Why does my cat scratch the side of the Litter Box?

If your cat companion is a house cat or uses a litter box, you have surely seen and heard him scratch his side with his claws at times. And when you’re deep in conversation or watching TV, the noise can seem endless!

So why do cats scratch their litter box? Is this annoying habit normal behavior for cats? And if not, what can cat owners do about it? Cat owners often observe cat’s ear-rubbing habits, but understanding the motivations behind them is essential. This article delves into the reasons why cats engage in ear rubs, offering valuable insights into the significance of this behavior in the feline world.

Why do cats scratch the sides of the litter box before pooping?

If you have been paying attention when your cat is using his litter box, you may notice that he is scratching the kitty litter. You may see them pacing and scratching the sides of a litter box before urinating or pooping. This is his way of finding the perfect place for his…er…depot.

Gain valuable mirror-scratching insights into your cat’s behavior and discover the underlying motivations that lead them to scratch mirrors. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of this puzzling feline habit and offers solutions for pet owners.

They will dig a hole to make it easier for them to bury their scent later. It may seem like they change their minds several times before settling on a place to go to the bathroom. This could be because they are avoiding another cat’s scent or dirty kitty litter. Of course, while they are digging and scratching, they are likely to snag the side of the litter box at times.

Why do cats scratch the sides of the litter box after pooping?

The normal instinct of cats is to bury urine and feces after they have used the litter box. This is to prevent predators from locating them and because they are very clean animals. It’s also how they leave their scent marks because your cat’s paws have scent glands.

Feral cats, adult cats, and even kittens dig and bury their urine and feces. When scratching the sides of the litter box, they make sure to get to the far edge of the tray to grab as much kitty litter as possible.

What does it mean if your cat scratches the litter box too much?

Scratching the side of the litter box is perfectly normal cat behavior. Let’s assume, however, that it seems excessive, or that your feline friend seems to be spending a lot of time researching.

In that case, they may not be satisfied with your cat toilet. If this is the case, it’s time to do some detective work to find out what’s bothering them. earn essential cat-proofing tips in our article, designed to help you maintain a spotless and hygienic kitchen. Discover practical methods to keep your countertops free from feline interference.

They don’t like kitty litter.

Cats can be very picky, especially when it comes to their litter box. So, if you notice that your kitty seems unable to find a suitable spot to relieve herself, it could mean that she disapproves of your choice of litter. Unveiling the mystery of why cats have tails, this article explores the evolutionary and practical reasons behind this feline feature. Gain insights into the historical context of cat tails and their vital role in a cat’s daily life and survival.

Fortunately, there are many options, from gravel, clay, and sand to wood chips, clumping, and non-clumping. Once you figure out which one your fussy feline likes best, you just might find out which one is more efficient at using the litter box!

not enough trash

Maybe you’re already using the type of kitty litter your kitty likes, but you’re not using enough. I understand; The costs of owning a pet add up, and money is tight for many people now.

But, don’t be tempted to use less trash. If you create a deeper layer of kitty litter, you will make it easier for your cat to bury her poop and your cat may stop scratching the litter box as much.

Their litter box is too small

We all want to feel relaxed and comfortable when we go to the bathroom, and your cat is no different. If your festering friend feels cramped and restricted because his litter box is too small, he may have a hard time calming down to use it.

If you choose a bigger one that gives them more space, they might start working quickly and scratch less! Curious about using wood pellet cat litter? Our comprehensive guide on “Can I Use Wood Pellets For Cat Litter?” provides insights into the benefits and considerations of using this natural and eco-friendly cat litter alternative, ensuring your feline’s comfort and cleanliness.

They don’t like the litter box type

You may find that your cat prefers more privacy, so she may feel more comfortable using a covered litter box. On the other hand, some cats find that an enclosed litter box hinders their flair. So, it’s all about personal preference!

The litter box is not in the right place

You wouldn’t want to use the bathroom with an audience, and neither would your cat. Cats often prefer their litter box to be in a quiet, private location, away from the hustle and bustle of family life. If your cat’s litter box is on the main street of the house, try moving it to a quieter location.

The litter box is not clean

Cats love cleaning!

So if their litter box isn’t clean, they won’t want to use it. This can mean they spend what seems like hours fighting in the kitty litter, scratching their sides, trying to find a clean spot.

If you’re bothered by your cat’s excessive digging in the litter box, try cleaning it more often. Make sure to use cleaning products that don’t smell too strong, though, as this could also offend your fussy feline.

they don’t like to share

Many humans prefer to use their own bathroom instead of a public bathroom. After all, it’s not so nice to consider that so many others have used the same toilet that you are using. Well, cats think similarly. They do not like to share their litter box.

This doesn’t just mean keeping his litter box clean; it also means making sure you have the correct number of litter trays for the number of cats in your household. A good guideline is to have one more litter box than the number of cats you have. This will prevent competition and bullying and make potty training easier for your feline family.

have health problems

Suppose your cat goes back and forth from the tray frequently, passing only small amounts of urine. In that case, they could have a urinary tract infection or cystitis. You should contact your vet immediately if you think this might be the case. A blocked bladder, where you cannot urinate, is a serious emergency that primarily affects male cats.

If your cat has an obstructed bladder, it may also appear lethargic, grumpy, and painful. Constipation can also mean that they rummage through their tray more than usual and produce nothing. Both conditions require veterinary attention

Why do cats scratch the wall near their litter box?

Cats like to dig in the kitty’s litter before using the litter box. Once they’ve found the perfect place to poop, they dig a hole, do their job, and then bury it. It’s all part of normal cat behavior, territory marking, and cleaning. However, it is normal for cats to scratch the walls near the litter box and the sides of the litter box. This just means that they are making sure to use all the available kitty litter.

Why does my cat rummage in the litter box for so long?

If your cat is scratching excessively in the litter box, it could mean that she is not happy with the setup of the litter box. The solution could be as simple as cleaning it more often or using more kitty litter. But you may also need to consider relocating the litter box, using a different cat litter, or changing the style of the litter box entirely.

How often do you have to change the cat litter?

Contaminated kitty litter, clumps of litter, and feces should be removed from the litter box twice a day or more often. A complete change of the cat litter should be done regularly when the litter is dirty or smelly. The exact frequency depends on the kitty litter, as clumping kitty litter makes spot cleaning more effective.

Conclusion:

It can be frustrating when you’re trying to focus on something and all you can hear is your cat scratching at the sides of the litter box. However, it is important to remember that this is usually normal cat behavior.

On the other hand, if your cat’s routine changes or if you think your cat is excessively scratching the tray, you should try some of the above tips and consult your vet if necessary.