If you have ever been taking a bath, only to have your relaxation disturbed by the smell of cat poop, then you know just how frustrating it can be when your kitty chooses the bathtub as their bathroom. Fortunately, there are ways to stop this behavior. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best methods how to stop cat from pooping in bathtub. Keep reading to learn more!
Cats are creatures of habit, and they typically prefer to do their business in the same spot each time. If your cat has started pooping in the bathtub, it’s likely because they feel that it is a safe, private place to go. To stop your cat from pooping in the bathtub, you will need to provide them with an alternative location just as personal and safe.
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Why Does My Cat Keep Pooping in the Bathtub?
Reason 1. Behavioral Issues
There are several behavioral reasons your cat may be pooping in the bathtub. Cats are finicky creatures, and changes in their environment can cause stress that manifests in undesirable behaviors like pooping outside the litter box.
If you’ve recently moved or added new furniture to your home, your cat may be pooping in the bathtub as a way to express his anxiety.
Additionally, some cats prefer vertical surfaces to horizontal ones when it comes time to do their business. If your cat has started pooping in the bathtub, provide her with an alternative vertical surface, like a litter box with high sides, to see if that solves the problem.
Reason 2. Health Issues
Certain medical conditions can cause cats to poop outside their litter boxes. For example, if your cat has a urinary tract infection, she may associate the pain of urinating with her litter box and start avoiding it. Alternatively, some cats develop fecal incontinence as they age, which can cause them to poop outside the box. If you think your cat’s pooping behavior may be due to a health issue, take her to the vet for a check-up.
Reason 3. Litter Box Issues
There are several reasons why your cat’s litter box might be causing her to poop in the bathtub instead. Maybe the litter box is too small or dirty for your cat’s liking. Or perhaps there isn’t enough litter in the box for your cat to cover her waste. If your cat seems to be avoiding her litter box, try cleaning it more often, adding more litter, or upgrading to a bigger size.
Reason 4: Stress or Anxiety
Like humans, cats can experience stress and anxiety that manifests in various ways, including pooping outside the litter box. If there have been any changes in your cat’s routine or environment (a move, a new pet, etc.), that could cause her stress.
Additionally, some health conditions (such as hyperthyroidism) can cause cats to feel anxious. If you think your cat’s pooping behavior may be due to stress or anxiety, talk to your vet about possible solutions.
Reason 5: Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a condition that affects older cats and can cause changes in their bathroom habits. For example, cats with CDS may forget where their litter box is or be unable to control their bowels, leading them to poop in the bathtub or outside the box. If you think your cat may have CDS, talk to your vet about possible treatment options.
While there are several possible reasons why your cat is pooping in the bathtub, the best way to figure out the cause is to consult with your veterinarian. They can rule out any medical causes and help you troubleshoot any behavioral or environmental issues causing the problem. Then, with a little patience and some trial and error, you should be able to get your cat back on track in no time!
A Detailed Guide on How to Stop Cat From Pooping in Bathtub
Way 1: Change Their Litter Box
If your cat is pooping in the bathtub, you should first check their litter box. A few things could be wrong with the litter box that would cause your cat to start pooping in the bathtub.
The litter box could be too small for your cat. If the litter box is too small, your cat may feel cramped and uncomfortable and will look for a larger space to do their business.
The litter box could also be too dirty for your cat. Cats are very clean creatures, and if their litter box is dirty, they will look for a cleaner place to go. So make sure to scoop out the poop at least once a day and clean out the litter box every week.
The type of litter in the litter box could also be causing your cat to poop in the bathtub. If you use a clay-based litter, try switching to a paper-based litter. Some cats prefer one type of litter over another, so it’s worth experimenting with what works best for your cat.
Way 2: Make the Bathtub Less Appealing to Your Cat
You can do a few things to make the bathtub less appealing as a litter box for your cat. One is to keep the bathroom door closed so your cat can’t get into the bathroom and use the tub as a toilet.
Another is to put something in the tub that will make it uncomfortable for your cat to use it as a litter box, such as doubling up on shower curtains or placing a plastic mat over the bottom of the tub. Finally, you can try training your cat to use another location as its litter box. This may take some time and patience, but it’s worth trying if you’re at your wit’s end about your cat pooping in the bathtub.
If you have tried all of these things and your cat is still using the bathtub as a litter box, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. There may be an underlying health problem causing your cat to act this way. Your vet will be able to help you figure out what is going on and come up with a plan to solve the problem.
Way 3: Change the Litter Box in a Different Location
If your cat is pooping in the bathtub, the chances are that the litter box is not in a location that is ideal for your cat. Cats like to have their litter box in a private, out-of-the-way location. However, if the litter box is too close to busy areas of your home, your cat may feel uncomfortable using it and may start looking for other places to relieve himself, like the bathtub.
Try moving the litter box to a different you have tried all of the above methods, and your cat is still pooping in the bathtub; it’s time to consult your veterinarian. In addition, there may be an underlying health problem causing your cat location in your home, such as a basement or laundry room. You may also want to try a covered litter box if you think your cat is feeling exposed in the current location of the litter box.
Cats are creatures of habit, so it may take some time for them to get used to the new location of the litter box. Be patient and give them time to adjust. Eventually, they will start using the litter box in the new location and stop pooping in the bathtub.
Way 4: Clean the Bathtub Thoroughly
If you have already tried the above ways, but your cat still poops in the bathtub, it is high time you give it a good cleaning. This will remove not only the poop but also any traces of its scent which might be attracting your cat.
You can either use a commercial cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts vinegar and water. Scrub the affected area well and rinse thoroughly. You can also try using bleach but be sure to rinse as bleach can be toxic if ingested.
Once you have cleaned the bathtub, please keep it clean by wiping it down after each use. You may also want to consider placing a mat or towel in the tub to help keep it clean.
Way 5: Consult Your Veterinarian
If you have tried all of the above ways and your cat is still pooping in the bathtub, it is time to consult your veterinarian. There are many reasons why a cat may start pooping outside of the litter box, and a medical condition could be to blame.
However, if your cat is healthy, other behavioral reasons may be causing this problem. Your veterinarian can help you figure out what is causing your cat’s inappropriate elimination and develop a plan to stop it.
Conclusion
Although it may be a difficult habit to break, there are ways to stop your cat from pooping in the bathtub. By understanding your cat’s motivations and providing them with an appropriate place to go, you can help them break this bad habit. We hope you find this article on how to stop cat from pooping in bathtub.
