What Changes in your cat’s toilet habits may signal


Changes in your cat’s toilet habits can sometimes be an early sign that something isn’t quite right. Find out what to look out for and how to support their health.

A clean litter tray is important for more than just keeping your home fresh. It can also give you important insights into your cat’s health and wellbeing.

Changes in how often your cat uses the litter tray, straining to go to the toilet, or toileting outside the tray can be early signs that something isn’t quite right. Because cats are creatures of habit, changes in their toilet routine are often one of the first indicators of a potential health issue.

Why is litter tray hygiene important?

Cats naturally prefer a clean place to go to the toilet. If a tray becomes too dirty, some cats may start avoiding it altogether.

To help keep your cat comfortable:

  • Scoop waste daily.
  • Change litter regularly.
  • Wash the tray with pet-safe products.
  • Provide enough trays for multi-cat households.

A clean litter tray also makes it easier to spot changes in your cat’s toilet habits.

Cat next to litter tray

What changes should you look out for?

It’s worth paying attention if your cat suddenly:

  • Uses the litter tray more often than usual.
  • Toilets outside the tray.
  • Strains when urinating or passing stools.
  • Produces very small amounts of urine.
  • Has diarrhoea or constipation.

Can diet and hydration make a difference?

Yes. Healthy digestion and good hydration can play an important role in your cat’s toilet habits.

You can help support this by:

  • Providing fresh water every day.
  • Including moisture-rich foods, such as wet food or bone broth.
  • Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet.

Making sure your cat is well hydrated will help keep their urinary and digestive systems functioning properly.

Keeping an eye on your cat's health

Checking the litter tray may not be the most glamorous part of cat ownership, but it can tell you a lot about your cat’s wellbeing.

Maintaining good litter tray hygiene, and keeping an eye out for changes, will help you spot potential problems early and help keep your cat happy and healthy.

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