If Your Cat Doesn’t Cover Her Poop, What Can You Do? It can be frustrating (and a little smelly) if you find exposed poop waiting in the litter box. Just remember: your cat doesn’t do this to be mean. If she is not covering her poop, it could be due to nervousness, competition with other cats, health issues, or other reasons. You can encourage your cat to cover her feces by trying different litter boxes, soothing products, and reducing stress in her life.

1. Teach your cat to bury

If your cat never buries her poop, it may be because she didn’t learn from Mama Kitty. ¹   Try sitting with her while she uses the litter box, then gently use her paws to cover the litter when she is done. Give her the rewards when you cover her up. You can also use tap training to “catch” the correct movements and encourage them slowly over time. ²

2. Add more litter boxes in different locations

If the cat is not covering its poop, it may be because the litter box is in a place that your cat does not like. Or maybe you don’t have enough funds. It is a good rule of thumb to provide at least one litter box for each cat.

Put litter boxes in different places. Make sure some are away from loud noises such as washing machines or heavy traffic. A cat who is distracted by the noise may forget to cover her poop.

3. Reduce stress

Sometimes, stress can cause cats to leave their poop exposed. In the wild, cats may cover their poop to hide their scent so predators don’t know they’re there. ³   Or they may be trying to show that they are not a threat to the “alpha” cats in the area. So a cat that does not cover its poop may be in competition with another cat and trying to show dominance. Other stress triggers, such as other cats roaming outside the home, may make her feel insecure. Even having visitors or moving to a new home can make your cat feel stressed.

If you have a stressed cat, reducing stress can help her feel more confident about covering her poop. Try a soothing diffuser. This releases a drug-free, odorless vapor that mimics the pheromones your cat uses to signal that the area is safe. You can also try a soothing collar that releases the same fumes wherever you go.

It can help to set up cat trees so that all of your cats are not stuck on the ground together. Playing with your cat can help to expend some of that nervous energy, too.

4. Test different types and levels of litter

A cat may not cover its poop because the litter hurts its claws, or it doesn’t like the smell or the feel. So try a variety of litter, from pine to sawdust to pellets. You can also try a fragrance-free litter.

Long-haired cats may develop pellets of litter that get stuck in their fur and protruding from their feet. Try “crystal” litter designed for long-haired cats. Long-haired cats can also get mats on their butt, so check that out as well.

You can also experiment with different levels of trash and clean it up frequently. Some cats do not cover their litter if the litter is too shallow or too deep. Others won’t cover it if it’s too dirty.

5. Try a box with lower or larger sides

Try a low-profile box. Some elderly cats or cats with hip dysplasia may feel pain when they try to enter the litter box. This may cause them to want to leave the box quickly, or they may begin to defecate outside the box instead. If you use a low-sided box (or cut one side off), your cat may warm to the litter box over time.

A larger box may also help. If the crate is too small, your cat may not feel comfortable moving around and burying her poop. A covered crate often limits the space your cat must move. But some cats feel more comfortable in a covered box, so try different types.

6. Talk to a vet

It is always a good idea to chat with your vet if a sudden change in your cat’s behavior occurs. If she covers her poop and stops suddenly, she may have a new health problem. Get her checked out to make sure she’s okay.

Remember: if your cat isn’t covering his poop, he’s not trying to be mean or showing that he’s angry with you. A cat usually does not cover its poop due to stress, pain, or litter box problems. So go easy on your furry little one and try some of these solutions to see if they help.