Are the alarm bells ringing in your head as you observe that your cat seems to be constantly lying in her litter tray? If that is the case, then your instinct is correct. A cat resting in a litter tray instead of defaecating is a peculiar action. Not only is it unnatural but it is also unhygienic. Therefore, if your feline friend is doing this behaviour, it might just be her way of giving you a hint that she is in an uncomfortable situation.
‘Maybe I am sick.’
If your cat is sick, there is usually a change of litter-tray habits. It is a common symptom for cats suffering from illnesses.
Urinary problems, such as urethral obstruction, are the frequent causes of a cat resting in a litter tray. Your cat’s urine might become too acidic, which then forms calcium oxalate crystals that clog the feline’s kidney or bladder. It can lead to irritation, infection, and a blocked urethra. If a cat’s urethra gets clogged, it will have a hard time urinating. This can be the reason why your cat tends to lie in the litter tray.
Furthermore, gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhoea may also be the cause of her odd behaviour. Other than intestinal conditions, a change in your pet’s diet that may cause an upset stomach may prompt a consistent need to defaecate. Therefore, it takes more time for her to get out of their litter tray.
How do I stop my cat from sleeping in the litter tray?
- Pay a visit to the vet.
Do not jump to conclusions about what your cat might be going through. Instead, go to the vet. The vet needs to rule out any possible medical problem before one has to consider it as a behavioural problem.
‘I want my personal space.’
It is undeniable that most felines love their own space. A sudden change in their serene and familiar environment can be a major no-no. For example, someone who is a stranger to your cat suddenly pets her—that can burst her own happy bubble.
Once your cat’s privacy is interrupted, they are prone to search for a peaceful place where they can be left alone. Some cats prefer dark and tight places or in other peculiar places like—yes, you name it—litter trays.
The litter tray may be their plan B when the other areas do not seem to offer any solitude. Litter trays are commonly kept in a place where no one usually frequents in order to ward off the smell. This can become a feline’s safe haven since it emanates an air of familiarity and remoteness that they often seek.
How do I stop my cat from sleeping in the litter tray?
- Assign a specific area where your cat can hang out.
Choose a part of your home where there is less foot traffic and far away from any raucous noises that may disturb your cat. By doing this, you are giving your cat a clearer and cleaner option where it can retreat to when it wants to distant herself from other people. - Let your cat choose whether or not to join social interactions.
Inform your family, friends, or relatives to disregard the presence of your cat. Do not let them push their own personal space to your feline friend’s. This will make it easier for your cat to choose if she wants to hang around with you and your fellow human buddies. - Do not force your cat into social interactions.
Above everything else, avoid pushing your feline friend into any interaction, which she does not want or is not prepared to participate in. Not only will this result for her possibly ending up lying in her litter tray, but it can also push her to become aggressive because of the unwanted attention.
‘What’s going on? It’s making me anxious.’
Are you planning to adopt another furry buddy? Or are you moving out from your flat to another cosy home? Life decisions like this will not only affect you but also your cat. It is more likely to stress her out.
An abrupt change made to her current environment proves to be stressful on the feline, which may lead to adjustment anxiety. The change prompts the animal to readjust and adapt to her new surroundings.
If your feline friend does not want to hang around with her new canine or feline buddy or wants a break from moving out with you, then chances are it would seek the litter tray’s solace. This is her way of calming herself down and easing herself away from the stressful happenings that are going on.
How do I stop my cat from sleeping in the litter tray?
- Spend ample amounts of time with your cat.
The sudden change can be extremely daunting to cats. They are prone to exhibiting quirky behaviours such as lying in litter trays, disappearing for a long time, or worse, escaping out of the house. Therefore, your supervision is highly important to ensure your cat’s safe transition. - Tempt your cat with a play toy.
You can help relieve your feline buddy from her stress and anxiety by playing with her. By doing this, you are able to provide your pet mental stimulation and release her pent-up energy. - Observe and mediate.
If you introduce your feline’s new playmate, monitor their interactions closely. Your cat may show grumpy reactions towards the dog or cat, which is normal. The crucial action you can do is to mediate whenever it happens, and do not force any unwanted interaction.
‘What’s mine is mine.’
Let’s face it, cats are territorial animals. They love to stake their claim on different areas of the household, their human companions, and the things located in your home, which may include their litter trays.
This usually occurs when there is a new member introduced within the household. It would heighten your feline buddy’s awareness. She will sense that her territory would likely be threatened and possibly claimed by the newcomer. This would lead to your cat camping out in her litter tray.
The behaviour is dubbed as ‘protection of resources.’ It is a behavioural instinct that comes naturally from cats. However, it should not be tolerated since it promotes aggressive attitude and deteriorates the possibility a peaceful coexistence.
How do I stop my cat from sleeping in the litter tray?
- Provide more litter trays.
You must add more number of litter trays to entice your feline friend out of it. 1.5 litter trays per cat is a good guide in providing the right quantity of litter trays within your home. - Strategically set the litter trays.
This is especially important if you have a cat and a dog. Make sure that each litter tray has its specific owner. Then place it in areas that can be easily accessed by your cat and not by your dog or vice versa. - Consider using cat pheromones.
Synthetic cat-pheromone sprays may help in putting your cat at ease and loosen up. This is because it has a calming effect on your cat and may reduce her need to lie in her litter tray.
