If your cat has recently started having accidents outside the litter box, it can feel like a mystery—or worse, a mess. But rest assured, you’re not alone. Litter box avoidance is one of the most frequent concerns cat owners bring their kitties to the vet to address. Fortunately, once the cause is identified, there’s often a clear path to resolving it.

Our Saginaw, MI veterinarians share their most trusted advice to help you understand what might be causing the behavior and how to get your cat’s litter habits back to normal.

Q: My cat just started going outside the litter box. What’s the first thing I should do?

Vet’s Answer: Rule out medical issues first. Many cats avoid the litter box due to pain or discomfort. Common medical causes include urinary tract infections, arthritis, or kidney disease. The best first step is a visit to the vet and a urine test to check for underlying health problems.

Q: What are the most common medical reasons cats stop using the litter box?

Vet’s Answer: Here are some of the health conditions we see most often:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Diabetes
  
• Constipation or diarrhea
  
• Arthritis, especially in senior cats
  

If your cat is straining, crying in pain, or visiting the box frequently with little output, treat it as an emergency and call your Saginaw, MI vet immediately.

Q: The vet says my cat is fine—so what else could be wrong?

Vet’s Answer: Once we know it’s not a medical issue, we look at behavioral or environmental causes. Cats are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Common triggers for litter box avoidance include:

• A box that isn’t cleaned regularly
  
• A sudden switch to a different litter
  
• A new location for the litter box
  
• Recent household changes (like moving, new pets, or guests)
  
• Conflict with another cat
  
• Noisy or uncomfortable spots near the box
  

Even a subtle change, like a loud appliance nearby, can be enough to cause problems.

Q: How many litter boxes should I have?

Vet’s Answer: Use the formula: one box per cat, plus one extra. So, if you have three cats, you should have four litter boxes. This reduces stress and gives each cat a clean, available space.

Q: Does the litter I use really matter that much?

Vet’s Answer: It does. Most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter with a fine texture. Strong fragrances or alternative materials like pellets or crystals may be off-putting. If you change litter, introduce the new type gradually to avoid overwhelming your cat.

Q: Where should I keep the litter boxes?

Vet’s Answer: Choose quiet, private areas that are easily accessible. Avoid high-traffic spots and loud areas, such as near laundry machines. If you have older cats, make sure they can access the box without climbing stairs.

Q: Do cats prefer a certain style of litter box?

Vet’s Answer: Yes—most prefer open, uncovered boxes. These allow for better airflow and visibility. Covered boxes can trap odor and make a cat feel cornered. Also, make sure the box is large enough—about 1.5 times your cat’s length.

Q: How often should I clean the litter box?

Vet’s Answer: Scoop the box daily and do a full clean every week using mild, unscented soap and water. Cats are extremely clean by nature, and a dirty box is one of the most common reasons for inappropriate elimination.

Q: I’ve made changes, but nothing seems to work. What should I try next?

Vet’s Answer: Keep a journal of when and where your cat is going. Look for patterns—times of day, room, or events in the home. You can also try calming aids like Feliway diffusers or litter attractants. And if things still aren’t improving, don’t hesitate to call your vet back. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Final Notes:

While dealing with litter box issues is never fun, most are solvable. Whether the cause is medical, emotional, or environmental, your cat isn’t being spiteful—they’re signaling that something’s off. With a bit of detective work and some patience, your cat can get back to healthy, consistent litter habits.

Make An Appointment At Our Saginaw, MI Pet Clinic

If your cat is struggling with litter box problems, contact our team Saginaw, MI veterinary clinic today. We’ll help you identify the cause and create a plan that works for both you and your feline friend.