Aargh! Cats!

[Circumferences]

Why oh why are the cats doing this?

Their litter trays are perfectly newly clean, beautiful amount of fresh Catsun cat litter. Yet STILL they crap about an inch to the side of the litter tray on the carpet then kick the litter out of the tray onto the poo.

It's a relatively recent development. When they arrived here they were good little kittens who used the tray - apart from once or twice they used the front door mat but that's in a different area where there's no litter tray so that's forgivable. They don't do that anymore.

A while ago, once or twice I saw the poo next to their litter trays on the floor and assumed the cat missed by mistake. Now it's EVERY DAY. They wake up at stupid o clock, before I'm out of bed, and every morning I'm coming downstairs to find poo on the carpet. No idea which one does it more as we have two cats and often only one has pood on the carpet. Sometimes both have.

I spent half a day shampooing the area getting poo stains and smell off. They started doing it more regularly after that!

Help!

Is the answer because they are cats?

We have some incontinence mats down in favourite spots overnight. I think they just get in a habit of certain behaviours/ places. Ours just does it at night as a protest for being shut downstairs and that we are not up at 5.30am (which is why she is shut downstairs).

Are their trays big enough?

Exactly what I was about to post. What may have been fine when they were smaller is no longer big enough now they have grown - they grow very fast as kittens!

They're the standard cat litter tray size. The sort they sell in Sainsbury's or pet shops I haven't noticed any larger ones available? Could have a look I guess But I'm pretty sure they can fit in there, they could before I shampood the carpet about 10 days ago. They appear to be simply choosing to poo over the side 🤷

I didn't want to resort to putting plastic down as that's like admitting defeat! But I'll shampoo it again then do just that. I'd rather they used the tray though!

What about a tray with a lid so they can't poo over the edges?

It sounds like they are standing in the litter tray but hanging their bums over the edge. Could you put a taller barrier round the litter trays so they are forced to stay in the tray? I’m imaging a cut down cardboard box or even a strip of cardboard.

This is probably it. Can you put the litter tray inside a bigger box like a plastic tub/ tote?

Maybe they've decided they don't like the litter
Try a tray with higher sides or a lidded tray
Sit the tray on a mat so that nothing lands on the carpet

Maybe they don't like the type of litter you have. Perfumed litter? Coarse litter? Some prefer it to be soft and fine, perfumed stuff puts them off.

I have 2 large trays, deep ones to keep the litter from being kicked out, and have discovered that current cat prefers the soft litter, will choose the tray with it in rather than the Cats Best which somehow seems to have become harder and crunchier over the years. I don't use anything scented around cats, no perfumed cleaners, litter, sprays as it upsets their sense of smell.

Had one little cat that would use the tray a couple of times and when she decided it needed cleaning she would use the floor in front of it. I put another tray in the room

Currently have these trays, although previously used the covered type with a higher back, removed the lid depending on which cat was using them.

www.amazon.co.uk/IRIS-Litter-Scoop-Size-Beige/dp/B07BP4LC8X?th=1

If it was wee over the side I would say bladder issues but given it's poo I would go for:

largest litter tray you can find
different litter
covered tray
puppy pads around tray

I'm thinking the paws are under the table so they dont have to behave now, if they didnt like the litter they can now express it openly.

Try a fine grained litter, ultra clumping or something small sized. If that doesnt work try a covered tray but if the litter is too big for their paws they will make their own arrangements.

Try different litter. Catsan might be to rough on their delicate feetsies. The only time I have ever had a dirty protest, was when I had mixed a free sample of tofu litter in with their normal stuff. Actually was glad if the excuse to throw it all out as it tracked everywhere.

Those high sided litter trays look very good, thanks.

Unfortunately I'll need to observe them in the act as I've no idea if they're standing in the tray and pooing over the edge (which I do suspect but need to be sure first) or if they'd just see the high edge and walk around next to the box to poo on the floor anyway.

It's worth trying a new litter type will do over xmas. Perhaps the novelty will encourage them.