Why Is My Cat Laying in the Litter Box?

Have you noticed your cat laying in her litter box like she’s the princess of the feline world, claiming her throne and refusing to be bothered?

Have you noticed your cat laying in her litter box like she’s the princess of the feline world, claiming her throne and refusing to be bothered?

If that’s your case —   you’re not alone my friend!  

Ask a vet, and they’ll tell you this behavior can be sometimes concerning. Sure, cats sometimes enjoy playing or lounging in a freshly cleaned litter tray. However, if this behavior persists for over a week, it’s time to consult a vet or behavior specialist.

She might not be resting in her litter box out of boredom — she could be dealing with something more serious like a urinary tract infection or a digestive issue.

Research tells us that, “About 50% of cats from a specific clinic had chronic kidney disease.” — so you have to be watchful of your cat’s health.

Behavioral issues like insecurity or litter box problems can also make your kitty spend more time in her litter box. Either way, it’s wise to investigate further to ensure her well-being and to tackle the problem on time.

Common Reasons Cats Lay in the Litter Box

If you notice a change in your cat’s body language or see her sitting strangely in her litter box (even if it’s super-dirty) that’s a major red flag to observe. Let’s dive into what might be driving this odd cat behavior.

Comfort and Security

As per stats, “About 33% of households (with cats) have multiple cats, while 39% of cat owners also have a dog.”

Cats aren’t the most social creatures when it comes to making friends with other felines in the house. It can create a high level of anxiety and stress in your little buddy.

When they’re stressed, cats tend to look for a quiet, safe spot to chill out, and that’s when the litter box suddenly becomes the perfect hideaway. Whether it’s an open or enclosed litter box, it gives your cat a cozy little sanctuary, and she sees it as her corner of the house.

Cats have their way of saying, “I’m stressed, give me space” or “Can’t you see, I’m frazzled here”.  

Medical Issues

As a pet owner, it is important to recognize the signs of some health issues that might explain why your cat is suddenly laying in her litter box. Catching these early means you can get your furry friend the care they need quickly. Check out this guide to learn about the serious health concerns that could be at play.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)  

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common and painful infections. The lower urinary tract is composed of the bladder and urethra which may get infected by the bacteria. It makes the urinary tract sore, which can cause pain and discomfort when the cat pee.

To get rid of this irritation and inflammation, cats look for places where they can find temporary relief. And the first thing that comes to mind is their litter box.

Since cats tend to urinate more often if they’ve got a UTI, they would spend hours sitting in their litter box, to avoid the hassle of constantly getting in and out. In addition, things like diabetes, thyroid problems, or even tumors (though rare) can also lead to urinary issues that can create unusual bathroom habits in your cats.

Signs Your Cat Has Urinary Tract Problems

• Frequent Urination
• Vocalizing or showing signs of pain while peeing
• Licking their urinary area more than usual
• Straining and having trouble while peeing
• Blood in urine

Blockages and Constipation  

Gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can increase your cat’s sensitivity level and make your cat stay confined in her litter box where they feel relieved and comforted without worrying about accidentally eliminating it in the wrong places.

Other problems to watch out for are blockages like urinary stones (uroliths) and urethral obstruction in which stones block the urethra. It requires an immediate visit to the vet, as your cat won’t be able to pee.

Kidney Disease  

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)   in cats means their kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. However, it is common in older cats above and only 10% of cats under 3 years of age have the chance of acquiring it. So, if your kitty is above 7 — just keep an extra eye out for them.

Due to increased urination and dehydration, cats with kidney issues become lethargic easily. As a result, they prefer staying in their litter box rather than moving around the house, as it feels less strenuous and exhausting.

Signs Of Kidney Disease in Cats  

• Dehydration
• Increased thirst and urination
• Lethargic
• Loss of appetite
• Fever and back pain
• Bad breath
• High blood pressure
• Anemia

Pain or Discomfort  

Other diseases that may cause painful urination and make your cat lay in her litter box all day include Feline Lower Urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and Feline Idiopathic Cystitis which can be triggered by diet changes or stress and can cause the bladder to become inflamed.

