You’re mid-coffee, feeling smug about perfect litter habits… then you spot an unwelcome surprise outside the box. It’s frustrating, but your cat isn’t being “naughty”—they’re signalling something’s off with the box, the environment, or their health.

Common Reasons Cats Ditch the Box

• Not clean enough: daily scooping matters; full change and wash weekly (unscented soap).
• Awkward location: pick a quiet, accessible spot—away from washers, doors and food/water.
• Litter dislike: many prefer unscented, fine clumping litter; strong perfumes can repel.
• Box too small: aim for a Large Cat Litter Tray (at least nose-to-base-of-tail length).
• Stress or pain: routine changes, household tension, urinary issues or arthritis can all play a part.

Quick Fixes That Work

• Clean like clockwork: scoop daily; wash weekly; replace any soiled mats.
• Offer choice: two boxes with different litters; most cats “vote” quickly.
• Use more boxes: rule of thumb = one per cat plus one extra. Multi-level homes need one per floor.
• Right box type: try an open tray first. If your cat prefers privacy, test a Hooded Cat Litter Tray or Enclosed Cat Litter Box with the door removed initially.
• Size & access: big cats and senior cats need roomy, low-entry trays. High-sided boxes help scatterers.
• Place it smartly: away from food, water, and busy walkways; avoid cornering your cat with no escape route.
• Clean accidents properly: enzymatic cleaner breaks odour so they won’t re-mark the spot.
• Health first: sudden changes, straining or frequent trips? See your vet to rule out UTI, constipation, pain.

Helpful Gear (Keep It Simple)

Most households do best with a spacious open tray, unscented clumping litter, a scoop, and a mat. Tech options like a Cat Litter Box Self Cleaning can help some homes, but many cats still prefer a plain, predictable setup. You can find basics under Cat Accessories at your preferred Online Pet Store or local Pet Accessories Store.