Generally, cats are very clean animals. They groom themselves regularly and have specific demands when it comes to litter trays. Despite this, cats can have some strange habits that seem dirty to us humans. One such habit is playing with their shit. Although most common in kittens, some adult cats can develop this behavior as well, with common causes including boredom or being given an inappropriate litter box.
Below, we look at six of the most common reasons why cats may play with their poop, so you can determine the cause and take steps to correct the situation.
The 6 Possible Reasons Cats Play in Poop
1. They are Children
Kittens are still learning the ropes, and one of the things they need to learn is how to properly bury their poop. Your young kitten may accidentally play with poop. They may be unsuccessfully trying to bury it.
Alternatively, they may see poop as a toy and play with it the same way they would a stuffed mouse. As well as being less likely to play with the poop, kittens are also less likely to accidentally stand on it and smear it on the outside of the litter tray. They can also sit on it and get it stuck in their fur, take it out of the tray, and then play with it.
Don’t scold your kitten for playing with poop but continue litter training and praise them when they do things right. It takes time for kittens to learn how to properly bury their poop.
2. They are bored
Even some adult cats will play with their poop like a toy. This is most common in cats who are bored because they don’t have enough toys or aren’t getting the kind of interaction they need from their people or other feline members of the household.
Buy additional toys and spend time bonding with your cat by playing with interactive toys. The more playtime your cat gets, the less likely they are to get bored.
3. The Litter Tray is Dirty
Cats are clean animals and they expect you to do your part in keeping their habitat clean. This means cleaning the litter tray. Pick up solids whenever you see them and scoop up loose wet litter every day. You should also give the tray a thorough cleaning every week or so to remove any crusted debris or debris contents.
As well as making sure your cat has a clean place to do its business, cleaning up poop means your cat will have less to play with.
4. Improper Litter Tray
Cats can be finicky little animals. They need everything right to make sure they are content and are less likely to make trouble. Everything from the type of litter tray you choose to the litter inside will determine whether your cat is happy with its toilet.
Make sure the litter tray is big enough for your cat. It should be one and a half times the length of your cat. Choose a litter that your cat likes, and try a different litter if you’re struggling. There are many types of cat litter and some cats have preferences about the type they use.
5. It’s in the Wrong Position
You will need one litter tray per cat, plus one extra, and litter trays need to be placed in appropriate positions to ensure your cats use them and use them appropriately. Litter trays should be in a quiet area and preferably with at least one side against a wall so your cat doesn’t feel exposed. If you have dogs, you may want to consider a covered litter tray somewhere out of the dog’s reach.
Try moving your litter trays to different positions, but always allow your cat free and easy access to the trays to prevent accidents outside the box.
6. They Love the Smell
To us, cat poop is disgusting, but to cats, it smells! Your cat may be playing with his poop because he likes the smell. Your cat may smell some protein or other nutrients and play with the poop as a way to investigate what’s in it.
If your cat likes the smell of poop, you can expect some scrutiny. Sniffing poop is fine, but you shouldn’t encourage your cat to play with poop.
Cat Litter Requirements
Cats need a safe and clean place to urinate and defecate. Even those that get time outside need indoor litter trays. Buy one per cat and an extra tray, and try placing them in different positions around the house. Avoid placing them in high traffic areas but place them somewhere your cat has constant access to.
Choose a litter that effectively covers urine and feces but is easy to scoop and clean. If your cat is reluctant to get into the tray in the first place, it may be a sign that it doesn’t like the feel of the litter you’re using and you may need to try something softer like a recycled paper cat litter. litter.
Clean the tray regularly by scooping up poop whenever you see it and removing urine and litter clumps every day. You should also give the trays a thorough cleaning once a week, so that they are fresh and attractive to your cat.
Why Does My Cat Throw Up in the Litter Box?
Cats have some strange and sometimes chaotic behaviors. As well as playing with their poop, your cat may throw it off the tray and onto the floor in the surrounding area. Sometimes, this activity may be unintentional. Your cat may have been carried away while trying to hide.
Alternatively, it could be a sign that the litter needs cleaning more regularly. If you have multiple cats, one cat may throw poop from your other cat to try to get the tray. This may be an indication that you need more litter trays or that one of them is dirty and needs to be removed.
Why Does My Cat Go Crazy When I Sew?
Some cats experience “zoomies” when they poop, especially if they pass a large stool. This is because the distension caused by passing stool triggers the vagus nerve. This causes a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood in the brain. The lethargy caused by these changes can result in your cat showing mild signs of hyperactivity.
Conclusion
Cats are curious animals with some habits that seem strange to us humans. While most are clean and tidy animals that will quickly use litter trays. Kittens may play with their litter as they learn how to cover it properly while adult cats may play with the litter because of a dirty tray, inappropriate litter selection, or because they don’t approve of the litter tray itself. .
Some cats play with their poop because they like the smell of it. Consider your litterbox setup and make changes, first, before moving on to other possible causes.
