Few things worry cat owners more than a cat that suddenly stops using its litter tray. It's frustrating to clean up, but it's also your cat's way of telling you something is wrong — and it's almost never done out of spite. The good news is that most litter box problems have a clear, fixable cause. Here's how to work through them calmly, and, importantly, when to skip the troubleshooting and call your vet straight away.
Important: if your cat is straining to urinate, crying in the tray, going in and out repeatedly, or producing little or no urine — especially a male cat — treat it as an emergency and contact your vet immediately. A blocked bladder is life-threatening and needs urgent care. This article is general advice only and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis.
First, Rule Out a Health Problem
A sudden change in toilet habits is one of the most common early signs of illness in cats. Before you touch anything else, book a vet check if you notice any of the following:
- Straining, crying or obvious discomfort when trying to go.
- Blood in the urine or stool, or urinating far more or less than usual.
- Frequent trips to the tray with little result.
- Diarrhoea, vomiting, drinking a lot more, or a drop in appetite or energy.
Urinary tract issues, bladder crystals, kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis and digestive upsets can all cause a cat to avoid the tray. Your vet can rule these out — and if it turns out to be behavioural, you'll troubleshoot with peace of mind.
The Litter Tray Itself
Once your cat has a clean bill of health, look hard at the tray. Cats are famously particular, and small annoyances add up fast:
- Cleanliness: this is the number one culprit. Scoop at least once a day and wash the tray regularly. Many cats will simply refuse a dirty tray.
- Size and style: the tray should be roughly one and a half times your cat's body length. Some cats feel trapped in a hooded tray; others prefer the privacy — it's worth testing both.
- Height: kittens and older, arthritic cats struggle with high sides. A low entry can make all the difference for a senior cat.
- Number of trays: the rule is one tray per cat, plus one spare. Two cats means three trays, in different locations.
High-Side Cat Litter Box with Scoop — $44.99
Best for: cats that kick litter everywhere or stand to urinate over the edge. The high sides contain the mess while the open top keeps it easy to step into.
Litter and Location
What's in the tray and where it sits matter just as much as the tray itself:
- Litter type: most cats prefer a soft, unscented, fine-grained clumping litter. Heavily perfumed litters that smell fresh to us can put a cat off entirely.
- Don't switch suddenly: if you're changing litter, mix the new in with the old over a week or two so the change isn't a shock.
- Quiet, safe spot: cats won't toilet somewhere they feel ambushed. Keep trays away from noisy appliances, busy doorways and the dog.
- Away from food: never place the tray next to food and water bowls. Cats instinctively keep the two well apart.
If you have a hooded tray in a laundry, try adding a second open tray somewhere quieter to see whether your cat has a clear preference.
i.Pet Enclosed Hooded Cat Litter Box — $39.99
Best for: cats that like privacy and homes that want to contain odour. The enclosed hood gives a shy cat a sense of seclusion and helps keep smells down.
Stress and Anxiety
Cats are creatures of habit, and toileting outside the tray is a classic sign of stress. Think about what's changed: a new pet or baby, building work, a house move, a new piece of furniture, or even a neighbourhood cat visible through the window can all unsettle a cat. Help them cope by keeping routines steady, providing high perches and hiding spots, using plenty of vertical space, and giving each cat in a multi-cat home its own resources so no one has to compete. Calming aids can take the edge off during a stressful patch — always alongside, not instead of, addressing the underlying cause.
Calming Collars for Cats – 4 Pack — $24.99
Best for: cats going through a stressful change such as a house move or a new pet. Use as part of a broader plan, and see your vet if anxiety is severe or ongoing.
Cleaning Up Accidents Properly
How you clean up matters. Ordinary household cleaners leave scent traces a cat's nose can still detect, drawing it back to the same spot. Use a dedicated enzyme cleaner made for pet accidents, avoid anything ammonia-based (ammonia smells like urine to a cat), and never punish your cat for an accident — it only adds stress and makes the problem worse.
Litter Box FAQs
Why has my cat suddenly started going outside the tray?
A sudden change most often points to a health issue or a stressor, rather than bad behaviour. Rule out illness with your vet first, then work through tray cleanliness, litter type, location and any recent changes at home.
How many litter trays should I have?
One per cat plus a spare — so two cats need three trays, placed in different, quiet locations. Cats often won't share, and competition can lead to accidents.
Do cats prefer covered or uncovered litter trays?
It varies. Some cats like the privacy of a hood, while others feel trapped and prefer an open tray. If yours is avoiding a covered tray, try offering an open one nearby and see which it chooses.
Is a dirty tray really enough to make a cat stop using it?
Absolutely. Cats have a far keener sense of smell than we do, and many will refuse a soiled tray outright. Daily scooping and regular washing solve a surprising number of litter box problems on their own.
Shop Cat Litter & Wellness at OzPetCo
Give your cat a tray it actually wants to use with our cat health & wellness range — litter boxes, scoops, calming aids and more, with fast Australian delivery and free shipping over $99. When in doubt about your cat's health, your vet is always the first call.
