Cat Poop Outside The Litter Box: Reader Q & A's

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Finding poop outside the litter box is one of those issues that can drive even the most patient cat parent a little crazy. It's messy, confusing, and sometimes it feels like it starts for no reason at all.

But as we've seen time and again through reader stories, there's always a reason - even if it takes a bit of detective work to figure it out.

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Over the years, these Q&A’s have shown just how many things can trigger this problem - stress, litter preference, medical issues, or even grief.

Jump to the question that sounds most like yours - or read them all to see what worked for other cat parents!

Today's new question from Cindy reminds us that senior cats sometimes struggle for reasons that go beyond simple "bad behavior."


Pooh on the Floor

by: Cindy Pfannebecker in Waseca, MN, USA

My Coonie, Jax, leaves a pooh present on the floor every night. He also uses his litter box, so I don't understand the need to pooh outside the box.

He also does not cover his pee in the box. Jax is 14 years old now and has had this behavior about a year.

I could understand if it was a new behavior, since he recently lost his sister. My poor baby is definitely grieving.

Reply:

Hi Cindy,
Poor Jax - it really does sound like he's going through a hard time. Losing a longtime companion can absolutely cause changes in behavior, especially for older cats.

At 14, both grief and age-related discomfort can play a part in what you're seeing.

When a cat starts using the litter box most of the time but occasionally goes elsewhere, it's often a sign that something about the box itself has become inconvenient - or that he's feeling unsettled emotionally. Here are a few things you can try:

  • Make the box easy to access. If Jax has any arthritis or stiffness, stepping in and out may be uncomfortable. A low-entry or cut-down side can make all the difference.
  • Add an extra box. Place one near his favorite "accident" spot for now - even a simple open tray can help reset the habit.
  • Revisit his litter. Senior cats can become picky about texture or scent, so you might test a softer, unscented litter.
  • Clean and comfort. Use an enzyme cleaner to erase any lingering scent cues, and spend some extra quiet time with him. Cats in mourning often need reassurance that their world is still safe.
  • Ask your vet. Constipation, arthritis, or mild cognitive decline can all cause changes in bathroom habits.

It sounds like Jax is telling you he's trying, but something’s just a bit off. With some comfort and a little troubleshooting, he should start to settle back into his old routine.

Give him an extra chin rub from all of us - he’s been through a lot, and it shows how bonded you two are that he still seeks your closeness even while struggling with this.


Not Using The Litter Box

I moved into a new apartment 10 months ago with my two female cats, one a Maine Coon. Since then, one or both have stopped using the litter box.

I've tried everything - changing the location, using different litter, even a calming spray.

Nothing helps. I'm desperate. Please help.

Reply:

Hi there,
I'm sorry you're going through this. Moving can really unsettle some cats, and litter box issues are one of the first signs of stress.

Here's a checklist to try before losing hope:

  • Add more boxes. Two cats need at least three boxes. Keep them uncovered and in separate spots, not side by side.
  • Clean often. Scoop every time it's used, at least for now. Some cats refuse a dirty box even once.
  • Use an inviting litter. Many people find success with Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract - it’s made to draw cats back to the box.
  • Eliminate odor. Clean every soiled area with an enzyme cleaner like Nature’s Miracle so there's no lingering scent.
  • Rule out medical issues. A quick vet check can identify things like urinary tract infections or constipation that make cats avoid the box.
  • Watch for tension. Sometimes one cat "claims" a box or blocks the other from using it.

This kind of behavior usually means a cat feels anxious or displaced. With time and a few adjustments, she’ll likely settle in again and feel at home.

If you’re also seeing pee outside the box, our related page, Cat Pee Outside the Litter Box, has more tips that might help.

Best,
Carrie


Problems with Loki

by: Bethany in Erie

Hello,
I just adopted a second Maine Coon mix, and we've had a lot of trouble with this little boy.

My older cat is a one-year-old mix, and Loki is about three months old. We've had him for a month now.

