If your cat has been avoiding going to the bathroom for a long time, then it might be time for you to start paying attention to the noises when it’s time to go. Why is my cat digging in the litter box?
Your cat may be digging the litter box more often due to various health issues, such as gastrointestinal illness or a lack of litter. It may also be doing it because it doesn’t have enough waste.
It’s odd to see a cat digging in the litter box at night, especially since there is a lot of debris.
Why Is My Cat Digging in the Litter Box?
While it’s natural for cats to scratch the litter box, it can also be alarming to see that they do it more than once a day. This behavior can be for various reasons, such as an innocent act or a mental disorder.
It’s essential to identify the cause of this compulsive behavior and then find a way to get it under control.
Play Time
After cleaning it, you might hear a strange sound coming from your litter box. It could be that your cat is rolling around in it like a crazy cat. It could be that it’s a common occurrence during their adult years.
It could be that this behavior is related to a kitten’s desire to dig. It could also be that your feline is playing with its instinct to explore. It could also be that your cat recalls the outside world.
A cat that exhibits this behavior will usually outgrow it eventually. However, if it’s an adult cat, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. You can also teach your furry friend to stop playing with the litter box.
A Way of Communication
If you have more than one cat, you might think that something is going on with the other one. However, if only one cat is scratching the litterbox, the first step is to find the cause of the problem.
While scratching the litterbox, the cat also leaves its scent on the paws of the other cat. This behavior shows that the other cat occupies the territory that the other cat used to occupy. It could also be a sign that the other cat is eyeing the territory occupied by the other cat.
Ensure that the other cats are not exhibiting any other signs of poor health. Then, determine if a mental or medical issue causes the other cat’s excessive scratching.
Anxiety and Stress
Aside from being a domesticated animal, cats also have complex social and behavioral habits. Changing their environment can trigger anxiety and depression in them. It’s essential to understand the cause of this behavior.
Changing their environment can also trigger an anxiety response in cats. For instance, if you have recently changed your play routine, your behavior might change. However, this could be a minor change that you can easily regulate.
If you have recently moved house, you might notice that your cat is scratching the litter box more often. It could also be that they are avoiding and hiding away from you. Studies also suggest that healthy cats might become sick when their environment changes.
Also, bringing another pet can cause this reaction. It could be because your cats are stressed out and want to mark the litter box as their territory. Try buying another litter box to prevent this from happening.
Your cat might be scratching the litter box more often as a symptom of something more. Aside from this, other signs such as vomiting and diarrhea could also cause concern. Having a veterinary visit is also essential to check for other conditions.
Read also: Do Cats Pant When Stressed?
Gastrointestinal Issues
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, various factors cause excessive scratching, but one of the most common is your cat’s waste. If it’s getting more than once a day, it’s essential to see a veterinarian.
Your cat’s poop is also essential to look for, as it can tell you a lot about their health. Healthy poop should be dark brown and should not be hard or soft. Also, if there’s blood in the poop, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
If your cat has eaten something out of the ordinary, it could signify that something is not right with their health. Some of these include food allergies and dairy products, which can cause diarrhea.
Your cat might also be suffering from other conditions such as cancer and hyperthyroidism, which can cause severe distress. If their poop is too gross or has a foul odor, they might try to cover it with their body.
Cats are also prone to getting parasites, such as the Giardia and roundworm, which you can transfer from one area to another. It can lead to constipation and diarrhea.
Although there are many possible causes of excessive scratching, it’s not always possible to diagnose it independently. Having a veterinarian check your cat’s health is also essential to avoid further issues.
Animal Instincts
A cat’s instinct is to scratch the litter box to hide its dirty work. It is also a way to cover up their activities and prevent predators from finding them.
Before they go to bed, some cats dig a small hole in the litter to make room for their waste. They might also be trying to move around the debris to make room for fresh litter.
If a cat is a digger and a coverer, it’s only natural that it might be scratching the litter box a lot. Cats more likely to be territorial about their litter box might also be scratching it harder. This behavior aims to send a message to the next cat.
Is It Normal if Cat Digging in Litter Box Excessively?
Excessive digging is regular for cats, in general. Too much litter box digging is a common issue for cats. Their owners eventually deal with it. There are various ways to stop the digging, but first, let’s talk about the subject.
Getting rid of a cat’s digging habit doesn’t have to be complicated. You can do it in a couple of simple steps. Usually, it’s a behavioral issue or a health issue causing the problem.
Try taking the cat to the veterinarian to get an evaluation and to clean the litter box. Then, move the litter box to a different location.
Aside from taking the necessary steps, it’s also essential to figure out why the cat started digging. It will help you decide what action to take.
What Should I Do If My Cat Keeps Digging in the Litter Box?
Ensure that your cat’s litter box is big enough and has plenty of cat litter. Also, keep it clean regularly.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll know that your cat will spend a lot of time scratching and digging around.
It’s important to know that this behavior is typical of cats and that you can completely resolve it. However, if it persists, it could indicate a health issue.
Aside from keeping your cat’s litter box clean and organized, there are also steps you can take to ensure that they use it efficiently.
Read also: Best Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Large Cats – Top 3 Picks!
Aside from their sleeping and eating areas, cats also rely on the scent and aroma of their litter box. It is to maintain their health and well-being. When they see something strange in their litter box, they scratch excessively.
You can also try using different types of litter in the box. There are various options available but avoid the scented ones.
An uncovered litter box can also help reduce your cat’s time digging around. However, it’s important to note that some cats prefer to stay inside the enclosed box.
Read also: How to Stop Litter Box Odor – Quick Hacks for Every Cat Owner
Conclusion
When it comes to cat litter boxes, they love them, but they might start digging or scratching if they spot something strange. The amount of litter or the scent also causes this behavior.
Keep the box clean to make it a welcoming place for her. You can also try getting a larger one or switching to a different type of litter.
