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Home / Help My Cat Is Avoiding The Litter Box These 5 Mistakes Are Often To Blame

Help! My Cat Is Avoiding the Litter Box – These 5 Mistakes Are Often to Blame!

23/04/2025

3 minutes

Cats are clean, picky, and… let’s be honest, a little dramatic 😼 — especially when it comes to their litter box. And to be fair, most of the time we mean well, but accidentally make mistakes that can be super stressful for our furry friends.

In this blog, we’re sharing five common litter box mistakes and how to fix them, backed by expert insights. Happy cat, happy you. 🧼🐱

Important note: If your cat suddenly starts avoiding the litter box, pees elsewhere, or shows any other unusual behavior — always check with your vet first. Medical issues like urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or pain are common culprits and need to be ruled out first. Better safe than sorry! 🐾

❌ 1. Not enough litter boxes

Most people think, “One cat, one box.” Seems logical, but it’s not ideal. Cats love having options (and not just in litter boxes). And they don’t like to share their bathroom space. Too few boxes can cause stress, accidents, and even conflict between cats.

Fix it:
👉 The rule is: 1 box per cat + 1 extra.
One cat? Two boxes. Three cats? Four boxes. Easy!
Spread them out around the house and check if your cats are using all of them.

❌ 2. Litter box in the wrong location

Even with the right number of boxes, location matters. Putting a box next to the washing machine, in the hallway, or (oops!) near the food bowls might seem convenient, but to your cat, it’s like being asked to pee in a crowded public space. Cats want privacy and peace.

Fix it:
👉 Choose a low-traffic, quiet spot where your cat feels safe and has easy access. Don’t forget: never near food, water, or their sleeping area!

❌ 3. Using the wrong litter

Many cats have strong preferences for scent, texture, or even the sound of the litter. Harsh smells or rough textures? Your cat may refuse to use it (and yes — pee elsewhere).

Fix it:
👉 Try out a few different litters to see what your cat likes.

Go for unscented, soft-textured, natural options. Vegan and eco-friendly litters like Ms. Poop are often better for your cat and the planet.

❌ 4. Not cleaning the box often enough

Cats have a way better sense of smell than we do. So what seems “not that bad” to us might be a smelly nightmare to them. A dirty litter box can quickly lead to accidents.

Fix it:
👉 Scoop solids and clumps daily, and deep-clean the box weekly.

Use a mild, natural cleaner without overpowering fragrances. Products like Catuals Deodoriser are safe and effective — they neutralize odors without masking them with strong smells.

❌ 5. Too little (or too much) litter

Cats love to dig. It’s instinct. If there’s not enough litter, they don’t get that satisfying digging experience and might not feel comfortable. But too much litter can be messy or uncomfortable too (hello, soggy paws).

Fix it:
👉 Aim for 3–5 cm of litter — just the right amount for digging, covering, and comfort without waste.

😻 Happy Cat, Happy You
Avoiding these common litter box mistakes helps create a clean, stress-free space for your cat. And trust us — a solid litter box routine saves you from odor disasters, accidents, and grumpy felines.

✨ Got a litter box tip that works for your cat? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram!

📩 Want more cat-friendly tips like these? Sign up for our newsletter and follow @vegavriend on Instagram and Facebook!

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