Certain cat litter box behaviors may puzzle owners, but there’s usually an explanation for their quirks. It just takes some “digging.”
As a cat owner, you may ask, “Why is my cat scratching the litter box?” or “Why does my cat play in the litter box?” These are good questions, and, in most cases, the answer is simple – some cats enjoy digging and playing in their litter boxes. This is a normal activity for most cats. Other times, your cat may be trying to tell you something.
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Here’s what this behavior could mean:
They Are Burying Their Urine or Feces
The most common reason cats dig in their litter box is to bury their urine or feces. They may dig before or after elimination. Cats may enjoy the feeling of the cat litter on their paws, so it’s important to have a litter with good paw feel so those who do like to dig and bury can easily perform those behaviors.
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Comments or illustrative examples to make the article more valuable in practice:
- Some cats have a strong instinct to cover up their waste as a way to protect themselves from predators. So, even if they are using a litter box indoors, they may still exhibit this behavior.
- Providing a litter box with a lid or cover may help contain the litter and satisfy their instinct to cover their waste.
Marking Their Territory
For many cats, marking their territory can be an important way to gain a sense of security. This is often why cats scratch the side of their litter box. Doing so adds their scent to the object, which is usually more about reassurance rather than discouraging other cats from using it.
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Comments or illustrative examples to make the article more valuable in practice:
- Cats have scent glands in their paws, and scratching releases pheromones that are unique to each individual cat. By marking their litter box, they create a familiar and comforting environment for themselves.
- Providing additional scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or mats, can help redirect this behavior and prevent excessive scratching of the litter box.
There Isn’t Enough Litter in the Litter Box
Excessive digging can be a sign they don’t have enough litter in their litter box, causing them to dig around to try and find a good spot to eliminate.
If you suspect your cat is digging in the litter box because there may not be enough litter, double-check to make sure the litter is at least two to three inches deep and add more if necessary.
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Comments or illustrative examples to make the article more valuable in practice:
- Some cats prefer a deeper layer of litter to dig in, while others may prefer a shallower layer. Observing your cat’s behavior can help determine their preference.
- Adding more litter or experimenting with different textures can also provide enrichment for your cat and encourage appropriate litter box use.
The Litter Box is Too Small for Your Cat
Cramped quarters can be problematic for a cat trying to do their business. Some litter boxes may be too small for some cats, depending on their size and breed. Cats that have the desire to scratch and dig, but due to limited space can’t position themselves well to dig at the litter, will scratch and dig “around” it instead.
Make sure your cat’s litter box is big enough that they can easily move around in a circle.
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Comments or illustrative examples to make the article more valuable in practice:
- Larger cats or cats with long tails may require larger litter boxes to accommodate their size and allow them to move comfortably.
- Providing multiple litter boxes in different locations can also help alleviate any potential issues related to box size or accessibility.
The Litter Box Needs to Be Cleaned
Cleanliness is essential to cats and litter boxes need to be scooped daily. Cats prefer not having clumps obstructing their litter box usage, and infrequent cleaning can also lead to health concerns. One sign your cat’s litter box needs to be scooped and/or cleaned is excessive digging, which can be a sign your cat is having trouble finding a suitable place to eliminate.
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Comments or illustrative examples to make the article more valuable in practice:
- Regular scooping and cleaning of the litter box can help maintain a hygienic and pleasant environment for your cat.
- It’s recommended to completely change the litter and clean the litter box thoroughly at least once a month to prevent buildup and odors.
The Litter Box Needs to Be Put in a Quiet & Private Location
Cats like a quiet and private place where they can do their business. If they’re doing a lot of digging before elimination, repeatedly starting and stopping, it may be because they’re uncomfortable with the location of their litter box and may find the surrounding area too distracting. If you suspect this is the case, move the litter box to a more secluded location and see if that doesn’t solve the problem.
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Comments or illustrative examples to make the article more valuable in practice:
- The litter box should be placed in a low-traffic area away from noisy appliances or areas with high foot traffic.
- Some cats may appreciate having multiple litter boxes in different locations to provide them with more options for privacy and convenience.
Remember: if your cat occasionally plays in the litter or regularly digs in the litter box, it’s perfectly normal, but if the duration of digging and scratching becomes excessive and problematic, reach out to your veterinarian or an applied animal behaviorist. They can assist you in finding the cause of and solution to your cat’s behavior.
Learn more about cat behavior by reading what our pet experts have to say and visiting our Pet Expertise page.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
