FAQ: Litter & Accessories for cats

Common causes are a dirty or too small box, litter the cat dislikes, a poor location, stress or conflict with other cats. But it can also be a sign of urinary disease, so it is worth having the cat seen by a vet first.

A cat may do this if the box is too small or dirty, it dislikes the litter, or climbing into the box hurts. Constipation or diarrhoea can also be the cause, so if it keeps happening, talk to a vet.

First think about what has changed: the litter, the box, its location, a new animal or person at home. If nothing unusual has happened, or the cat keeps going to the box, passes small amounts or blood, see a vet without delay.

If a cat, especially a male, keeps squatting in the box but no urine comes out or only drops, cries or licks its genitals, it may be a urinary blockage. This condition is life-threatening, so the cat needs a vet immediately.

Cats naturally dig and bury, and vigorous diggers throw litter over the sides, especially if the box is small or overfilled. A larger box with high sides, a covered box or a mat around it helps.

Some cats simply do not have the habit of burying, or the litter feels unpleasant under their paws. Sometimes it is linked to a box that is too small or sore paws; if the behaviour changed suddenly, it is worth asking a vet.

This is often the burying instinct when the cat cannot dig comfortably in the box because it is too small or the litter layer is too thin. Try a larger box or a deeper layer so the cat can dig inside.

Some cats feel safe in the box, especially in a new environment or under stress. If a sick or older cat does this, or the behaviour is new, the cat may be urinating often or feeling unwell, so it is worth seeing a vet.

Young kittens sometimes taste litter out of curiosity, but an adult cat eating litter may be linked to nutritional gaps, anaemia or other illness. In that case see a vet and switch to plant-based litter for the time being.

Put a litter-trapping mat by the box, choose larger, less clinging granules or a top-entry box. For long-haired cats, trimming the fur between the paw pads helps.

Fine clumping litter can stick to long fur on the paws or rear when damp. Regularly trimming the fur in these areas and choosing larger-granule litter helps.

Yes, cats are very sensitive to smells, so strongly scented litter, fragrance additives or the smell of a cleaner can put them off. If the cat started avoiding the box after a litter change, go back to the previous one or choose unscented.

Soft surfaces sometimes attract a cat when the box is unpleasant to it, when it is stressed or when urinating hurts. First rule out health causes with a vet, then review the box's cleanliness, litter and location.

Use an enzymatic cleaner that breaks down urine compounds instead of just masking the smell. Avoid ammonia cleaners, because their smell reminds the cat of urine and can encourage it to return to the same spot.

When marking, a cat usually stands and sprays a small amount of urine onto vertical surfaces rather than squatting on the floor. Marking is often linked to stress, other cats or an unneutered animal, so it is worth discussing with a vet.

Some cats share without problems, but often one cat may guard the box or bother another. It is safer to have one box per cat plus one, placed in different spots.

At first give the new cat its own room with its own box, food and water. Once the cats have met, keep enough boxes in different places so neither can block the other's way.

Most kittens learn this from their mother, so in a new home it is enough to show the box and carry the kitten to it after eating, sleeping or play. At first use the same litter it was used to and keep the box clean.

A fine, soft, low-dust litter that is easy to dig often suits a kitten. If the kitten tastes the litter, for a while it is worth choosing plant-based or paper litter instead of clumping mineral litter.

A kitten may not make it to the box in time if it is too far or too high, or may not yet link the new spot with the toilet. Place the box closer, choose a low side and praise it when it uses the box; diarrhoea or frequent urination is a reason to see a vet.