Help, my cat thinks our bed is a litter tray!

One of the most common concerns I hear from my feline consultations is about toileting issues. This can be frustrating for owners, but understanding the reasons behind this behaviour is key to resolving the issue. Let’s talk stressors, litter trays and what may be going on with your cat…

One cat requires two litter trays

Depending on whether your cat has an indoor or outdoor lifestyle means they will use a litter tray in different ways. They may decide to pee outside and use the litter tray for poo, or they never toilet outside at all and just use the tray inside.

If they have no access to outdoor space, they will require at least two litter trays, ideally in different parts of the house. If you have multiple cats they will need at least one tray per cat plus one extra.

Cats are sensitive and particular about the cleanliness and placement of trays. Litter trays should be scooped out regularly and cleaned at least once a week. Also, look to use a sand type of litter that has good clumping properties and non-scented products. You need to think about the size, placement, type and management of your cat’s litter tray.

Read more about litter on my Cat Key Resources blog

Medical issues

It is vital you have your cat checked by a vet for underlying health conditions. Medical issues directly associated with urine issues include Urinary Tract Infections, Kidney disease, Diabetes and Arthritis. These must be ruled out before any behavioural work can begin.

Stressors

There are so many reasons a cat may not decide to use its litter tray, here I have listed a few and if any of them ring true, please get in touch.

• Your cat may start to have an aversion to its litter tray as it may associate it with negative connotations. This could be due to the washing machine starting a cycle when it was about to go, some sudden noises can scare them, and this can stay with them.
• Stress and changes to their environment can bring on cystitis and this can be an on-off symptom, as above, get your cat checked by a vet to rule this type of infection out. This can lead to an aversion to the tray as they have an association with pain when they use the tray.
• External influences can also have an effect, street wars and new cats in the neighbouring marking territory can force your cat to go inside when they had previously used the garden/outdoor space.
• This is also true about a change in internal spaces, a new baby, a new pet or seasonal changes such as Christmas can all have an adverse effect on your cat.
• Is your cat a senior or mature cat, could it be that the litter tray is too far away or up the stairs? If your cat has arthritis a journey up the stairs may be too much for them.

Take my cat quiz and see where some issues may be coming from.

Complex issue!

Inappropriate toileting can be a sign of underlying issues, whether medical, behavioural, or environmental. By understanding the root causes and implementing practical solutions, you can help your cat return to their proper toileting habits and ensure a harmonious living environment for both you and your feline friend.

If your vet is struggling to give you answers after a clean bill of health, that is a great time to contact a feline behaviour specialist such as myself. Vets often have to keep appointments brief, cannot visit your home to assess their environments and may not be specialised trained in feline issues.

Ask for help!

If your cat is experiencing toileting issues, start with a vet visit and then consider the environmental factors. Contact me to book a feline consultation:
Email [opens new email]
Web contact form >>
Call: 07917094715