Why Is My Cat Keeps Pooping On The Carpet or Floor? How To Stop

Those cats who’re trained to use the litterbox never poop on your floor or rug. But when they poop out of their litter box, it means they aren’t using it properly, or there may be some underlying issues. One of the most typical issues cat owners face is cat pooping out of the litter box, which may be challenging for cat owners to control. But why do cats suddenly poop out of their litter box?

Cat keeps pooping on the carpet or floor! There are many reasons for your cat pooping out of its litter boxes, such as health complications, anxiety, an unpleasant litter box, the wrong placement of the litter box, changes in your home, or the arrival of your spouse or a new pet. 

It is important to call your vet if this behavior lasts for a long time so you can easily find out whether they’re suffering from a health problem or a behavioral one.

Don’t worry; I’ve suggested some simple yet effective home remedies for stopping your cat from pooping out of the litter box in this article. Moreover, I’ll explain the reasons behind this weird behavior of felines. So, let’s delve into this article to teach felines the basic manners of pooping.

My Cat Pooped On The Floor For The First Time – Is It Normal?

This behavior isn’t normal if your cat suddenly starts to poop out of its litter box. It may be due to stress, a health problem, or a filthy litter box. You must consult a veterinarian to check out any potential medical issues.

If there is no health issue, note any significant change in your home, like adding a new pet to the household or the death of a close friend.

All these reasons make your kitty poop on the floor or carpet. Despite this, most litter box problems can be resolved, but they may require some time and effort.

Also, Check Out: Why Is My Cat Peeing on the Bed or Couch? And How To Stop

Why Does My Cat – kitten Suddenly Pooped on the Carpet Outside Our Bedroom?

If you want to stop your kitten from pooping out of the litter box, first, you must understand why they are doing this? There are many causes of this unusual behavior of kittens, among which are:

• Health problems
• Litter management
• Litter shapes
• Anxiety
• Exhaustion

Why Does The Cat Keep Pooping On The Carpet? Reasons Explained

Cats – Kittens are amazing for many reasons, but in the case of using a litter box, no one can beat their orderly and disciplined personality. The best thing about them is how simple it is to train them.

But when your litter-trained kitten starts pooping out of the litter box suddenly? This behavior might be troublesome for you. So, let’s examine some typical reasons for this behavior modification.

1. Litter Box Issues

Several factors contribute to cats pooping on carpets, but litter box problems are among the most common. This could be because the litter box is too dirty, small, or uncomfortable for the cat.

• The Litter Box Isn’t Cleaned: Just like we don’t like to use an unclean toilet, the same case is for cats.  They may feel uneasy about using their filthy litter box. Felines need room and a hygienic environment to defecate. But if their litter box is already overloaded, they won’t use it.
• Location of the litter box: The litter box’s position also makes your kitten poop on the carpet.  Sometimes, your kitty may not reach the litter box if you put it in a high spot or if you put a litter box in a noisy area.
• Poor Litter Practice: Teaching a cat to utilize the toilet is not too difficult. They learn potty training well because they have the innate nature to conceal their feces and urine. So, you must ensure they’ve quick access to a well-maintained litter box where they can empty their stomachs.

But if you don’t train them well, they’ll likely poop anywhere where they’re most comfortable.

Solutions to Litter Box Issues

To address litter box issues, try the following solutions:

1. You can try different kinds of litter to see what your cat prefers.
2. Placing the litter box in a safe and quiet area is recommended.
3. Place the litter box in a quiet and private location.
4. Remove the lid from the litter box or try a different style.

Check Out: How To Train a Cat to Use a Litter Box?

2. Medical Issues

If your cat suddenly starts pooping on the carpet, it may be a sign of a medical issue. Urinary tract infections, digestive problems, and other medical issues can cause discomfort or pain for the cat, leading them to seek alternative places.

Depending on how frequently and consistently your cat poops, you can stop this behavior by altering its diet. But, sometimes, there might be some severe medical conditions, such as irritable bowel, diarrhea, arthritis, and others.

Solutions for Medical Conditions

If you suspect your cat’s pooping behavior is due to a medical condition, take them to the vet for a checkup. Medication or a change in diet may be prescribed by your veterinarian, depending on the severity of your cat’s discomfort.

3. Behavioral Issues

Sometimes, a cat may develop a behavior problem that leads them to poop on the carpet. This could be due to a lack of training or socialization or learned behavior.

• Territorial Issues: Cats are territorial animals and may poop on the carpet to mark their territory. This can happen if other cats are in the home or outdoor cats are coming into the yard.
• Anxiety: Even if you’ve trained your kitten perfectly to use the litter box, if it ever experiences any trauma or stress, it’ll start pooping on your carpet.  Particularly anxious cats poop outside of their litter boxes when they trigger loud noises or the presence of strange people in your home.
• Old Age: Aging can cause cognitive decline, making it difficult for your cat to remember where the litter box is or causing mobility issues that prevent them from accessing the litter box.
• Consider Carpet as a Comfortable Place: If your kitten starts to poop on your carpet, she may think it’s more comfortable than the litter box. This frequently occurs when the cat’s paws are exposed to rough or unpleasant litter. Another possibility is that the cat can’t use their litter box easily.

