How to Know When a Cat Needs To Go To the Bathroom

Cats, as we know them, are obsessed with cleanliness. They spend many hours of the day grooming themselves.

 They also don’t enjoy sleeping and playing in dirty environments. The most amazing one is that cats eliminate in impeccable spots.

Whether it is peeing or passing stool, felines will always choose spotless litter boxes.

If the box is dirty, your kitty will choose to poop elsewhere provided it is clean. When she’s done, she will cover her stuff and move away from there.

In outdoor situations, cats learn to go to the potty on their own. They discover secluded and safe spots that can be covered after going.

However, indoor cats have to be taught how to use the potty. The training period can be frustrating for most parents.

Most cats like to play by their own rules. Others take forever to know where to pee or poop.

Telling when the kitty needs to go to the bathroom can help you better train your kitty.

The problem is that cats are very private and often hide their habits. However, if you are keen, there are a few clues that can tell you whether your cat is preparing to go the bathroom or not.

We have listed them below.

1. Digging

The most obvious sign of a cat that needs to pee or poop is kneading or digging. This is the act of pawing at the ground as if to uncover it.

In the wild, cats would burrow the earth, eliminate and cover the mess. Even in domestic settings, felines exhibit this behavior when the nature call strikes.

If you have an indoor pet, she can knead the floor or any other surface when she wants to go to the bathroom.

If she likes eliminating in a heap of clothes, she will create a hole in the middle of it.

If you notice this habit, grab the cat and place her at the litter box. You have to be fast enough lest she relieves herself right there.

If she does, refrain from punishing her. This can stress her and cause more accidents in the future.

2. Meowing loudly

Another tell-tale sign that your kitty is ready to eliminate is loud meowing. This often occurs if the kitty doesn’t have access to her bathroom spot.

For instance, if the litter box is closed off to keep the dog away or the box has been moved to another position.

Your cat may also meow if she’s in the process of learning how to use the litter box and her usual spot is nowhere to be seen.

Usually, this kind of meowing is a sign of distress. You can tell that it is different from the usual meows.

Not only is it loud and distressing but it is often accompanied by pacing. The cat will move from one place to another hoping to find a place to go.

If she’s very pressed, the pacing and meowing will be very intense. If you observe these things, make ready the litter box and place the cat in it.

Related Post: How to Stop a Cat in Heat from Meowing (9 Simple Ways)

3. Squatting

Forget about spraying urine in a bid to mark their territories. Under normal circumstances, cats have to squat before releasing a puddle of urine. This goes for both male and female cats.

After squatting, they will spread the hind legs so the paws face the opposite direction the release.  They assume the same position when passing stool.

If your cat suddenly assumes the squatting position anywhere around the house, she wants to go to the bathroom.

Cats love peeing in absorbent materials such as loose earth, clean towels, and sand. This is why litter boxes use absorbent materials.

Not only do they soak in the incoming fluid but they are also comfortable for the pet.

If your kitty’s usual spot is messy or blocked, she may squat in any place she chooses.

If she assumes this position, take the cat to the litter box hurriedly. If she just had her meal, you have limited time before she makes a mess.

4. Running behind the sofa

Last but not least, a cat that dashes behind the sofa or any other piece of furniture may also need to pee or poop.

This is a clear sign if you are conversant with the kitty’s favorite spots of eliminating.

 If she likes going behind the sofa, her running behind it can signal that she’s pressed.

 In case she likes pooping under the closet or the washing machine after eating a heavy meal, she can dash to these places as well.

Obviously, you don’t want your cat peeing or pooping behind your sofa. If you catch her almost going there, show her the litter box.

Offer tons of praise if she manages to use the litter box successfully.

Parting Thoughts

There it is – 4 signs that your cat needs to go to the bathroom. Your pet may display one of these at a given time only to switch to another later on.

Others will not let their cards out no matter what. You will only find messes around the house.

Regardless, don’t give up on potty training the kitty. She will soon come around.