He was found as a malnourished stray and wasn't great with people at first, but he's become very affectionate - and even a little possessive when my other cat or boyfriend gets attention.

He's had some behavior issues: biting, loud wailing, and now… pooping in random places.

We recently moved his litter box downstairs with the other cat's box. He did use it, but tonight I found poop right in the middle of my bed.

I'm at a loss. Why would he suddenly do this, and how can I stop it?

Reply:

Hi Bethany,

Oh, Loki sounds like quite a character - and you've already made a lot of progress with him.

Pooping outside the litter box is frustrating, but it's also one of the most common cat issues, especially with young or newly adopted cats.

Here are some likely causes and steps to try:

  • Stress or change in routine. Moving the box downstairs may have thrown him off, or he may feel intimidated by your other cat near that area.
  • Box setup. Cats often prefer one box per cat plus one extra, and not all in the same space. Make sure they're uncovered, roomy, and easy to reach.
  • Litter preference. Some cats dislike certain textures or scents. Switching to a neutral, unscented litter can help.
  • Cleanliness. Scoop often - kittens especially can be picky.

From what you've described, this sounds like a combination of stress and competition. Try moving Loki's box back to his comfort zone for a few weeks, giving him a sense of ownership again.

You might also try Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract litter - it's designed to encourage cats to use the box, and many readers swear by it.

Once Loki feels secure and the environment is stable, these accidents should stop. It sounds like you're already building a great bond with him - hang in there!

Best,
Carrie

Reader Comment:

"Thanks!" by: Bethany
I moved the litter box back upstairs, and the problem stopped! My only question now is - how do I ever get it out of the bedroom again?


Why Will My Maine Coon Not Poop In The Litter Box?

I just adopted a 5-year-old male Maine Coon three weeks ago. He came from a rescue organization and, before that, the pound - I don’t know his full background.

When I got him, he had feline giardia and diarrhea, so I was giving him liquid medicine for the first five days. He used the litter box to pee, but not to poop.

After a few days, his stool firmed up, but still no luck with the box. Then the diarrhea came back. One night, he even had an accident on my bed.

The vet started him on antibiotics twice a day. By day four, things were looking better. He had solid stool, and he actually used the litter box! I was so happy.

Then that night, he jumped on my bed and pooped right beside my pillow. I can’t figure out why.

I assumed he was mad at me, but he's so loving - he curls up in my lap every night.

I'm so stressed and tired from wondering where he'll go next. I really want to keep him, but I don't know what else to do.

Any suggestions would be so appreciated.

Reply:

Hi,
I'm glad you and your new boy found each other, and it sounds like you're already doing everything right with his medical care.

Cats who've had stomach trouble or shelter stress often take extra time to feel secure about where they "go."

Since he's been using the box sometimes, this isn't defiance, it’s confusion or discomfort. Try these ideas:

  • Add or move a box. Give him a second one in a quiet, low-traffic spot where he feels safe.
  • Keep him out of the bedroom for now. Restricting access helps break the association between that spot and elimination.
  • Ask the shelter about litter type. If he used a certain kind there, it might help him reconnect.
  • Avoid covered boxes. Many cats dislike feeling trapped inside.
  • Stay patient. Stress and lingering tummy issues can make habits unpredictable for a while.

You're right - he's not angry or trying to "get back" at you. Once he feels healthy and secure, these lapses should fade.

He's been through a lot, but it sounds like he's already bonded deeply with you.

Best,
Carrie

Reader Comments:

Cat Boxes
by: Helen
I'd take another stool sample to your vet. In my experience, diarrhea often needs at least 10-14 days of treatment to clear fully.

My Coonie also needs two boxes - one for pee, one for poop - that's just how he is.

And remember, cats don't act out of revenge. They do things to get attention or because something feels wrong.

Until he's fully settled, keep him out of the bedroom. Mine sleep in another room at night - everyone’s happier (and quieter) that way!