Also Read: Can Cats Find Their Litter Box If You Move It?

Solutions for Behavioral Problems

To address behavioral problems, try the following solutions:

1. Provide your cat with plenty of attention and affection.
2. Clean your cat’s litter box and place it where he feels comfortable.
3. Encourage good behavior by using positive reinforcement techniques.
4. Consider consulting with a veterinary behaviorist for additional advice.

4. Stress Due to Routine Change

Cats are sensitive creatures and can easily become stressed or anxious due to changes in their environment or routine. For example, moving to a new home, a new addition to the family, or changes in feeding or playtime schedules can cause stress in cats.

Solutions for Stress and Anxiety

To reduce stress and anxiety in your cat, try the following solutions:

1. Make sure your home is a comfortable and safe space for your cat.
2. Stick to a consistent feeding and playtime schedule.
3. To make your cat feel calmer, use pheromone sprays or diffusers.
4. Boredom can be alleviated by providing your cat with toys and scratching posts.

 5. Incontinence

Another major reason for your cats pooping out of their litter box is intestinal incontinence. The cat cannot manage the sphincter muscles that help them control poop. It occurs because of physical causes.

If your felines have feces incontinence, you’ll probably notice some weirdness in their pooping routine; they’ll excrete small poop frequently.

What Can You Do To Stop Your Cat-Kitten From Pooping On The Carpet or Floor?

Most people ask how do I stop my kitten from pooping on the carpet? Here are some bits of advice that will help you when your kittens start to poop out of the litter box on your carpet or floor.

1. Cat Repellent

Sprays for repelling felines include odors that prevent kittens from pooping around any place in your home.  This is the simplest way to prevent your kittens from pooping out of the litter box.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

If you want to change your cat’s behavior, positive reinforcement is an effective tool. Praise your cat and give him a treat when he uses the litter box. It will encourage them to use the litter box in the future and will reinforce the behavior.

Conversely, avoid punishing your cat for pooping on the carpet. It may have the effect of making them more anxious and stressed, thereby escalating the problem.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Smell?

3. Place Aluminum Foil

The quickest, easiest, and most straightforward method to prevent your kittens from pooping on your carpets or floors is to place aluminum foil.  Cats dislike the feel of the tinfoil and are frightened by the noise it makes whenever they step on it.

4. Two-Sided Tape

Two-sided tape is a great solution if your kitten poop on your carpets or floors. This popular repelling technique is effective because it hurts the cat’s feet and keeps them away from the area.

5. When to Call the Vet

If your kittens once pooped on the floor or carpet and then used the litter box the next day, you mustn’t worry in this case. But if your kitten continues to poop out of their litter box for many days, then you must call your vet to confirm there aren’t any underlying medical issues in your kitty.

Find Out: How to Make a DIY Cat Diaper?

Home Remedies to Stop Cats from Pooping on Carpet or Floor

While controlling this weird behavior of your kittens might be challenging for you, these DIY home remedies will help you to stop your felines easily. These home remedies produce a pungent smell that makes your carpet and floor less appealing for your kittens and urges them to utilize the litter box.

1. Onion juice

Onion juice will repel your kitties with its pungent fragrance; for making this mixture take 3 peeled onions and grind them to make juice, and pour it into a sprayer having 1/4 cup of water. Mix it and spray it on your carpets or floor. 

2. Orange

Since cats dislike the overpowering scent of oranges, producing a repellent spray using raw oranges or any other citrus fruit, such as lemons, grapefruits, etc., is simple.

3. Vinegar

Kittens have delicate noses and dislike the overpowering scent of vinegar. This implies that a vinegar spray can prevent kittens from pooping on rugs and in certain greeneries.

4. Essential oils

Different essential oils mixture is an easy-to-use cat repellent spray that helps mask and eliminate the poop odor. This makes the location less attractive for your kitten. You can use the following essential oils:

• Citrus oil: It functions similarly to the natural orange-lemon mist. You can pick the citrus scent you prefer the most because cats appear to dislike all citrus scents. 
• Citronella oil: The benefit of utilizing citrus oil is that it’ll leave your rugs smelling lovely while keeping your kitten away.
• Eucalyptus oil: This essential oil has a strong aroma that is unpleasant for kittens.

5. Rosemary Plants or Rosemary Herbs

You can also use rosemary to stop the cats from pooping on the floor or carpet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts!

Training your kittens is the key to making them adore their litter tray. Provide them with sufficient litter boxes. Ascertain that the litter trays are positioned so that your cat may readily access them.

When your kitten utilizes the litter box, keep other animals away from them. Make sure the litter box is private enough for your kitten. Moreover, try these effective home remedies that will help you stop your kittens from pooping out of their litter trays.

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