in the cat’s life, such as the arrival of a new pet or the death of a partner. Most litter box problems may be resolved, but it may take some time and patience.
Some Main Causes of Litter Box Issues
There are some typical reasons why your cat stops using the litter box and pooping around your house such as medical, stress, and environmental issues.
Medical
Diabetes, digestive disorders, and thyroid problems are all typical medical conditions that can lead to litter box problems. When your cat starts acting strangely, it’s a good idea to take him to the doctor to rule out these and other diseases.
Stress
While most puppies are more suited to going with the flow, cats are quickly stressed. A minor change, such as changing furniture, might cause stress, as can a major tragedy, such as the loss of a companion animal. When the tension is relieved, the behavior frequently comes to an end on its own. If not, you may need to consult an animal behaviorist.

Litter Box in a Difficult-to-Reach Location
The location of the litter box may be an issue if it is not easily accessible, and your cat may lose control on her approach to it. Senior cats lose control of their body and may find it difficult to climb stairs or move around significantly. If your elderly cat needs to climb a stair or exert considerable effort to access the litter box, she will most likely avoid the difficulty and defecate wherever she is. Consider moving the litter box and placing it in an easily accessible position. You may place many boxes in different spots that are handy for your cat.
Litter Box That Would be Dirty/Stinky
Cats have a strong scent, and they will normally reject a litter box that isn’t as clean as they anticipate. When it comes to the state of their litter box, older cats may become even more sensitive and finicky.
Cats define their area
Assume there’s a neighborhood cat on the prowl, a new puppy in the house, a new baby, or wildlife in the neighborhood. The scent of your cat’s waste might therefore be used to indicate its territory. Wild animals take this method all the time, so don’t be surprised if your tame cat does it well.
Changes in routine and the environment
Cats are extremely sensitive to changes in their surroundings, and they can express their dissatisfaction in a variety of strange and unpleasant ways.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Pooping on the Floor
- First, you need to detect the reason why your cat is pooing on the floor. Contact a veterinarian or a professional feline behaviorist to ensure that your pet is free of infections or abnormalities.
- Check that the tray is the right size for your pet. When cleaning the tray, avoid using harsh cleaning products. Change the litter as often as possible and use unscented litter. Cleaning the cat tray on a regular basis might also assist to solve this problem.
- If your family has many cats and just one common pet litter box, get separate litter boxes for each pet.
- The positioning of the tray has an effect on the cat’s behavior as well. Keep in mind that an animal need seclusion in order to adequately meet its demands.
- The next step is to inform the cat that the toilet is not at the location it has picked. If the pet pooped outside the litter box and has picked a specific location where the tray may be placed, it is worth putting it there. In other circumstances, you must clearly communicate to the animal that the toilet is not available.
- First and foremost, you must eliminate the stink by cleaning the surfaces using ordinary methods and then treating them with a particular odor remover.
- Make use of pet psychology for your own benefit. A cat, for example, will not want to go to the potty in the same spot where you feed your cat.
- Cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits, so peel them or use a repellent spray.
- Physically influencing pets is impossible. They don’t identify punishment with their behavior if it doesn’t happen right away. If you put their nose into a puddle, the cat will become terrified not just of the tray, but also of its people.

What is a typical/ normal cat toileting behavior?
A young kitten will learn to use a litter tray at the age of 5-7 weeks. They should be able to cover their poops and pee in the litter by 7-8 weeks. To urinate, almost all cats stoop low, but to dump, they elevate their posture. Felines are very private pets who like to go to the bathroom in quiet areas. Litter boxes must thus be kept away from their sleeping, eating, and drinking quarters. As a result, the litter box may need to be relocated.
FAQ
Why is my newly adopted kitten pooping on the floor?
Because they do not trust you or feel comfortable enough, newly acquired cats may re-use the litter box. Cats experience severe worry and anxiety when their environment changes, and it takes time for them to adjust to their new surroundings. Be patient with your cat until she becomes accustomed to her new surroundings and begins to trust your litter box.
Do cats defecate on the floor to exact revenge?
No. When cats defecate on the floor, it is an inadvertent and uncontrollable activity.
FINAL THOUGHT
Why is my cat pooping on the floor? There are several causes for this, but you must pay special attention to them all. When their cat continues to urinate on the floor, many cat owners become anxious. Finding the reason and the appropriate therapy needs more time and patience. Hopefully, this post has made the process a bit easier for you.
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