Why do cats dig in their litter box? 6 reasons for this curious cat behavior

Updated 20/12/24

Why do cats dig? Specifically, why do cats dig in the litter box? Come with us as we unearth the truth behind this curious cat behavior, learn the reasons why cat digging is a thing, and bury any worries or concerns you may have as a cat carer.

6 reasons your cat’s digging in its litter box

1. To cover up their poop or pee
2. They’re marking their territory
3. The litter box is too small
4. You need to top up their litter box
5. They don’t like the litter box location
6. You need to clean their litter box

Why do cats dig in their litter box?

1. To cover up their poop or pee

Cats instinctively learn to bury their ‘leavings’ from as young as 3 weeks old. This means litter box training kittens (and cats) is a lot more straightforward than dog potty training. Eons ago when our purr babies were roaming wild, burying your poop was a form of self-preservation - it hid their scent from predators and other cats if they didn’t want to be seen as a threat. It’s also a lot more hygienic, buried droppings are less likely to spread diseases.

This same rationale is applied to the cat litter box today. If they see something that looks like dirt or sand (AKA cat litter), their furry brains tell them this is a good place to go to the bathroom. They’ll dig a small hole, do their thing in said hole, re-bury it, and then sniff the area to check if their scent has been at least partially covered.

2. They’re marking their territory

This cat-digging explanation isn’t too dissimilar to the point above. Cat urine and feces are covered in a cat’s scent which is an important tool for marking their territory. While this isn’t as vital as it used to be when they were wild, it’s still something cats need to do to feel secure and relaxed in their homes. One way to ‘spread the word’ is by kicking up some of their already self-scented cat litter. If your cat digs in their litter box (and creates a mess) with no intention of using it, this could be an effort to try and reclaim some unseen territory, especially if you have more than one cat. However, cats are much more likely to do this if they’re feeling anxious or threatened. If you have more than one cat, it’s important to have enough litter trays (1 per cat plus 1 spare) so they can all claim their own toilet territory.

3. The litter box is too small

If your cat digs the sides or persistently even when there’s no more litter, it’s a sign you need to find them a bigger box. Cats don’t completely understand how strong plastic is, so if they’re trying to dig out a larger toilet for themselves, they’re going to keep digging. If you regularly hear a scratch and dig the bottom of the box or outside their box, it might be worth finding something to accommodate their size. 

4. You need to top up their litter box

Every cat has their own specific preference on how they would like their bathroom area set up. Some require a bit more room, others are more concerned about the amount of litter they’ll be working with. Just as cats dig to make more room for their furry behinds, so too will they start digging if they want to churn up more litter. Cats want to cover their poop and pee just as much as we want them to, so a lack of litter could cause your cat to dig.

5. They don’t like the litter box location

There’s a fine art to choosing the right place to set up your cat’s litter box. As sophisticated creatures, they much prefer somewhere private and quiet to do their business. If this is compromised it can make them feel anxious and insecure. If you notice your cat constantly digging in the litter box combined with looking around, staring, and making direct eye contact, this can mean you need to move their litter box to a more discreet or quiet location.

6. You need to clean their litter box

Cats are clean animals who will avoid doing their business on top of their business (if you get what we mean). It’s a great instinct as it’s far from hygienic and environmentally more pleasant to avoid doing this. So, if you’ve let the litter box cleaning schedule slide, they will let you know. How? Well, by loudly digging up their box, or even going to the toilet outside of it. Yes, this may be a form of passive aggression, but it’s also them communicating they need more room for toilet time. So, toot sweet with the pooper scooper, human!

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

Planning to leave your digs in the not-too-distant future? Find the paw-fect cat sitter near you to keep your kitty settled, happy, and cared for in the comforts of their own home.