HOW TO STOP A CAT FROM PLAYING IN THE LITTER BOX? 9+ IDEAS

How to stop a cat from playing in the litter box? At times cats are obsessed with the litter box, and not only when they are just kittens. Unfortunately, grown-up cats can be as obsessed with their litter box and cause even more damage!

Since cats do not let humans train them quickly, it can be quite some work to teach them to leave alone the litter box and play with some other toys.

Here are some ideas on how you can accomplish this.

HOW TO STOP A CAT FROM PLAYING IN THE LITTER BOX?

To stop a cat from playing in the litter box, you must educate your cat and make him understand your commands. Some cats play in the litter when they are kittens, so you can also wait for them to grow up. But it is better to teach them proper indoor behavior.

Cats typically play in the litter box when they are kittens; when they hit the one-year mark, they usually do not do it anymore, or at least not so often.

Kittens go through a crazy period throughout the day when they run like mad from one point to another, attack random objects, and go to the litter box digging, especially when it is clean or recently changed.

Here are some things you can do to prevent cats from playing in the litter box and scattering the litter all over the floor:

1. TRAIN YOUR CAT OR KITTEN

This is something I learned from experience after raining my own cats. I eventually started to make them follow commands.

One command they know for sure is the word “NO.” If I say NO at any point, my cats stop in their tracks and look at me. Then, they change their minds about what they are doing and leave the “forbidden” spot.

But I got here training them from the beginning. When I saw them doing something not ok, I would say “NO” and move them away.

Done enough times, they associate the word NO with ” Don’t do it.” It requires a bit of time and patience, but it is better to teach them some commands, in the long run, to know how to behave.

2. BIGGER SIZE LITTER BOX

If you want to prevent the litter from spreading while you train your cat or wait for your cat to grow older, you can get a bigger litter box with higher sides and even a lid. In this case, even if the cat goes in it and starts digging and playing, the litter will remain in the box.

3. WAIT FOR YOUR CAT TO GROW OLDER

You can wait for your cat to grow older. Eventually, he will stop digging in the litter box and find adventures in other places in the house. But it is better to train them not to do it, even if it takes some time.

4. BETTER CATS TOYS

Try to get some fancy toys for your cat or kitten. He may like them much better and spend time playing with them instead than in the litter box. If there is a toy your cat likes, like a ball or so, he may want to chase the ball instead of digging.

Try some of the following toys:

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5. TRY DIFFERENT TYPES OF LITTER

Try using a different type of litter with a different texture to discourage playing. Some cats might be attracted by the litter you are using, but changing it can reduce your cat’s obsession with the litter box.

6. TRY A LITTER BOX WITH A LID

Cover the litter box with a lid or place it in a confined area to limit access. A lid can discourage a cat from spending too much time digging around in the box.

7. PLAY WITH YOUR CAT

Set aside time for play and interaction with your cat daily to fulfill their need for play. If your cat has played and is tired, there are fewer chances that he will continue digging in the litter box.

8. PROVIDING HIDING SPOTS

Provide hiding spots: Add hiding spots, such as boxes or tunnels, for your cat to explore and play in.

9. BITTER SPRAYS

Apply a bitter spray on the edges of the litter box to discourage your cat from playing in it.

10. USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Reinforce desired behavior by rewarding your cat with treats and praise when they use their litter box correctly.

WHY IS MY CAT PLAYING WITH HIS POOP?

Cats, especially kittens, do not care what they are playing with, as far as it is exciting and looks like a ball. Sometimes poop is covered in litter and could resemble a nice rolling object to chase, at least based on cats’ logic.

But there are also other reasons for cats playing with poop:

1. Instinctual behavior: Some cats may have an instinctual urge to bury their waste and play with it as part of the process.
2. Boredom: If a cat is bored or has limited opportunities for play, it may turn to its litter box as a source of entertainment.
3. Improper litter box maintenance: If the litter box is not cleaned regularly or if the litter is not changed often enough, the cat may be more likely to play with their waste.
4. Health concerns: Medical conditions, such as digestive problems, can cause a cat to change their everyday elimination habits, and it may play with its waste as a result.
5. Stress: Some cats may play with their waste as a response to stress or anxiety, such as changes in their environment or routine.

It is essential to address the underlying cause of the behavior, whether it is related to health, environment, or other factors. If you are concerned, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.

It is really crazy when cats start to play with poop, but it is among the weird things cats can do; you have to be prepared when you sign up for a cat!

WHY ARE CAT ROLLING IN THE LITTER BOX?

Cats do not only play in the litter box, but they also like to roll in it.

They may roll in their litter box for several reasons:

1. Instinctual behavior: Cats have the instinct to cover their waste, and rolling in the litter may be a way for them to do this.
2. Scent marking: Rolling in the litter box can help spread the scent of their urine and feces, marking their territory.
3. Comfort: Some cats may roll in their litter as a way to feel more comfortable or relaxed.
4. Boredom
5. Medical issues: In some cases, excessive rolling in the litter box can signify a medical issue, such as skin allergies or infection.

WHY ARE CATS SCRATCHING LITTER BOXES EXCESSIVELY?

Cats scratch the litter box excessively for several reasons; one reason is the cat’s disappointment about the litter box state. In addition, if your cat doesn’t have enough litter, he may keep scratching and scratching.

The cat can be stressed or anxious and thus decided to release some of the stress by scratching the box. Another reason is cats who want to mark the litter box with their scent. In this way, the cat can mark territory.

But, it is possible that there are more reasons for this behaviour:

1. Unsatisfactory litter box conditions: If the litter box is not clean enough, has an unpleasant odor, or is too small.
2. Medical issues: Certain medical conditions, such as bladder infections or urinary tract problems, can cause cats to scratch more in the litter box.
3. Behavioral issues: Excessive scratching in the litter box can be a sign of anxiety or stress, especially if there have been changes in the cat’s environment or routine.
4. Litter preferences: Cats may scratch more if they do not like the type of litter used in their box.
5. Marking territory: Cats may scratch excessively in the litter box to mark their territory.

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Read also: CATS USE THE LITTER BOX AFTER YOU CLEAN IT | SIMPLE REASON