Glossary

Litter box aversion

When a cat that used to use its litter box begins urinating or defecating elsewhere, often because of pain, stress or a dislike of the box.

Also called: inappropriate elimination, going outside the box, litter box avoidance, house soiling

Litter box aversion means a cat avoids its box and goes somewhere else instead, such as a carpet, a bath or a pile of laundry. It is one of the most common reasons cats are given up, which makes it important to solve rather than punish.

Start with your vet. Urinary tract disease, bladder stones, kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis that makes stepping in difficult and bowel trouble can all lead to accidents, and they need treatment. If the vet finds no medical cause, look at the box. Cats often dislike boxes that are dirty, covered, too small, set in a noisy or busy spot, or filled with a litter they dislike. A usual guideline is one box per cat plus one extra, scooped daily, in separate quiet places.

Stress matters too: a new animal, a move or conflict with another cat. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner so the smell does not draw the cat back. Do not rub the cat's nose in it or shout, which teaches it to fear you rather than the problem. If it continues, ask your vet to refer you to a qualified behaviourist.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Spraying When a cat stands, backs up to a vertical surface and squirts small amounts of urine to leave a scent message. Multi-cat household A home with two or more cats, where enough litter boxes, food stations, perches and hiding spots prevent stress and conflict. Scent marking How a cat leaves chemical messages on objects, people and places using glands in its face, paws and body, and in its urine. Separation anxiety Distress shown by a cat when left alone, such as crying, destroying things, soiling or overgrooming while the owner is away.

Related guides

How to choose a cat litter How litter types differ, which features most cats prefer, how to switch litter, and what a change in litter habits can tell you about your cat's health. Litter training a kitten How to help a kitten learn the litter box: box and litter choice, placement, timing, handling accidents and when a litter problem needs a vet. Signs of stress and anxiety in cats How to spot stress in a cat, from hiding and overgrooming to litter box changes, what usually causes it, how to ease it and when to call a vet. When a cat pees outside the litter box Why a cat urinates outside the litter box, why a vet check comes first, how to tell it from spraying, and the steps that fix box problems in the home.