Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box?

If you’ve ever come home to find your cat has scratched the sides of their litter box, you’re not alone. Many cat owners have experienced this frustrating behavior. There are a few possible reasons why your cat might be doing this.

Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box?

There are a few reasons your cat may be scratching the sides of the litter box. Finally, your cat may simply be bored. If there’s nothing else for them to scratch, they may see the litter box as a good target. Your cat may feel cramped and uncomfortable, and may be trying to make more space. One reason may be that the box is too small. If it hasn’t been cleaned recently, your cat may be trying to get rid of the waste. Another possibility is that the litter box is too dirty.

Reason 1: To Cover Their Waste

If you think either of these could be the reason your cat is scratching the sides of the litter box, try getting a larger litter box or covering the litter box with a lid. Cats are very clean creatures and they don’t like to leave their waste out in the open. If the litter box is too small, your cat may feel claustrophobic and scratch at the sides in an attempt to escape. If they see that their waste is exposed, they may try to cover it up by scratching at the sides of the litter box. There are a few reasons why your cat might be scratching the sides of the litter box. One reason could be that they’re trying to cover up their waste. Another reason for this behavior could be that the litter box is too small for your cat.

Reason 2: To Keep Their Paws Clean

They’re covering their scent, which helps keep predators away, and they’re also trying to loosen any dirt or debris that might be stuck to their paws. One reason could be that they’re trying to keep their paws clean. When cats scratch the sides of their litter box, they’re actually doing a few things. So, if your cat is scratching the sides of their litter box, it’s likely because they’re trying to keep their paws clean. There are a few reasons why your cat might be scratching the sides of their litter box.

Reason 3: It’s A Playful Activity

Cats are natural hunters and they love to stalk and pounce on their prey. When cats scratch the sides of their litter box, it’s often because they’re looking for a way to play. By scratching the sides of the litter box, they’re able to get a good grip and launch themselves into the air to catch their prey.

If your cat isn’t getting enough playtime, they may start to scratch the sides of the litter box as a way to release all that built-up energy. It’s important to provide your cat with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise, both inside and outside of the litter box. This activity also provides mental stimulation for cats and helps to keep them sharp and alert.

Reason 4: To Mark Their Territory

Additionally, the act of scratching itself feels good to cats and helps to keep their claws healthy and sharp. When they scratch the sides of the litter box, they are leaving their scent behind and claiming the area as their own. Cats have a natural instinct to scratch things in order to mark their territory. This helps to keep other cats away and makes them feel more comfortable in their space.

Reason 5: To Let You Know That The Litter Box Is Dirty

One of the reasons your cat may scratch the sides of the litter box is to let you know that it is dirty. Cats are clean creatures and they prefer a clean litter box. If the litter box is not clean, your cat may scratch the sides of the box to let you know that it needs to be cleaned.

What To Do When Your Cat Is Scratching The Sides Of The Litter Box Excessively?

First, check to see if the litter box is clean. Lastly, if your cat is still scratching the sides of the box excessively, they may be doing it to mark their territory. In this case, you can try moving the litter box to a different location. If you notice your cat excessively scratching the sides of the litter box, there are a few things you can do to help. A dirty litter box can cause your cat to scratch the sides in an attempt to clean it themselves. Sometimes a cat will scratch the sides of the box if they feel like there isn’t enough litter to cover their waste. If the litter box is clean, try adding more litter.

Litter Box Etiquette

If you have tried all of these things and your cat still scratches the sides of the litter box excessively, it may be a sign of a medical condition and you should take them to the vet for an evaluation. Finally, you can try using a different type of litter or litter box liner that is more comfortable for your cat. One is to make sure that the litter box is the right size for your cat. Another thing you can do is to place the litter box in an area where your cat feels comfortable and safe. If the litter box is in a stressful or dangerous location, your cat may scratch the sides out of fear or anxiety. There are a few things you can do to help your cat when they are excessively scratching the sides of the litter box. If the litter box is too small, your cat may feel cramped and uncomfortable, which can lead to them scratching the sides.

Taking Your Cat To The Vet

Cats are very clean creatures and if their litter box is not clean, they will often look for another place to go. If your cat is still scratching the sides of the litter box excessively, it is best to take them to the vet to rule out any medical issues. If you think that your cat’s litter box is the problem, try changing it to a different type or brand. It could also be that the litter box is not clean enough. You may also want to try a different litter. If your cat is scratching the sides of the litter box excessively, it could be a sign that they are not happy with the litter box itself. Maybe the litter is too shallow, or the sides are too high.

Potty Training From Scratch

You’ll also need to choose a litter. Once you’ve chosen a litter box and litter, you’ll need to show your cat where it is and how to use it. First, you’ll need to choose a litter box. With a little patience and consistency, you’ll have your cat potty trained in no time. There are many different types of litter, so you’ll need to experiment to see which one your cat likes best. You can do this by placing your cat in the box and showing them how to scratch the sides to bury their waste. It’s important to choose one that’s the right size for your cat and that has low sides so they can easily get in and out. If you’re starting from scratch with potty training your cat, there are a few things you’ll need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my cat scratch the sides of the litter box?

There are a few reasons why your cat might be scratching the sides of the litter box. One possibility is that they’re trying to bury their waste. Another possibility is that they’re trying to mark their territory. Cats also have a natural instinct to scratch, so they might just be doing it for that reason.

2. How can I stop my cat from scratching the sides of the litter box?

If your cat is scratching the sides of the litter box because they’re trying to bury their waste, you can try using a litter that’s easier to bury in. If they’re trying to mark their territory, you can try using a litter that has a scent that they don’t like. If they’re just doing it for the sake of scratching, you can try providing them with a scratching post.

3. Is it harmful for my cat to scratch the sides of the litter box?

No, it’s not harmful for your cat to scratch the sides of the litter box. However, it can be harmful for your furniture if they start doing it outside of the litter box. If you’re concerned about your furniture, you can try providing them with a scratching post.

4. My cat has started scratching the sides of the litter box and I don’t know why. What should I do?

If your cat has started scratching the sides of the litter box and you don’t know why, the best thing to do is to take them to the vet. They might be able to give you some insight as to why your cat is doing it.

5. I think my cat is scratching the sides of the litter box because they’re bored. What can I do to keep them entertained?

There are a few things you can do to keep your cat entertained. You can try getting them a scratching post or some toys. You can also try giving them more attention. If you think they might be bored, it’s always best to consult with your vet.

Final thoughts

There are a number of reasons your cat may be scratching the sides of the litter box. It could be that the box is too small, the litter is too shallow, or there is not enough ventilation. If your cat is scratching the sides of the box, try to provide a larger box with deeper litter. You may also want to try a litter box with a lid to provide more ventilation.