Here’s Why Your Cat Runs Out of the Litter Box

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: December 30th, 2021

heres why your cat runs out of the litter box

Most cats take to their litter boxes instantly. But there are situations where your cat avoids her litter box, and it may point to health problems.

Have you ever noticed that your cat will go to his litter box, do his business, and then run out of there as though he’s being chased by something? Then you’ve probably wondered what the deal is with this odd behavior. A few possible explanations are below to help you better understand your feisty feline friend.

First Off, There Might Be a Medical Problem

Before getting into other potential reasons for your kitty’s strange post-litter-box habits, it is important to let you know that some cats may run out of the box if they are feeling discomfort or outright pain when they go to the bathroom.

For example, a cat might be suffering from inflammation or an infection within the urinary tract, rectum, or colon. So it might be a good idea to have your pet examined by a veterinarian in order to rule out these problems, especially if your cat is showing other symptoms of being unwell.

A Few Theories

It turns out that even feline experts aren’t quite sure why some cats dash out of their litter box while others don’t. Here are a few of the more common theories that they have come up with:

A sign of digestive issues

One theory states that kitties who are experiencing digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea, may want to rush out of the litter box ASAP in order to get away from the issue.

Your cat might make it a habit of getting out of the litter box as quickly as possible whenever he goes in there to relieve himself. But if this isn’t really normal or typical behavior for your pet, you might want to check out what he did in the box to see if he’s experiencing digestive upset. If you notice that he is indeed showing symptoms, you can then take steps to keep an eye on him and help him feel better, perhaps with the guidance of your veterinarian.

A sign of relief

Everyone knows the feeling of relief that can come from going to the bathroom, especially if you have been waiting to go. Well, it might be the same for cats. When your kitty rushes out of the litter box, it might be a sign that she just feels so much better after going.

In other words, some cats might feel better after they have done their business in the box, so there is the idea that kitties who feel relieved will showcase their happiness by sprinting. And, once they have let out this energy, they might settle down right away.

A sign of independence

If you have ever had the pleasure of seeing a mother cat take care of her kittens, you know that she helps them a lot when it comes to going to the bathroom and staying nice and clean.

Well, another theory states that, even though kittens need their mother’s help to clean themselves off after they go to the bathroom, adult cats want to flaunt their independence. In other words, they might want to get your attention to let you know about what they have accomplished.

We know, this sounds a bit strange, but we also know that felines can be quite quirky, so there might be some validity to this theory. What do you think?

A sign the litter box is dirty

When your cat runs out of the litter box, the explanation might be surprisingly simple: the litter has gotten too dirty for his liking. Kitties prefer going into clean litter boxes, just like people always want to use a clean toilet, so making it a point to keep your furry friend’s litter clean is necessary.

The next time your cat rushes out of the box, take a look to see if it needs to be cleaned or if the litter needs to be thrown out and replaced with fresh litter. It’s just one of the basic things you have to do to keep your feline companion happy. And it is also a good way to prevent your pet from becoming so disgusted with the box that he ends up going to the bathroom outside of it, creating a huge mess.

An instinctual way of staying safe

There is a fascinating theory that touches upon the evolution of felines. As you know, cats typically dig a hole in order to cover their waste. This behavior seems to have been passed down to domestic kitties from their wild ancestors. Beyond burying their waste, though, cats might not like the idea of even being near an area where waste is found. So rather than potentially exposing themselves to pathogens and parasites, they would prefer going to the bathroom, covering it up, and leaving it behind.

Yet another theory also taps into the evolution of cats, this time focusing on the harsh reality that they can become prey. If a cat were to defecate in the great outdoors, he might make himself vulnerable to attacks from other animals. The scent and sight of the waste could give away a cat’s location, so burying it and running away from the area might help a cat survive, just in case a predator is nearby. Even though your kitty might feel totally safe in your home, and there is no reason to fear predators, he might still instinctually feel the need to behave this way.

