Countdown: Top 10 Litter-Box Issues

10. Issue: Your cat is eating the litter.

Solution: Litter eating may be a sign of a serious health problem. One occasion that you should not worry too much is if a kitten is the one snacking from the box. This is usually just a kitten exploring the world and not knowing right from wrong. If your kitten is eating litter, it is important to change your litter to a non-clumping kind until it learns the ways of world. This will prevent any internal obstructions. If you have an older cat who is eating litter, this is often a sign of anemia. Your cat could be trying to get the vitamins its missing. Any older, litter-eating cat should be taken to the vet to determine if a health concern is behind the odd behavior. (Wise Geek)

9. Issue: Your cat takes naps in the litter box.

Solution: This could be your way cat's way of sending a message that it is physically or emotionally upset. You should take your cat to the vet immediately to see if there is a serious health issue behind the behavior, like kidney problems or a urinary tract infection. If your vet finds nothing wrong, your cat could be going to the safe haven of the litter box due to emotional distress. Take note if anything has adjusted in your cat's environment and try to make changes. (Cat Channel)

8. Issue: Your cat is accidentally missing the box.

Solution: Getting old is tough. Your cat could be missing the box due to age-related diabetes or arthritis. Talk to a vet to see if a health problem is involved. If the doctor gives your cat a clean bill of health, it could be something to do with the space surrounding the litter box. Re-train your cat to use the box by putting it in a tight space where litter is the only option for release. Also be sure to clean up all accidents thoroughly, so your kitty isn't encouraged by the scent to pee in the same place again. (VetStreet)

7. Issue: Your dog is eating the cat's litter.

Solution: Unfortunately, training a dog out of this habit is a different story. The easiest way to get your pooch to stop is to place the litter box somewhere only the cat can reach it, or install a pet gate to the litter that allows your cat to crawl under, but bars your dog from getting in. It is important to keep your dog away from the litter as much as possible, because too much litter munching can lead to gastro-intestinal issues. (Pet Place)

6. Issue: Your cat pees inside the box, but poops outside of it.

Solution: As with many of the other issues, this could be your cat's way of communicating health problems. Check your cat's litter for diarrhea. Also see if your cat appears constipated while using the box. With this information, take your feline to the vet and see if this is the outward expression of an internal problem. If your cat is older, it could be pooping outside of the box because arthritis is making it too painful to go inside. Try adjusting the box and litter type so it is more comfortable. Finally, your cat could just be picky or expressing emotional issues. Be patient, and try adjusting its surroundings until you see positive results. (The Happy Litter Box)

5. Issue: Your cat continues to dig in the litter after covering its waste, making a big mess.

Solution: There could be multiple reasons behind your cat turning its litter pan into a sand box. Some younger cats just go through a playful phase. Others could be reacting negatively to a new type of litter or pan you recently purchased. Owners may want to try adjusting the amount of litter in the box; there could be more than your cat needs. Two to three inches of litter is usually suitable. Finally, your cat could just be bored and making up its own fun. Be sure to engage your cat with games and toys to avoid messy behavior. (The Cat Coach)

4. Issue: Your cat leaves its poop uncovered.

Solution: Your cat could be leaving its waste uncovered as a message that it doesn’t like its new litter. Try changing back to the previous brand you used if this is a new problem. On the other hand, if your cat has always had this issue, then it probably means that its mother never taught your cat when it was a kitten the importance of covering its poop. You can try training your cat to learn this behavior by taking its paw and carefully dragging it through the litter after it uses the box. Also, try switching to a softer litter that will be more comfortable to dig in. (Pet Finder)

3. Issue: Your cat scratches the walls and floors immediately after using the litter.

Solution: Your cat is probably expressing its dislike over some factor of its litter situation. There are a few easy fixes you can try. Keep the litter level at roughly three inches. This should provide just enough for your cat to dig but not make a mess. Scoop out the litter daily, because your cat could be displeased with a dirty box. Additionally, your feline could be unsatisfied with the size of the box. Cat experts say that many commercial boxes are too small. Try upgrading to a storage container to give your kitty more room. (Cat Channel)

2. Issue: You can't stand the smell coming from your cat's litter box.

Solution: The easiest fix would be purchasing a powdered litter box freshener or scented litter that helps keep odors at bay. Another way to tackle the smell issue is to scoop the litter on a daily basis and change all the litter every week. If you don't always have the time for daily clean-up duty, look into an automated litter pan that can do the dirty work for you. (Care2)

1. Issue: Your cat has suddenly started peeing outside the box.

Solution: Since the change is sudden, the best thing to do is take your feline to the vet to rule out health problems like a urinary tract infection. If you get the 'all clear' from the doctor, check for changes in your cat's environment. Unwelcome adjustments to your cat's living situation, litter pan size, litter type and litter box location are all triggers that can lead your kitty to go to the bathroom elsewhere. (North Shore Animal League)