How to Stop Cats From Pooping on Rugs

Litter-trained cats may be trained to do their business in the litterbox, but if your cat is pooping outside the box and on your rug, that's a sign of inappropriate elimination. Litter box problems are among the most common behavioral issues experienced by cat owners, and this frustrating behavior can be difficult for cat owners to manage.

The key to solving the problem is figuring out why your cat is pooping in inappropriate places, like your nicest rug. Find out why cats could be prone to defecating on rugs and how to resolve the behavioral issue.

Why Do Cats Poop on Rugs?

Out of all the places in a home, it seems that rugs are popular targets for inappropriate elimination. There's something about the fabric that attracts cats. Perhaps it's the fact that rugs are easy to knead and paw at like litter, or maybe it's the scent. Absorbancy is likely a factor as well. You may never know for sure why your cat seems to prefer the rug, but many cat owners report this same issue.

Cats are often mysterious, so getting to the bottom of the problem will take careful observation. You'll need to eliminate the potential causes one at a time.

Causes of Cats Pooping on Rugs

No matter where your cat is pooping, if it's outside the litter box, there are a few possible explanations for it.

Medical Issues

Before you assume the inappropriate elimination is a behavior problem, it's important to have your cat's health evaluated. During the checkup, your vet will talk to you about your cat's behavior and ask if there are any other signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, change in appetite, or lethargy. The vet will thoroughly examine your cat for signs of a health problem. Lab tests and/or radiographs (X-rays) may be recommended as well.

Something as simple as constipation may cause a cat to defecate on a rug or in another inappropriate spot. For example, your backed-up cat suddenly has the urge to relieve himself, but he might not be able to get to the litter box in time.

Pain or discomfort may also account for inappropriate pooping. Maybe your cat has trouble getting in and out of the litter box and waits to defecate until he can't hold it anymore. Perhaps the posture the cat finds most comfortable is easier to achieve on the living room rug. Your vet may discover a condition such as arthritis and offer a treatment that makes your cat more comfortable.

Be aware that older cats may develop dementia. This can affect your cat's habits and even cause him to "forget" years of training. Your vet may be able to recommend medications or supplements to help in this situation too.

Behavioral Causes

Once you've ruled out a health problem, it's time to consider behavioral causes. There are a few reasons your cat's habits may suddenly have changed.

• Undesirable Litter Box: Perhaps your cat dislikes the size, style, or location of the litter box. Or maybe he doesn't like the cat litter you use. Many cats dislike the litter box because it's not clean. Is your litter box clean enough for your fastidious cat?
• Stress in the Environment: Have you recently moved? Is there a new pet or human in the house? Even something as minor as a change in your schedule can cause stress for a cat.
• Territory Marking: If you've recently brought home another cat, your cat may be trying to mark its territory by pooping on the rug. Marking with urine is more common, but some cats poop instead.

How to Stop Inappropriate Pooping

It's difficult to break the habit once your cat has started pooping outside the litter box. There are several steps you'll need to take to break this bad habit and you'll need to keep up with your cat religiously to stop this behavior.

Clean Up the Evidence

Start by making sure to thoroughly clean the areas where your cat has pooped. If you're unable to get the area clean enough, your cat will continue to be attracted to the spot. Launder any items that can go in the washing machine. If your cat has pooped on a bathmat or inexpensive rug, you might just need to get rid of the item. For best results, use a high-quality enzymatic cleaner for pet messes.

Reevaluate the Litter Box

Cats want to use ultra-clean litter boxes and tend to prefer roomy, open boxes. Try switching to jumbo litter boxes without covers. You can even consider turning a large plastic under-the-bed storage box into a king-sized makeshift litter box. If you only have one litter box, add a second one in a different area. Consider putting the second box near the place where your cat has been pooping inappropriately. If you have multiple cats, you may need to add even more litter boxes. A good general rule of thumb is that there should be one more litter box in the house than there are cats. There should also be litter boxes on every floor of the home.

Consider the Litter

If you're using scented litter, switch to unscented right away. While humans may prefer the scented litter to cover up odors, many cats find artificial scents overwhelming and repulsive. Remember that your cat has a much more sensitive nose than you do. Your cat may also dislike the texture of the litter. Use a new type of litter in the second box and see if your cat prefers it. Consider the size of the litter particles as well as whether the litter is clumping or non-clumping. You can also consider a litter specially designed to appeal to cats, like Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract.

Work on Training

Your cat may need a refresher course in litter box training, particularly if the cat is young or was recently adopted.

Deter Your Cat From Using Inappropriate Areas

If there are a couple of specific places where your cat tries to poop, attempt to make these areas as unattractive as possible. Lay down aluminum foil or double-sided tape until your cat stops trying to approach these areas. Do your best to make the litter box the most appealing option.

Reduce Stress in Your Home

If there's a new cat in the house, make sure you properly introduce the two of them. If it's another animal or even a human, you may need to gradually desensitize your cat to the source of the stress. Make sure your cat has a safe place to retreat when needed. Also, be sure there's enough space so that the food bowl and the litter box aren't next to each other.

Improve Your Cat's Environment and Play With Your Cat Daily

Learn about feline enrichment to make your cat's world more fulfilling. Consider adding vertical space, like a cat tree or wall shelves to give your cat more places to go. Try leaving interactive toys around when you are out. Play with your cat as often as possible. A frustrated, bored cat is much more likely to act out.

Be Patient and Consistent

Change won't happen overnight, so don't stress out. Just work hard to clean the soiled areas, keep the litter box clean and attractive, and maintain a happy and fun environment for your cat.

Contact Your Vet

If things aren't improving and you're at your limit, don't give up. Ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or applied animal behaviorist. It will be worth the investment to have an expert weigh in.