But what about cats who don’t bury their poop, you say? Well, experts claim that those might be dominant felines who are so confident in their ability to fight an enemy and win that they don’t even care about covering their poop. Or they’re just in a hurry to get out of the area and find safer ground.

Just Another Mysterious Feline Behavior?

When it comes down to it, no one really knows why some kitties run out of their litter box while others don’t do it at all, or why some cats exhibit this type of behavior only on some occasions while others do it all the time. It’s interesting to consider the theories discussed above, and you might even find that, after observing your kitty, you are able to figure out why he rushes out of the box as fast as he can.

Ultimately, as long as your furbaby isn’t exhibiting signs of illness and he doesn’t have any medical conditions that need to be addressed, you likely don’t need to worry. It’s just one of many behaviors that help maintain the mystery of our feline companions.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

Is your cat peeing outside the litter box and you don’t know what to do about it? The key to fixing the problem is to understand why she’s doing it. Cats will naturally take to using the litter box, but, according to the ASPCA, at least 10 percent of felines will develop problems when it comes to using the litter box. While this issue can become a nuisance in the long run, it still isn’t too much of a big deal if you act on time- the solution is usually just around the corner. However, before you find the ideal fix, you need to pinpoint the reasons behind the occurrence. So why is your cat peeing outside the litter box? Once you’re able to find the problem, you can work with your kitty to resolve the issue. Just remember that punishing your cat won’t result in her using the box; instead, try to understand why she’s doing what she’s doing, and then take steps to fix the problem. The issue at hand is always something that can be solved without resorting to punishment. Related: The Most Common Litter Box Mistakes You’re Making The Way You Maintain the Litter Box If a cat isn’t happy with her litter box and doesn’t feel comfortable using it, she may end up avoiding it, so it’s important that you maintain a clean litter box at all times. The area where you place it, as well as the general hygiene in and around it are also important. Not at all surprisingly, cats can be a bit picky and peculiar when it comes to hygiene. That is why you need to follow these crucial steps in order to provide a pristine kitty bathroom. Make the litter box easy to access in a private location that your cat will feel comfortable with. It might be crucial to observe your cat’s patterns at an early age and find out which area in the house it’s most comfortable with. Usually, this is the bathroom, but it’s never certain. Also, avoid putting the litter box close to their food or in a place in which they love to lounge. It can be a turn off for them. Clean the litter box often, whether that means once a day, several times a day, or every other day. This will depend upon how often your cat uses the box and how dirty it becomes, as well as how many cats share the same box. Remember, cats have a much keener sense of smell than humans do, so even if a litter box seems fine to you, the cat may not feel comfortable going into a box that smells really dirty to her. Of course, no kitty is identical – some might turn out to be real squeamish and picky when bathroom duty is considered. This means that they might avoid the litter after just a single use. And that means scooping after every use and offering a clean surface for the next time. Sure, it might yield some extra work or litter expenses, but it can be the best solution for all the litter avoiding issues. In addition to scooping the litter clean, you should regularly throw out all of the litter in the box when it becomes too dirty and replace it with new litter. If you use a litter box liner, you can just throw it away, replace it with a clean liner, and fill up the box again. If you’re not using a liner, it’s a good idea to regularly wash out the inside of the litter box with soap and water. Similarly, if you have been using some scented cleaning agents for litter box leaning, try stopping for a while, and observe the results – your pet might be bothered by the fragrance.If you have more than one cat, you should have more than one litter box. Some experts recommend one litter box per cat, along with an extra one for good measure, but see what works for you and your feline family, as well as how much space you have for litter boxes. Kitties are notoriously willful and can be territorial at times. Using a litter that another cat already soiled might be a big “no no” for them. Make sure the litter box you use is large enough for your cat, and bear in mind that a hood or a liner may make it uncomfortable for your kitty to use the box, so try to hone in on her preferences, if possible. A more open design, without any boxy constraints ensures ease of access and quick use. Perhaps that is just what your cat was looking for. The amount of litter in the box is also important, as some cats will prefer about one or two inches of litter and may not like a very deep box. Again, this may depend on your cat, so observe her behavior to note preferences. For example, do you find your cat peeing outside the litter box when the litter gets too low, too dirty, or when it’s too deep? Related: 5 Fresh And Effective Ways To Control Litter Box Odor The Type of Litter You’re Using In addition to keeping your litter box clean and in an easy-to-access area of your home, keep in mind that the type of litter you use may influence whether or not your cat eliminates outside of the box. Some cats, for example, may prefer only clumping clay litter while avoiding the use of pellets, but other cats may be the opposite. Also, if you happen to change an established pattern, your cat might not like it. For example, if you have been using a certain type of clumping clay litter for two years and then you suddenly shift to pellet type, your cat might not find that acceptable. Try to stick to the usual fare. If the problem of your cat peeing outside the litter box still isn’t resolved, you may want to try changing the type of litter you’re using if the litter is already kept as clean as possible. Contrary to the situation above, sometimes a change is exactly what is needed. After all, a lot of issues can be resolved with a “trial & error” approach. Medical Problems A variety of medical conditions can contribute to your cat peeing outside the litter box. An older cat or one who has physical ailments may not be able to climb into a box with high sides, for example. But other more serious conditions can also be the cause of your cat’s poor litter box habits. If your cat isn’t using the litter box, have her examined by a veterinarian. Your kitty may be suffering with a urinary tract infection, feline interstitial cystitis, and kidney stones or blockages. Watch for straining, crying in pain, and other indications that a medical condition may be the cause. If these symptoms are present, have your cat checked by a vet right away, as urinary blockages can be fatal. Rarely, a senior kitty might develop a health issue called incontinence. Just as in humans, this issue can appear in cats as well. This is an issue with the urinary tract and results in involuntary peeing. This occurs usually in senior felines or those that suffered a spinal injury. But, with patience and ample care, this issue can be managed. When in Doubt, Talk to Your Vet This isn’t meant to be a complete list of every possible reason why your kitty isn’t using the litter box. Other factors can include stress, a negative association with the litter box, and more. When in doubt, discuss the problem with your vet, who knows your kitty best and can steer you in the right direction. As with anything, it helps to observe your cat and its behavior, and to take a rational and caring approach to fixing any issue that appears. Sometimes, the reasons why your cat is avoiding the litter are simple, but sometimes they can have bigger underlying problems.

