Why does my cat scratch the sides of its litter box? Is it because they are in pain, or is there something more serious going on? Many people worry about this, but luckily, I have found some helpful tips that will help alleviate your worries! So, stay here because this guide provides you with advice for understanding why cats do this behavior and ways to stop them from doing so permanently without having harsh consequences.
Why Does My Cat Scratch the Sides of the Litter Box? Cause and Solution
There are several reasons behind cats’ scratching the sides of the litter box.
Happy Mood
Sometimes you have to take the initiative, and that’s exactly what this kitty does. It looks like she was having so much fun playing around in her litter box! But don’t worry because once they are finished using it as their potty spot for peeing or pooping, then kittens will go back into exploring where all of those buried pieces can be found again with an excited expression on its face.
So, they take this activity as fun scratching the sides of the litter box.
Strange Feelings
If you suspect that your cat is feeling stressed or anxious, it’s important to note any changes in its behavior. These may include excessive litter scratching and hiding away from people for long periods. If these are symptoms of an external stressor (such as moving house), then addressing the cause will help them overcome this negative state quicker than left unchecked!
It’s important to try and make your cat happy because this will reduce anxiety. Hopefully, it helps them return to normal behavior!
Cleaning the Paws
Cats are natural claws, but it’s important to note that they cannot get enough of a good scratch. If your cat has rough pads on their paws from excessive scratching or if you notice their nails have started curling around the edges because they’re so long and sharp – this may be an indication that callusing is happening!
A soft touch will not help prevent these issues in any way. Instead, try incorporating more post-its with different textures near areas where cats tend to go for destructive scratching. You also need to provide some toy alternatives available at all times (preferably ones without strings).
Declawing a cat will not solve this issue and can affect your pet. You could choose an alternative, such as switching from litter made with large pieces of rough material on their paws or even going down the traditional route of using natural alternatives like sand instead!
To Have Importance
Cats are great at communicating with each other. In the wild, cats leave their scent to let other felines know about themselves and where they’re hiding from danger or prey – but what if your cat doesn’t have any enemies? There’s still a way for themselves to get heard through excessive scratching, which also serves as an indication that “Hey! I’m here!”
This habit can result from reason; either cat has felt neglected by its human companions while being ignored at times.
When you feel your friend is important to you, the situation will improve. Spending time with them and making an effort for their happiness can make all of this go away!
Messy Litter Box
The cat’s litter box may not be clean enough for them. Cats are very sensitive about the toilet area being dirty. If it gives off an unpleasant smell or is too full, they will spend more time looking around before finding a suitable bathroom spot to re-potty to avoid discomfort and messes, which can lead them to scratch the litter box. Check out the best litter boxes for messy cats.
To stop your cat scratching the litter box, make sure you replace it with fresh lining every couple of weeks and immediately scoop up any waste afterward. The most important thing is ensuring that when replacing entire contents in their tray-like boxes, they should be thoroughly washed using warm water along with vinegar. In this way, there leaves behind not any smells or residues which could potentially lead them back into an unwanted behavior like this one again!
Upgrade The Litter Box
It is important to have a spacious litter box if you notice your cat digging beyond its depth. This can lead both to unpleasant odor and mess around the house, which will make it sadder, of course. To avoid this problem, upgrade with an extra-large-sized one!
Litter quantity is insufficient.
If your cat’s litter box is spacious and you make sure to keep it clean, then the possibility of not having enough litter for them could be what causes their instinctual behavior. They are born with this need because they want to cover up any scent that may have been left behind by themselves or others nearby!
Install an extra-large litter box in the bathroom to make sure your cat has a clean and comfortable place to go. Fill it with at least 3 inches of fresh material that’s been thoroughly cleaned before use, so no clumps or urine crystals are present when scooping after business hours have ended.
The Location
Cats are very private animals who need space, so a living room with high traffic is not good for them. Cats also prefer privacy when using their litter box and should avoid being placed in an area near where food or water dishes would be located.
Urinary Issues
If your cat excessively scratches the sides of the litter box, he might be facing a urinary problem. Try to examine the urine; if you feel any change, make him check with the vet to resolve the issue.
Final Thought
There are several reasons why cats scratch their litter boxes. Medical issues and toilet training problems can cause this kind of behavior, so you must take your cat in for an examination if they continue scratching after several treatments have been unsuccessful at fixing the issue.
Hopefully, you have the right information about your question. Let us know through the comments below what was the reason behind your cat’s scratching the sides of the litter box. Don’t hesitate to share if there is something unusual about your cats’ unusual scratching behavior.