So, if your perfect companion is acting strange or showing signs of these serious health issues, make sure to ring a vet asap and get her checked.

Territorial Behavior

If your cat is acting like the litter box is their personal VIP lounge, it might be because they are feeling a bit territorial. They mark by leaving their scent behind when they urinate to let other cats know, it’s their spot.

They say, “This is my kingdom — keep out, or face the wrath of the fluff!”

On the other hand, if a cat feels anxious and threatened due to conflicts with other cats or changes in the environment like renovation or arrival of new guests, they might also use the litter box as a refuge.

Pregnancy and Nesting Behavior

For unspayed female cats, hanging out in the litter box could be a hint she is pregnant and starting to nest.

When a cat is pregnant, you’ll notice physical changes like a bigger belly, swollen nipples, and an increased urgency to urinate. As a result, she would resort to her litter box to avoid continuous movement.

She might also become more affectionate towards her owner — so make sure to give her the care she needs!

While nesting, cats seek out places that are less exposed and comfortable. As she gets closer to giving birth, she may spend extra time in her confined space aka her litter box because it feels like a safe, cozy spot for her to prepare.

Age-Related Behavior

Senior cats might develop litter box problems that don’t reflect their past habits. If your older cat starts peeing outside their litter box or stays in there for hours, it could be due to their age factor — which means they’re forgetting things now like which one is their resting area and which one’s their eliminating area or the reason why they landed in their litter box initially. 

Aside from dementia, older cats also have mobility issues and may get tired of constant movement. To make your cat’s life a little easier, follow these tips.

• Keep the litter box in easy to access spot
• Make sure to scoop it once a day
• Put it in a quiet location
• Remove any obstacle nearby
• Use an open litter box with lower sides

Cat Litter-box Preferences

Cats are naturally playful. If there aren’t any prominent changes in their frequency of peeing or pooping or any sudden loss of appetite but still she lies comfortably in her litter box more than usual, then it only means one thing…

She loves her litter box!  

Cats are fond of natural litter, like clay or soft tofu litter, or one with attractants that draw them in. Their natural tendency to dig and hide their feces makes the litter box feel like a familiar natural environment.

Cats are hygienic felines, so a spotless litter box can double as a cozy hangout. In addition, if it’s the right size, easy to get in and out of, and located somewhere convenient where your cat doesn’t have to feel like traveling to the North Pole — she might find it an ideal place to relax.

How to Address the Issue

Identifying the Cause

Though this behavior is common in newly adopted kittens, they quickly figure out the difference between resting and pooping places and may switch to the right place as they become familiar with the new environment. However, if your cat, who has never previously shown this behavior, starts resting or sleeping in her litter box, it could be a red flag.

While your feline friend might find it comforting for several reasons like feeling threatened by a new pet, dealing with diarrhea or gas, or simply a love for her new litter box, it’s both unhygienic and unpleasant to see. A vet visit could help identify the underlying cause of her sudden resting habit.

Making the Litter Box Less Appealing for Laying

There are several ways to discourage your cat from spending too much time in her litter box. Here are some handy tips to help her identify her real cozy spot and develop better bathroom habits.

• Provide Comfortable Alternatives: Search for cute cat furniture that has good reviews. A nice comfortable bed, a scratching post, cat trees, and condos, or cat shelves. Cats love those!  
• Make the Environment Attractive: You can find a variety of stimulating toys and mats for your cats to play with. Provide alternate rolling surfaces outside the litter box, like textured mats or clean areas with different materials. This would encourage a higher playing time and less litter box resting.
• Use Deterrents: Make the litter box less appealing by putting in uncomfortable surfaces or scents your cats don’t like.  
• Reward Good Behavior: When your cat uses the litter box properly, give her a tasty treat or praise. This positive reinforcement encourages her to keep using the litter box properly and not roll around in it.
• Hiding Places: Provide multiple hiding places for your cat so that they don’t resort to their litter box in search of a little solitude.  
• Litter Box Management: If your cat has medical issues, then a dirt litter box can make things worse. Make sure to scoop out clumps and waste every day. Empty the contents of the box at least twice a month and wash it thoroughly with soap and water.

