Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box? How to Find the Cause and Track Your Cat’s Health

Finding a mess outside the litter box is one of the more frustrating moments of cat ownership, and it’s easy to take personally. But a cat that suddenly stops using the box isn’t being spiteful or difficult. It’s communicating something — whether that’s physical discomfort, a box that no longer meets their standards, or stress they can’t otherwise express.