Why Do Cats Sometimes Avoid Covering Their Litter and Scratch Around the Box?
Have you ever noticed that after using the litter box, your cat doesn't cover its waste but instead scratches around the edges of the box or even seems to scratch the air? This behavior can be puzzling for cat owners who expect their pets to bury their waste as is typical. Understanding why cats sometimes do this can help you better respond to your furry friend's needs.
Natural Instinct and Territory Marking
Scratching is a natural instinct for cats. It helps them mark their territory through scent glands located in their paws. When a cat scratches the edges of the litter box, it might be communicating that this space belongs to them. Not covering their waste could also be a way to signal their presence more clearly to other animals, especially if the cat feels less secure or threatened.
Litter Box Preferences and Comfort
Cats are sensitive about their litter environment. If the litter box is dirty, uncomfortable, or the litter itself isn't to their liking, they might avoid properly covering their waste. Scratching around the edges or "air scratching" might indicate frustration or discomfort, prompting you to check the cleanliness, litter type, or even the box location.
Health and Behavioral Issues
Sometimes changes in litter box behavior can hint at health problems such as urinary tract infections or arthritis, making it uncomfortable for the cat to dig properly. Behavioral issues, stress, or changes in the household can also impact how a cat uses its litter box.
What You Can Do
- Ensure the litter box is clean and placed in a quiet, accessible location.
- Experiment with different types of litter to find what your cat prefers.
- Observe if the behavior is consistent or linked to any other signs of distress or illness.
- Consult your veterinarian if you notice other changes in behavior or health.
Understanding your cat's behavior helps you create a comfortable environment for them, which can reduce unwanted behaviors and strengthen your bond.
Why Cats Dislike Certain Cat Litters and How to Choose the Right One
Cats are very particular about the texture beneath their paws. If you use large-particle cat litter such as tofu litter or wood chip litter, your cat may find it uncomfortable or even irritating to step on. This might lead them to prefer standing on the edge of the litter box rather than stepping inside to dig and bury their waste.
Additionally, cats have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans. Scents added to cat litter, such as fragrances or artificial aromas, can be unpleasant or even off-putting to them.
Solution
It is recommended to choose a cat litter with fine, small granules and no added fragrances to ensure your cat feels comfortable and is more willing to use the litter box properly.
Is Your Cat's Litter Box Too Small?
If a cat's litter box is too small, it doesn't provide enough space for the cat to properly perform its burying behavior. In such cases, you might notice what's called "symbolic burying": the cat will scratch at the edge of the box as if trying to cover its waste, appearing to say, "I did bury it," but in reality, the job isn't done.
This behavior often indicates that the cat is uncomfortable or frustrated due to the limited space.
Solution
It's recommended that the litter box be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat's body, or at least 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) long. This allows your cat ample room to turn around comfortably and properly dig and bury its waste.
Keeping the Litter Box Clean for Your Cat
Cats are naturally clean animals with very high hygiene standards. If the litter box is not clean enough and is full of waste, they will try every possible way to minimize their contact with the dirty litter. They will quickly dig a little and then leave immediately, not wanting to touch the soiled litter or waste even for a second.
Solution
It is recommended to clean the litter box at least once or twice a day. Whenever there is an obvious unpleasant odor, or at least once a month, completely replace the cat litter and wash the litter box thoroughly. Don't wait until the smell becomes unbearable before taking action.
How to Help Your Cat Feel Comfortable Covering Its Waste
In short, the key to encouraging your cat to confidently cover its waste is to provide a comfortable, clean, and appropriately sized litter environment. When these needs are met, your cat will naturally and willingly bury its waste!
