You’ve done your part: you set up a litter box, filled it with fresh litter, and placed it in what you thought was the perfect spot. And yet, somehow, your cat still prefers to leave their business just outside of it. Why does this happen, and more importantly, what can you do to guide them back to the box?
To get to the solution, we first need to understand the reasons behind the behavior.
The Litter Box Feels Too Difficult
Cats need a litter box that allows them to turn around comfortably, dig freely, and have enough room to “aim” accurately. If the box is too small, you may see the cat’s body inside but the result… landing on the outside.
Cats, by nature, enjoy curling up in small, cozy spaces, but when it comes to using the bathroom, a bigger space makes them feel more at ease. That’s why box capacity matters. For instance, CATLINK’s Scooper SE series offers a roomy 70-liter interior, while the Pro series holds 65 liters, spacious enough even for a Maine Coon.
For elderly cats or breeds with shorter legs, like Munchkins, climbing into a high entry can be difficult. Placing a ramp in front of the litter box lowers the barrier and makes it easier for them to step in, reducing the chances of accidents outside the box.
The Box Isn’t Clean Enough
No one likes a dirty bathroom, and cats are no different. With traditional litter boxes, the rule of thumb is scooping at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Even if the smell doesn’t bother you, it can absolutely bother your cat. And when they’re uncomfortable, they’ll look for a cleaner spot.
Multi-cat households especially need to scoop more often.
If your schedule makes it hard to keep up with daily scooping, or if you need to travel, an automatic litter box can be a game-changer. CATLINK’s self-cleaning options take the chore off your hands, keeping the box consistently clean.
One important note: if your cat has already chosen a “wrong” spot, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner. Cats navigate the world through scent. If the smell lingers, they’ll return to the same place again and again.
Comfort and Confidence
If your cat trusts you, you’ve probably seen them parade around with their tail straight up or even turn their back to you. That’s feline body language for “I feel safe here.”
Interestingly, this sense of confidence can also play out at the litter box. Some cats won’t bother to bury their waste because they feel secure enough not to hide it. Others may have picked up the habit from you. If you scoop immediately after they’re done, they might interpret it as: “My human wants to keep this around, so I don’t need to cover it up.”
A stress-free bathroom space
What You Can Do
Add a curtain to the box.
If your litter box comes with a cover, attaching a small curtain at the entrance can encourage your cat to go fully inside. Cats naturally enjoy enclosed spaces, and the curtain adds a sense of security while also containing stray litter when they dig. Just make sure to wait until your cat is already comfortable with the box before adding it, too much change at once can backfire.
Clean thoroughly where accidents happen.
Again, enzyme cleaners are essential. Remove every trace of scent where your cat has gone outside the box. To them, smell equals safety. If the odor remains, they’ll see it as an approved bathroom spot.
Use behavior to guide them back.
Most cats feel the urge to go 5–15 minutes after eating. You can use this to your advantage. Place some used litter clumps inside the box, then gently set your cat inside after mealtime. Over time, they’ll associate the box with a safe, familiar place to relieve themselves.
“Every clump ends up in the waste bin, keeping things clean and fresh.
In the end, a cat going outside the litter box isn’t mischief, it’s communication. They’re telling you something about their comfort, their environment, or their routine. With a little patience and the right setup, you can help them return to the box, happily and reliably.
