Usually, cats are very clear animals. They groom themselves commonly they usually have fairly particular calls for in relation to litter trays. Regardless of this, cats can develop some odd habits that appear soiled to us people. One such behavior is taking part in with their poop. Though most typical in kittens, some grownup cats may also develop this behavior, with frequent causes together with boredom or the supply of inappropriate litter gear.
Under, we have a look at six of the most typical causes that cats may play with their poop, so you’ll be able to determine the trigger and take steps to rectify the state of affairs.
The 6 Attainable Causes That Cats Play With Poop
1. They’re Younger
Kittens are nonetheless studying the ropes, and one of many issues they should study is tips on how to correctly bury their poop. Your younger kitten won’t be taking part in with poop deliberately. They may be unsuccessfully making an attempt to bury it.
Alternatively, they may see the poop as a toy and play with it in the identical manner they might a stuffed mouse. In addition to being extra prone to play with poop, kittens are additionally extra prone to by chance stand in it and smear it round outdoors the litter tray. They might additionally sit in it and get it caught of their fur, carry it outdoors the tray, after which play with it.
Don’t inform your kitten off for taking part in with the poop however proceed with litter coaching and praising them after they do issues correctly. It does take time for kittens to learn to appropriately bury their poop.
![kittens in cat litter box](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kittens-in-cat-litter-box_Kachalkina-Veronika-Shutterstock.jpg)
2. They’re Bored
Even some grownup cats will play with their poop prefer it’s a toy. That is most typical in cats which might be bored as a result of they don’t have sufficient toys or aren’t getting the form of interplay they require from their people or different feline members of the family.
Purchase further toys and spend time partaking along with your cat by taking part in with interactive toys. The extra playtime your cat will get, the much less possible they are going to be bored.
3. The Litter Tray Is Soiled
Cats are clear animals they usually anticipate you to play your half in retaining their habitat clear. This implies cleansing out the litter tray. Choose up solids everytime you see them and scoop clumped moist litter day-after-day. You also needs to give the tray an intensive clear each week or so to do away with any crusted litter or litter contents.
In addition to guaranteeing that your cat has someplace clear to do its enterprise, clearing up the poop signifies that your cat could have much less to play with.
![dirty cat litter box](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dirty-cat-litter-box_SURKED_Shutterstock.jpg)
4. The Litter Tray Isn’t Proper
Cats will be fairly finicky little animals. They want all the pieces excellent to make sure they’re content material and fewer prone to make a multitude. All the things from the kind of litter tray you select to the litter inside will decide whether or not your cat is pleased with its rest room association.
Make sure the litter tray is massive sufficient on your cat. It ought to be one and a half instances the size of your cat. Select a litter that your cat likes, and take a look at a distinct litter for those who’re struggling. There are numerous sorts of cat litter and a few cats do have preferences relating to the kind they use.
5. It’s Within the Improper Place
You’ll need one litter tray per cat, plus one further, and the litter trays have to be positioned in appropriate positions to make sure your cats use them and use them appropriately. Litter trays ought to be in quiet areas and ideally have at the least one facet in opposition to a wall so your cat received’t really feel uncovered. If in case you have canines, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account a coated litter tray in a spot the place the canine can’t attain.
Attempt shifting your litter trays to totally different positions, however at all times enable your cat free and easy accessibility to the trays to stop accidents outdoors the field.
![cat litter box top entry](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cat-litter-box-top-entry_Nils-Jacobi_Shutterstock.jpg)
6. They Just like the Scent
To us, cat poop can scent disgusting, however to cats, it could possibly scent nice! Your cat could also be taking part in with its poop as a result of it likes the scent. Your cat may be capable to scent some protein or different vitamins and is taking part in with the poop as a strategy to examine what’s in there.
In case your cat likes the scent of poop, you’ll be able to anticipate some investigation. Sniffing the poop is okay, however you shouldn’t encourage your cat to play with feces.
Cat Litter Necessities
Cats want somewhere safe and clean to pee and poop. Even those that get to spend time outdoor want indoor litter trays. Purchase one per cat plus one further tray, and attempt to put them in several positions round the home. Keep away from placing them in areas the place there’s a whole lot of site visitors however place them someplace your cat has ongoing entry to.
Select a litter that successfully covers urine and feces however that’s straightforward to scoop and clear. In case your cat is reluctant to get within the tray within the first place, it may very well be an indication that it doesn’t like the texture of the litter you’re utilizing and also you may must strive one thing softer like a recycled paper cat litter.
Clear the tray commonly by scooping poop everytime you see it and eliminating urine and clumped litter day by day. You also needs to give the trays an intensive clear as soon as every week, so they’re recent and interesting on your cat.
![woman with a push cart in grocery buying cat food](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/woman-with-a-push-cart-in-grocery-buying-cat-food-LADO-Shutterstock-e1676642843331.jpg)
Why Does My Cat Fling Poop Out of the Litter Field?
Cats have some odd and generally messy habits. In addition to taking part in with their poop, your cat could fling it out of the tray and onto the ground within the surrounding space. Generally, this exercise will be unintentional. Your cat might need gotten carried away whereas making an attempt to cowl up.
Alternatively, it may very well be an indication that the litter wants cleansing out extra commonly. If you have multiple cats, one cat may be flinging poop out of your different cat out to try to declare the tray. This may be a sign you want extra litter trays or that considered one of them is soiled and desires clearing out.
Why Does My Cat Go Loopy When They Poop?
Some cats expertise “zoomies” after they poop, particularly if passing a big poop. It’s because the distension brought on by passing the poop triggers the vagus nerve. This causes a drop in coronary heart charge, blood strain, and blood to the mind. Lightheadedness brought on by these modifications may end up in your cat exhibiting delicate indicators of hyperactivity.
![orange cat digging litter box](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/orange-cat-digging-litter-box_xamnesiacx84_Shutterstock.jpg)
Conclusion
Cats are curious animals which have some habits that appear odd to us people. Whereas most are clear and tidy animals that can fastidiously use litter trays. Kittens may play with their poop whereas they learn to correctly cowl it up whereas grownup cats may be taking part in with stools due to a unclean tray, inappropriate litter alternative, or as a result of it doesn’t approve of the litter tray itself.
Some cats play with their poop as a result of they just like the scent of it. Contemplate your litterbox setup and make modifications, first, earlier than shifting on to different attainable causes.