Cats avoid the litter tray when something feels wrong — either with the tray or their health.
Common causes
- Dirty tray
- Wrong litter
- Stress
- Medical issues
1. Dirty tray
Cats are clean animals.
Quick fixes:
- Scoop daily
- Wash tray weekly
2. Wrong litter
Cats prefer certain textures.
Quick fixes:
- Try unscented litter
- Try finer grains
3. Stress
Changes cause avoidance.
Quick fixes:
- Keep tray in a quiet spot
- Avoid moving it
What to try first
Clean the tray — it fixes most issues.
When to call a professional
If your cat strains or cries when using the tray.