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Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

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After 5 Long Years, a Lost Senior Dog is Reunited With His Owner

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Can You Prevent Joint Pain in Dogs?

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Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

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Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.

Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?

Final Thoughts: Hamsters and ChildrenAre hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Guinness World Record Holder, Bobi "Earns His Wings"

31-Year-Old Pooch Passes Away with Family by His Side

A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

A six-legged cocker spaniel found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Wales has had surgery to remove her extra limbs. The pooch was named Ariel, after the Little Mermaid, because her extra limbs were fused together, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Greenacres Rescue, a non-profit group from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, took Ariel in, arranged her surgery, and found her a foster family.  Ariel, who was born with multiple birth defects, was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital. Surgeon Aaron Lutchman performed the surgery and managed to save all four limbs amid fears that one hind leg might have to be amputated. “She’s doing really well, she’s bounced back and she’s a happy little dog and we’re hoping she’s going to go on to lead a fabulous little life,” said Lutchman. “She’s got her own little character and even though she’s had a tough start in life she really has done well to come through this as she has… if we can do what we can to help then that’s just absolutely brilliant.” According to Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue, Ariel was skinny and distressed when she was rescued. “The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva,” said Lawlor. A CT scan later revealed that Ariel was born with only one kidney, which increased the complexity of the medical treatment she required. Unfortunately, the pup’s pelvis never formed properly because she had two hip joints on one side of the body. As a result, Ariel’s normal hind leg had no muscle tone, so there was a chance that that leg had to be amputated as well. “Thankfully, that wasn’t the case though as it’s shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months,” Lawlor added.Ariel is recovering nicely after her surgery, having lots of love and fuss from the nursing team. Now that the surgery is behind her, everyone is hoping that she’ll have an easy and quick recovery.“There were two procedures which lasted about two hours, but both went fine. The next day she was up, walking around and eating and drinking.”“Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn’t get any infections, but she really is in the best of hands,” added Lawlor according to BBC. The brave pooch was discharged over the weekend and has already returned home to her foster family in Wales. According to her vet, Ariel has to rest for the next two weeks to recover completely. The founder of Greenacres Rescue hopes that the organization will be able to find a forever home for Ariel after she completes physiotherapy and recovery. “The response we had to Ariel’s story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I’ve no doubt she’ll be snapped up,” said Lawlor.“I just can’t say enough of a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to helping her.” The organization raised around $19,000 for Ariel’s life-changing surgery thanks to donations from people all over the world.“Ariel was a complicated little dog whose care required close collaboration across a number of our specialist teams, including orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and radiology,” said Vicki Black, the director of Langford Vets’ Hospital. “As part of the University of Bristol, we are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel. We are delighted such a lovely animal has recovered well from her surgery.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

