Your Cat’s Litter Box Is Talking—Here’s How to Tell If Something’s Wrong

When it comes to your cat’s health, the litter box tells a bigger story than most realise. What’s left behind — or avoided altogether — can be one of the earliest warning signs of stress, illness, or pain.

As vets, we know that many cat parents worry they’ve “failed” when their cat has bathroom troubles. But here’s the truth: cats are masters of deception. Noticing subtle changes means you’re attentive, caring, and giving your cat the best chance at early help.

What’s Normal?

Cats are creatures of habit, so “normal” often means steady, predictable routines. Here are some behaviours you can expect to see:

• Burying waste: This is instinctive. Cats naturally cover their urine and faeces to avoid predators and signal territory.
  
  
• Consistent box use: A healthy cat will reliably use a clean, accessible litter box with regularity like a clock.
  
  
• Curiosity and play: Kittens and even some adults may dig, paw, or “play” in the litter. It’s part of their exploration.
  
  
• Minor quirks: Perching on the edge of the box (“gargoyling”) or scratching the floor around it (“box banging”) often just means they have preferences about box size, depth, or litter type.

These variations are usually harmless and just part of your cat’s unique personality.

What’s Not Normal? Red Flags to Watch For

Some litter box behaviours are your cat’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Watch for:

• Strong, foul odour in the urine.
• Very frequent urination — or the opposite, unusually large or tiny volumes passed each time.
• Crying, straining, or vocalising when urinating.
• Eliminating outside the box, especially in unusual spots like the shower, bed, or laundry basket. This often signals distress or illness.
• Spraying or marking on walls or furniture — this is different from box avoidance and usually territorial or stress-related.
• Blood in urine or stool, diarrhoea, or straining.
• Excessive litter scattering may reflect stress or dissatisfaction.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly. Some conditions, like urinary blockages, can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Why It Matters

Indoor cats, in particular, are prone to urinary tract issues. Stress, medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, and even small changes in the home can affect how they use the litter box. 

As cats are super crafty and known for hiding illness, early detection is critical. Catching problems when they’re small can prevent a full-blown emergency.

Healthy Litter Box Habits: What You Can Do

• Cleanliness counts: Scoop daily and deep-clean weekly. Cats have sensitive noses, and even slight odours may drive them away.
• Right number of boxes: The magic rule for cats: One per cat, plus one extra. Place them in quiet, accessible areas.
• Size and style matter: Larger boxes suit most cats; the bigger the better. Remember that low sides help seniors get in and out. Many cats prefer uncovered boxes.
• Choose the right litter: Unscented, clumping litter at about 1–2 inches deep best replicates a cat’s natural toilet and is most appealing.
• Watch and listen: Modern litter can even change colour with urine acidity can alert you to problems before symptoms like blood appear! Smart litter boxes can even chart how frequently your cat goes, and the volume they're producing! 

Above all, observe your cat. Sudden changes are rarely “naughtiness” — they’re cries for help.

Partnering for Early Care

At VetLand Hospital & Emergency, we know that even small changes in your cat’s litter box habits can signal something serious.

Noticing is the first step—reaching out is the next. Early care truly makes all the difference.

Let’s keep your feline bestie healthy, comfortable, and stress-free.