It’s a challenging situation but your patience and dedication to finding a solution show how much you care for your little one.

Creating a Stress-free Environment

Here’s how you can create a chill, stress-free environment for your furry pal.

• Manage Changes Gradually: When introducing new pets or making big changes like a house renovation, do it slowly. Let your cat adjust at their own pace to avoid overwhelming them.
• Stick to a Routine: Keep feeding, playtime, and other daily activities on a consistent schedule. This helps your cat feel secure and less anxious.  
• Minimize Noise: Reduce loud noise and hectic activity, especially when your cat is relaxing, to keep their environment calm and stress-free.
• Provide a Separate Resting Space:   Set up a comfy resting area for your feline friend with a soft bed or blanket in a quiet, low-traffic corner. Add some toys or scratching posts to make it extra appealing.

When to See a Vet

If your cat is showing any of the signs we talked about, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet.

They’ll have a bunch of ways to figure out what’s going on, like doing a physical exam, running some blood or urine test, or even X-rays or ultrasounds to get a clearer picture.

Getting to the bottom of things early can make a big difference in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.

Some common diseases your cat may be diagnosed with include:

Long-Term Solutions and Maintenance

Monitoring Your Cat’s Health

• Make sure to schedule regular vet visits to catch any health issues like Urinary tract infections or kidney issues before they become big problems.

• Stay alert for any shifts in your cat’s behavior, appetite, or bathroom habits. Cats are pretty subtle so spotting these changes early can make a big difference.

Litter Box Hygiene Best Practices

• Some cats might be hanging out in a clean litter box just because it’s the freshest spot in the house. Scoop it daily for its intended purpose — potty time, no nap time!

• Remove all the previous litter and wash it with soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals as their strong scent can get in your kitty’s sensitive nose, making her extremely uncomfortable while pooping and peeing.

• After cleaning, add fresh litter to the box and dispose of the old litter in an airtight bag.

Behavioral Training

If your cat is having behavioral issues you can talk to a vet or a behavior specialist that can provide the right guidance. He can rule out whether it’s because of stress and anxiety or because of a serious health issue.

He may suggest that if your cat is having territorial issues in a multi-pet household, make sure not every cat uses the same bathroom. Place multiple litter boxes (one for every pet + one extra) around the house. For adult cats, place several boxes around the house, and consider neutering to reduce marking and improve behavior. Praise her when she does it right.

Conclusion

Cats might lay in their litter box for several reasons. They might be seeking relief from medical issues like urinary tract infections or constipation that affect the frequency of their urination and elimination.

Aside from health problems, behavioral factors like a multi-cat household or nesting instincts can also play a role, especially in unspayed females. A litter box could be a cozy spot for them to feel safe, especially if your cat is stressed out. 

Older cats may suffer from cognitive decline and forget where their resting area is, so they might use a litter box as a convenient way to relax.

If this behavior continues for a week or more, it’s a good idea to visit your vet. They can recommend any necessary medication or help create a more stress-free environment for your cat.

FAQs

Q1: Is it normal for a cat to sleep in the litter box?

In most cases, it’s not normal for a cat to spend a lot of time in the litter box, especially for a newly adopted kitten. However if this behavior continues for several days, it could indicate stress, health issues or behavioral problems.

Q2: What can I do to stop my cat from laying in the litter box?

To stop your cat from laying in the litter box offer alternative cozy spots like soft cat beds. Make her resting area more appealing by introducing interactive toys, cat trees, and perches. Make sure she has enough hiding spots around the place where she can retreat.

Q3: Can a dirty litter box cause my cat to lay in it?

No. Cats are hygienic felines. It’s their instinct to eliminate in dirt and rest elsewhere. If your cat is resting in a dirty litter box for several hours, she may have medical or behavioral conditions.

Q4: Should I be worried if my kitten is laying in the litter box?

Occasional napping is common in cats, but persistent behavior should be checked by a vet to rule out health issues.

Q5: How can I tell if my cat is sick or just stressed?

To tell if your cat is sick, look for health signs like frequent urination, vomiting, or lethargy. If she is stressed, she may exhibit behaviors like hiding or aggression. For accurate diagnosis, a vet visit is recommended.