Expats May Need to Leave their Pets Behind as Travel Costs Skyrocket

Animal travel has always been expensive, but it’s about to become unaffordable for many pet lovers. Pet owners moving abroad may be forced to leave their pets behind after animal travel costs have gone up by as much as 400 percent!IAG Cargo, a sister company to British Airways, Vueling, and Aer Lingus, has recently announced that it was raising travel prices along some routes beginning March 1. This unexpected move shocked pet owners with relocation plans, particularly those moving to and from Britain and the United States. “To reflect the complexities of this bespoke service and the cost of providing the very best care for pets traveling as cargo, we have made some amendments to our prices,” a spokesperson for IAG Cargo said in a statement. This shipping company is mostly used by military personnel to move their pets abroad while deployed. After three years at their duty station in the UK, Sara and her family are moving back to the U.S. The family’s two dogs, Bentley and Ghost, are booked on a British Airways flight on 1 March.Under the current policy, IAG Cargo only accepts a booking for a pet transfer up to six weeks before the flight. The company then confirms the space has been requested. Two weeks before the flight, once the planes have been scheduled on that route, the IAG Cargo confirms the booking, locking in the price.Initially, Sara’s family was quoted $1,450 for a flight from London to Baltimore for both dogs. However, due to the recent price hike, the travel price for the dogs has jumped to $6,500! And that’s without the administration fees and the cost of the agency the family is using to arrange the cargo shipment. “We are paying out of our own pocket for this, and we just bought a house in our new location,” said Sara to BBC. “Our dogs are like our children, we would do anything for them but that doesn’t mean it’s not devastating for our finances.”The family’s shipping agent found another airline that could ship their dogs at a lower price. The catch - they would have to make a seven-hour round trip to collect the dogs from another airport. Sara explained that her dogs are small in size and that she believes people shipping large-size dogs could face shipping costs over $10,000.“I already know a number of people who did not bring their pets [to the UK] because of the costs to bring them one way… People are going to be shocked,” she added.Details about the new pricing and affected routes are still unclear, but some companies that work with IAG Cargo are already seeing the effects. Kimberly Cirone, a director at Pets Abroad UK, a pet relocation company that assists pet owners with travel arrangements and works with airlines, said that the costs of pet transport between Britain and the United States have increased by 400 percent without warning, consideration, or explanation.The unexpected price hike has left many military families in turmoil as they are unable to gather the necessary funds in time to have their pets shipped back home. “It’s a huge amount to organize, and within days or weeks of arriving one of those family members may be sent on to areas of conflict. The dog or cat is hugely important, it is the family’s companion when one partner is away fighting and this will be hugely distressing for them.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Research Suggests Longer Nosed Dogs Live Longer

Yes, the flat-faced pooches we know and love have not only myriad health issues but also shorter lives.

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