by Nomi Berger
Felines are famous for being fastidious. They not only groom themselves regularly, they have very specific demands regarding their litter boxes. And yet, some cats develop the perplexing habit of playing with their poop.
Why, you wonder? Consider these paws-ible reasons:
They’re bored: Some cats will play with their poop as if it’s a toy. Born of sheer boredom, they behave this way either because they don’t have enough toys or because they aren’t interacting satisfyingly with their owners or the other kitty members of their household. Purchase more toys for your cats to play with on their own and keep them actively engaged more often by using interactive toys together. The more play time they get, the less likely they are to be bored.
Their litter box is dirty: Scrupulously clean themselves, cats count on their owners to keep their litter box equally clean. Pick up all solids whenever you see them and scoop up all wet, clumped litter every day. Wash the litter box thoroughly each week to rid it of any crusted litter or extraneous litter contents. Not only will this satisfy your cats’ need for cleanliness, it will keep them from using their poop as a plaything.
Their litter box (and/or litter) isn’t right: Contented cats are less likely to either make a mess or play with their poop. First, this means ensuring their litter box is large enough: it should be one and a half times the length of the cat. Second, this means choosing a litter that your cats like. With various types of litter available, finding one that wins a paw’s up of approval from them is essential.
Their litter box is in the wrong position: In a multi-cat household, you need one litter box per cat, plus one, suitably positioned to ensure that your cats not only use them but use them appropriately. Ideally, they should be placed in quiet areas with at least one side against a wall so that your cats don’t feel “exposed.” Experiment by moving the litter boxes around, making certain to permit your cats easy access to them in order to prevent accidents outside the boxes.
They like the smell: Your cats may be playing with their poop because they find the smell quite pleasing. Perhaps it’s some protein or other nutrients they detect, leading them to sniff and investigate the source of that scent. While sniffing their poop may be mildly acceptable, never encourage or allow your cats to actually play with their poop.
Felines are famous for being fastidious. They not only groom themselves regularly, they have very specific demands regarding their litter boxes. And yet, some cats develop the perplexing habit of playing with their poop.
Why, you wonder? Consider these paws-ible reasons:
They’re bored: Some cats will play with their poop as if it’s a toy. Born of sheer boredom, they behave this way either because they don’t have enough toys or because they aren’t interacting satisfyingly with their owners or the other kitty members of their household. Purchase more toys for your cats to play with on their own and keep them actively engaged more often by using interactive toys together. The more play time they get, the less likely they are to be bored.
Their litter box is dirty: Scrupulously clean themselves, cats count on their owners to keep their litter box equally clean. Pick up all solids whenever you see them and scoop up all wet, clumped litter every day. Wash the litter box thoroughly each week to rid it of any crusted litter or extraneous litter contents. Not only will this satisfy your cats’ need for cleanliness, it will keep them from using their poop as a plaything.
Their litter box (and/or litter) isn’t right: Contented cats are less likely to either make a mess or play with their poop. First, this means ensuring their litter box is large enough: it should be one and a half times the length of the cat. Second, this means choosing a litter that your cats like. With various types of litter available, finding one that wins a paw’s up of approval from them is essential.
Their litter box is in the wrong position: In a multi-cat household, you need one litter box per cat, plus one, suitably positioned to ensure that your cats not only use them but use them appropriately. Ideally, they should be placed in quiet areas with at least one side against a wall so that your cats don’t feel “exposed.” Experiment by moving the litter boxes around, making certain to permit your cats easy access to them in order to prevent accidents outside the boxes.
They like the smell: Your cats may be playing with their poop because they find the smell quite pleasing. Perhaps it’s some protein or other nutrients they detect, leading them to sniff and investigate the source of that scent. While sniffing their poop may be mildly acceptable, never encourage or allow your cats to actually play with their poop.
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