Why Is My Cat Not Using the Litter Box? Part 2: Box Setup Issues

When your cat doesn’t use the litter box, they’re trying to tell you something is wrong in their life. Once you’ve taken them to the vet and the vet determines the reason for the inappropriate elimination is not medical, then you can begin the cat behavior detective work.

One reason a cat may not be using the litter box is because they’re unhappy with the box itself. It’s our job to figure out what they want. Because cats are a desert species, trying to replicate the experience of eliminating in the open desert could help.

This is part 2 in a series on litter box issues.

Nearly 2 out of 3 US shelters are now no-kill graphic

See how your community is doing

We've seen tremendous momentum and success so far, and we are so close to achieving no-kill around the entire country. Knowing where each shelter and community stands not only helps determine the best way to move forward, but it also helps track the progress we’re making together.

Is your community no-kill?

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Cats Litter Box

Annie the dog on a large cushion with two children who are smiling and holding tablets

Faces of No-Kill: Shelter dog now living on easy street

Annie overcame her challenges with time, support, and lots of broccoli. Read More

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends is working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters in part by getting more pets out of shelters and into loving homes.

We’ve come a long way since the first known city reached no-kill in 1994, and now we’re closer than ever to making the entire country no-kill. Today, roughly 2,500 shelters are no-kill throughout the U.S. — and 700 more are just 100 pets or fewer away from reaching that milestone.

Best Friends is committed to working with passionate people like you to save homeless pets through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and advocacy. In addition to our lifesaving centers around the U.S, we also founded and run the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.

Working together, we can save homeless pets in our communities and secure a better future for our best friends. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill.