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VetVine Client Care

Posted On Nov 28, 2017

Updated On Jun 25, 2025

House Soiling In Cats

Behavior

House-soiling is one of the more common behavior problems reported in cats. In fact, 20 to 30% of cats in shelters are there because of relinquishment due to a behavior problem.

We know that cats may fail to use the litterbox because they consider it "inadequate" for a variety of reasons including:

  • Cleanliness (or lack thereof)
  • An insufficient number of boxes (in multi-cat households)
  • Box construction (some prefer covered vs. non-covered boxes)
  • Substrate (type and depth


Although we know much about litter and litterbox style preferences in cats, little has been known about their preference for litter box size ... until now! Published findings show that box size may also influence a cat's preference to use it or not. This is important information that could make a difference in whether a cat successfully remains in a household or is relinquished by a frustrated owner. This information potentially impacts the veterinarian's client retention and long term relationship in caring for a cat with a house soiling problem.

Reference: Litterbox size preference in domestic cats (Felis catus) - J of Vet Behavior, 2014, Vol 9, pp 78-82