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Do Cats Like Privacy When They Poop? Deciphering Your Cat’s Behavior (Vet-Reviewed)

Two cats using a self cleaning litter box

VET APPROVED

Dr. Maja Platisa Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Maja Platisa

Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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No, you’re not weird for wondering—every cat parent has probably wondered if their cat feels self-conscious when doing the deed or if they are…exhibitionists. Some readers have had a cat keep them company while trying to relieve themselves—it makes you wonder!

Do they want you to return the favor? How do they get in there, anyway? There are many questions, but we only have time for the critical ones. In this article, we answer a very important question—because somebody must do the heavy lifting in this world. In short, yes, cats like privacy when they poop, keep reading as we explain further.

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Do Cats Need Privacy When Pooping?

cat sniffing on the litter box
Image By: cheyennezj, Shutterstock

While we can’t resist poking fun, it’s very important to your cat’s health that they are comfortable with using their litter box. All bathroom humor aside, there is a serious element to this—because if cats are uncomfortable using their litter box, they won’t use it. If you’re lucky, they will find it somewhere else, like your laundry basket or bed. Yes, if you read that correctly, you would be lucky. That’s because if a cat doesn’t poop for too long, they could be in serious trouble.

Cats need to have a bowel movement at a bare minimum once every day. This will depend on their age, and young kittens may defecate 3-6 times per day, while adult and older cats generally defecate once or twice in 24 hours. Rarely, some cats may go every 36 hours, but this often points to an underlying health condition that should be checked out by a vet. Cats that are stressed may also avoid pooping for one to two days, which may lead to health issues.

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Pooping?

If your adult cat goes longer than 36-48 hours without a bowel movement, or your kitten doesn’t defecate within 24 hours, it’s time to go to the vet. Unfortunately, our precious little pals don’t take very long to develop serious problems if they aren’t able to poop. If your cat is straining to defecate, suffering from constipation or diarrhea, their stool is very hard, or it contains bloods, mucus or visible parasites, they are in pain and meowing in the litter box, vomiting, or not wanting to eat, or being lethargic, do not wait for the 24 or 48 hour mark, but instead get your cat or kitten seen by the emergency vet immediately.

On the other hand, if your cat or kitten is feeling and behaving fine, with normal activity and energy levels, and eating well, just without showing any intent to use the litter box, then you can try a couple of things. If in doubt, contact your vet.

 

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What to Do if Your Cat Isn’t Pooping But Is Otherwise Well

Cat drinking from ceramic bowl
Image By: Pattysan, Shutterstock

Again, this should only be attempted if your cat is otherwise fine, eating well, not straining or making any attempts to defecate, and it hasn’t yet been 48 hours. Once it’s been two days or 48 hours, you must take your cat to the vet; their health depends on it.

  • More Water – A cat who isn’t drinking enough water can be prone to constipation. If they don’t feel like drinking, you obviously can’t force them; however, if they usually eat dry food, you can try giving them wet food. Cats aren’t the biggest water-gulpers—they get much of their H20 from the meat they evolved to eat, so switching from kibble to wet can be a way to sneak some water into their systems. Offering your cat a cat-safe bone broth, cooked without salt or spices, and investing in a water fountain are two great ways to improve your cat’s water intake.
  • Minimize Stress – Cats are quite particular. They have routines, spots, and they like their world to be a certain way. This includes their litter box. We’re going to go into a little more depth about how to make their litter box more comfortable, but aside from that, small disruptions in their lives can cause stress. Pay attention to your cat’s needs and make sure you’re respecting their life and routine. Cats always get coined ‘little people’ and it’s almost literally true. They don’t like to please anyone, like a dog; they need to be treated according to their terms.
  • Fiber, and ProBiotics – This might be the first choice for some, but you should still pay attention to the other needs of your cat. That said, probiotic and fiber supplements for cats can be useful tools.

You’re likely wondering what you can do to avoid all of this. Let’s talk about how to make your cat’s space comfortable and encourage them to use their litter box regularly.

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How to Make Your Cat’s Litter Box More Comfortable

Privacy

This does, of course, bring us back around to our first point: your cat needs some privacy. Set up the litter box somewhere where they won’t feel on display, in a low-traffic area. The basement may be a good spot, some people like to use a spare room, closet, or bathroom. Make sure there is at least one litter box per cat, and if you have a home with more than one story, ensure there is a litter box on each floor.

Come on, you probably wouldn’t want to take a poop in front of a bunch of people? This has got us wondering about cats who like to keep their owners’ company in the bathroom again—maybe they’re just trying to make a point! Regardless, give them their space. There are a few other things that you can do, however, to help make the litter box more comfortable.

Litter

Try using a different litter or substrate. There are many products on the market that you can try, and find the one that works best for your cat. Some of these use walnut shells and others use old newspapers to create pellets.

cat litter box cleaning
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Hygiene

Keep it clean! Nobody likes to use a filthy bathroom, not even your cat. We’re sure you already do this, but you know—we must cover all our bases! Using an uncovered box in a private location is ideal for this for two reasons. Firstly, there is more room for cats to move around and do their business and secondly, it’s much easier to access and clean regularly. Scoop at least twice a day, and fully wash the box out every week. If your cat prefers a closed litter box, then go with their preference.

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Comfort

Keep at least 2–3 inches of litter in there, so there is enough for them to comfortably bury it and walk around. With any luck, making a couple of minor adjustments like this will help make your cat happy enough to poop in their box comfortably and regularly.

corn cat litter
Image By: Lilia Solonari, Shutterstock

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Summary

Do cats like privacy when they poop? Of course, they do! In fact, they need it. As loving pet parents, it is important to make sure that our little ones who trust us are comfortable in all aspects of their lives—especially the awkward and sometimes gross ones.

Our feline friends have a unique set of needs that isn’t really all that different from our own, except for how serious it can be. It’s our job to tend to those needs!

(And you thought we were joking when we said it was an important question!)

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

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