Litter Tray Problems in Cats

Medical causes come first

Before thinking about behaviour, consider health. Cats often toilet outside the tray because something is wrong, and a cat who links the tray with pain may start avoiding it.

When it is urgent

Contact a vet immediately if your cat:

• Strains in the tray with little or no urine produced
• Goes back to the tray again and again
• Cries or seems distressed while trying to pee
• Licks their genital area a lot
• Seems lethargic, is vomiting or stops eating alongside any of the above

Male cats are at particular risk of a urinary blockage, where they cannot pass urine at all. This is a life-threatening emergency that needs treatment as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if it improves overnight.

Other health reasons to look out for

• Peeing small amounts in unusual places, such as on cool surfaces like baths or sinks
• Blood in urine
• Drinking or peeing more than usual
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Stiffness or arthritis that makes climbing into a tray hard, especially in older cats

Our guide to signs your pet needs a vet covers other changes to watch for. Noting how often your cat uses the tray, and what you see, is very helpful for your vet. A simple log in Petopedia can make those patterns easier to spot.

How many trays and where

A common rule of thumb is one tray per cat, plus one extra. So two cats would have three trays. Trays should be in different places rather than lined up side by side, because cats may see a row of trays as one toilet area.

Good placement:

• Quiet spots away from busy doorways and noisy appliances
• Away from food and water bowls
• Somewhere the cat can see who is coming and has more than one way out
• On every floor of a multi-storey home, if possible
• Easy to reach for older cats, without stairs or high sides

Avoid moving trays suddenly. If you need to, add a new tray in the new spot before removing the old one.

Tray type and litter

Cats have preferences, and they often stick with what they used as kittens.

• Size: a tray should be big enough for your cat to turn around comfortably. Many shop-bought trays are on the small side for adult cats.
• Covered or open: some cats like privacy, but covered trays trap smells, and some cats feel trapped inside. Offering both types can show you which your cat prefers.
• Litter type: many cats prefer fine, unscented, clumping litter that feels soft underfoot. Strongly scented litters and liners can put some cats off.
• Depth: a few centimetres is usually enough to let your cat dig and cover.

If you want to change litter, do it gradually by mixing in the new type, or offer it in a separate tray first.

Keep it clean

Cats are fastidious, and a dirty tray is one of the most common reasons for avoiding it.

• Scoop solids and clumps at least once or twice a day.
• Empty, wash and refill trays regularly, using warm water and a mild, unscented cleaner.
• Avoid strong disinfectants, especially those that smell of ammonia or contain phenols. Some household products can be harmful to cats, so check the label.
• Clean any accidents with an enzyme-based cleaner to remove the smell, so your cat is not drawn back to the same spot.

Stress and multi-cat tension

Changes at home can affect toileting. Common triggers include building work, a new baby or pet, moving house, visitors or a change in routine. Cats in multi-cat homes may avoid trays because another cat blocks the way or stares at them while they are using it. This can be subtle, so watch for:

• One cat sitting near a tray or doorway
• Cats who avoid each other or never share space
• Hissing, chasing or one cat hiding much of the day

Helpful steps:

• Provide multiple trays, food bowls, water stations, beds and scratching posts in separate areas
• Offer high perches and hiding spots so each cat can keep its distance
• Keep routines predictable
• Play with each cat individually to reduce tension

Cats seen outside, such as a neighbour's cat at the window, can also cause stress. Blocking the view at low windows can help.

What not to do

• Do not punish your cat or rub their nose in accidents. This makes them anxious and can make the problem worse.
• Do not place food near an area your cat has soiled and assume they will stop. Address the cause instead.
• Do not assume it is spite. Cats do not toilet outside the tray to get back at you.

Spraying is different

Spraying is when a cat backs up to a vertical surface and squirts a small amount of urine, often with a quivering tail. It is a form of scent marking, usually linked to stress, territory or not being neutered. Neutering, reducing stress and talking to your vet can help.

When to get extra help

If health problems have been ruled out and changes to trays and the home have not helped, ask your vet about referral to a qualified behaviourist. They can look at your home setup and the relationships between your pets, and help you find a plan that suits your cat.