Uh oh -why is my Cat Laying In the Litter Box?

Cats are sweet animals but sometimes they also display some weird behaviors that are difficult to understand!

One of those strangest behaviors is laying in the litter box.

There are many causes that force cats to show these disgusting behaviors and it can be a little difficult for the owner to figure out why their cat is doing it.

In this article, you will get all the reasons why cats live or sleep in a litter box, let’s get started.

1- Your cat is stressed and is laying in the litter box.

Stress is one of the most common reasons why is cat sitting in litter box.

As per different surveys, if a cat is sleeping in the litter box, then it is a sign that she might be dealing with some stressful situations.

As a human, you may feel that a cat sleeping in a litter box is gross but your cat doesn’t think like that.

For her, the litter box is the safest place because it smells like her.

Apart from this, some of you might have seen your cat staying in a cardboard box, she does it because the cardboard box is a smaller place that gives her a more secure feeling.

The same applies to the litter box, so if your cat is only sleeping in a litter box, then chances are she is not comfortable or dealing with stress.

To cure this situation, you can use a diffuser around the litter box to reduce stress and make it more comfortable.

2- Illness is making your cat lay in the litter box.

If you have recently adopted a cat, then stress might be the reason but if the cat is staying in your house for a long time and suddenly start laying in the litter box, then it could be a bigger problem.

However, in some cases, it could be the result of some internal health issues.

To get more clarity, you should monitor your cat’s other habits like a loss in appetite or thirst.

Notice whether your cat is sleeping more than usual or showing any odd behaviors during social interactions.

All these habits are an indication that your cat is suffering from some kind of illness.

In case if you have a male cat, then chances are he is dealing with some urinary problems.

Its symptoms include sitting in the box for a long time, scratching the box but still not producing urine.

That being said, it doesn’t mean that you should start thinking negatively but make sure to monitor your cat properly and if you notice these behaviors, then you should immediately take him to the vet.

3- The cat wants to stay in a safe place, so he lays in the litter box.

Cats also sleep in their litter when they get scared.

If you are remodeling your home or having any modification that causes loud noise, then it can also frighten your cat and she will start living in her litter box to feel safe.

Cats do not like changes and they prefer to be in the same place so if you have changed your house, then it could also be a reason behind your cat’s strange behavior.

To make themselves feel safe and comfortable, the cat stays in the litter box because it gives them added protection.

For us, it is quite strange and gross but cats don’t see it like us.

If you have not changed your home and everything is the same but still your cat is not getting out of the litter box, then chances are that she is feeling threatened for some other reasons.

As mentioned above, cats like to stay the same, so now you have to look for the changes that is making your cat anxious.

It could be anything, for example- did you adopt a new pet? Or do you have any guests?

Or even if any kind of construction is going on near your house. All these things can force your cat to stay in the litter box.

4- Marking Her Territory by laying in the litter box.

Cats are territorial animals, they mark their territory with their urine in order to prevent it for others.

And if you more than one cat, then they will fight to secure their territory.

They will do everything they can to defend their territory and the more dominant cat will bully the other and she will start sleeping in the litter box to make sure she is only one that has access to it.

Not only litter boxes, cats also fight over other things like small cardboard, boxes, basically all the areas where they can stay.

The best way to deal with this problem is by adding extra litter boxes in your house.

If you have two cats, then give them their own territory, they won’t fight. To make it even better, you can add boxes in different areas of your house.

The basic rule is that one litter box per cat.

In short, give your cat their own separate little place and watch whether the problem is solved.

If the problem persists, then you should take some other measures. If you have a personal doctor, then visit him.

Conclusion.

So these were some reasons that may help you get the answer to the question of why is cat laying in litter box. If you notice your cat is showing unusual behaviors, then you should take some measures to help your cat.

However, it is also possible that your cat is just protecting her territory, which most cats do.

The best way to figure to whether your cat is normal or not is by monitoring her daily habits.

Watch her closely and if you notice anything suspicious, then booking an appointment with a doctor is the best idea.

I hope this article will clear some of your queries and give you some valuable information.