Don't give up on this kitty. He's had a rough time, but he'll get there.


Pooping Outside The Litter Box

by Em in Knoxville, TN

We adopted Dooley about six weeks ago. He's about 15 months old now, and in that time he's had a few accidents (poop only) away from the litter box.

At first, we thought it was just an adjustment issue. One accident happened after my daughter accidentally shut him in her room while she was at school.

We closed that door for a while, but when family came to visit, he snuck back in and pooped on her floor again in the same room, same spot.

I can't tell if he's stressed, seeking attention, or just remembering where he went before.

The shelter mentioned he had a "behavior issue," but didn’t say what it was. When he first had an accident, I took him to the box and showed him. He seemed to understand but hid right afterward.

Now, months later, things have gotten stranger. I started using Cat Attract litter, and it worked beautifully for about four weeks.

Then he began pooping right beside the box instead - on the towel I placed there to catch stray litter. He even rolls it up afterward!

I've tried everything I can think of, and I'm completely out of ideas. Any help would be so appreciated.

Reply:

Hi Em,
It sounds like Dooley has made progress but is still figuring things out, and you've clearly done a lot to help him.

Pooping just outside the litter box is one of the most frustrating (and common) cat problems, and it often means he wants to use the box but something about it isn't quite right.

Here are some possibilities:

  • Scent association. Cats tend to return to a previous accident spot, even when we can't smell it. Deep clean those areas with an enzyme-based cleaner like Nature’s Miracle to fully remove the odor.
  • Stress triggers. Company, noise, or closed doors can throw him off, especially in new homes. Try to keep his environment calm and predictable.
  • Box size and setup. If he’s pooping beside the box, he may simply find it too small or uncomfortable. Try a larger open bin-style box - big enough for him to fully turn around. You can see some good options on our Cat Litter Boxes page.
  • Towel confusion. Towels can mimic soft litter underfoot, signaling "this is the spot." Remove them and replace with a firm litter mat instead.
  • Medical causes. Pain or discomfort when defecating (like constipation or inflammation) can make a cat associate the box with pain and avoid it.

You've already done the right things - extra boxes, litter changes, and patience. At this point, I'd focus on removing that towel and expanding his box space. Once he feels confident again, the habit should fade.

Hang in there! Dooley clearly wants to do the right thing - he just needs a few more tweaks to get back on track.

Best,
Carrie

Reader Comments:

Pain Associated with Pooping
by: Kim
Your cat may be dealing with bowel or urinary pain. When it hurts to go, they'll avoid the box because they associate it with that discomfort. A vet visit could rule this out.

The Cat Box
by: Helen
My cat used to stand too close to the edge of the box, so his poop fell outside.

I switched to a big plastic tub with tall sides and two inches of scoopable litter and problem solved. Even my 6-pound cat hops right in!


Using The Litter Box

By: Ada Arnold in Elmira Ny Chemung

Angel the black Maine Coon with a boy

Hi, my name is Ada.
I have a Maine Coon. He's all black and long-haired, and he used his litter box just fine. But since we got two more cats, he's completely stopped using it. What should I do?

I really need some suggestions, please.

Reply:

Hi Ada,
That problem isn't unusual at all. When new cats join the household, the litter box situation can change overnight.

Some cats simply refuse to share, and others may guard the box so the newcomer doesn't feel safe using it.

Try adding a few more boxes - ideally one per cat, plus one extra - and place them in different rooms so everyone has options.

It might also help to give your black boy some quiet time alone with his own box for a week or two, either in a spare room or a large kennel setup. Once he rebuilds confidence, he’ll likely start using it again.

Many owners also find Feliway products helpful for easing stress during multi-cat transitions. They mimic natural calming pheromones and can make a noticeable difference.

Hope things smooth out soon - he just needs a little reassurance and space to feel at home again.

All the best,
Carrie


See what other readers have tried in our Main Litter Box Care section - real questions, real solutions.

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