Why Do Cats Sleep in Their Litter Box? (17 Reasons for This Strange Behavior) – Updated 2022

Even if your cat has never been inside of a litter box before, they should be familiar with this behavior by now.

Have you ever wondered why cats sleep in their litter box? Have you ever wished you could wake a sleeping cat so you could pet it? If you’re like many people, you’ve always wanted to pet a cat while it sleeps.

But sadly, there’s no way to get a cat to wake up and play. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pet a sleeping cat. In fact, it turns out that there are many ways you can pet a sleeping cat without waking it.

Is it normal for cats to sleep in their litter box?

In general, cats are very neat and tidy pets who do a fantastic job of keeping their sleeping and bathroom spaces distinct. Consequently, it is peculiar if your cat starts sleeping in his litter box.

It’s crucial to figure out if there’s something wrong because most healthy cats like to sleep in a spot that’s both clean and comfy.

Why is my cat laying in his or her litter box?

A cat may choose to use his litter box for resting or sleeping for a variety of reasons. Reasons for a cat’s unusual behavior typically include the following.

Early behavior in kittens

When was the last time you saw a cat resting in its litter box? They might be able to keep on studying even then! As they play and learn, many kittens exhibit some peculiar habits.

During the house training process, it is common for a child to confuse the toilet with the bedroom.

Kittens often tire themselves out by running about vigorously, and it is not unusual for them to fall asleep in the litter box as a result.

Health issues in elderly cats

Like kittens, senior cats can weary quickly and may choose for a nap on the couch. Conditions like osteoarthritis in older cats might make it difficult for them to use a litter box with high sides, so they may avoid using it altogether.

Older cats might also have problems with their cognition. Your cat may get confused and act in unusual ways if it develops dementia-like symptoms. Using the litter box as a bed is one such behavior.

Toileting problems and illness

If your cat is having trouble using the litter box, he may start spending all of his time there.

Constipation, diarrhea, or a persistent need to pee as a result of an underlying urinary condition might lead a person to spend a disproportionate amount of time in the restroom.

It could also be too much of an inconvenience to get out of the box if they aren’t feeling well, so they stay in there and rest. Cats who are sick, old, or recuperating from surgery may have difficulty leaving the box.

Anxiety issues

If your cat is stressed, it may try to escape to its litter box. This is typical behavior for cats that have just relocated.

They may seek refuge and safety in the litter box since it is the only thing that is remotely familiar to them in their new home. Most cats eventually stop hiding and start investigating their surroundings.

Pregnancy

Sometimes, pregnant cats act strange, especially when their due date draws near. She may have regular bathroom needs yet lack the strength to jump in and out of the litter box each time.

When it’s time to have kittens, some cats may consider using the litter box as a makeshift nest, especially if it’s located in a peaceful, undisturbed part of the house.

Guarding behaviors

It is not uncommon for cats to be quite possessive of their territory. As a result, they may get possessive of items like bowls of food or water, beds, and even litter boxes.

Having numerous cats in a home might cause this, especially if there aren’t enough supplies for everyone to get what they need (many cats aren’t big on sharing).

Similarly, if your cat is being bullied by another cat in the home, they may seek sanctuary in the litter box because they are afraid to sleep or sit with the bully.

Safety

The litter box can provide a sense of security for certain feline residents. If your cat is feeling anxious, you may help him feel more at ease by placing him in a box with higher walls and a roof.

If there are fireworks going off nearby or if you have a lot of guests around, your cat may want to hide in the bathroom.

Your Cat Has Urinary Issues

Some cats have trouble urinating or urinate too frequently, and the result is that they often fall asleep in their litter box.

According to veterinarian Sandra Mitchel, most cats with urinary tract infections will make repeated excursions to the litter box. In case they feel the need to relieve themselves, some cats choose to remain in the litter box at all times.

Urinary obstruction is a common problem in male cats and can make it difficult or impossible for them to urinate. Some tomcats may want to use the home as their own toilet, while others may be content with the litter box.

Your cat may urinate often for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to an infection in the urinary system, diabetes, bladder stones, or chronic kidney disease.

In addition, your cat’s condition might rapidly deteriorate within a couple of hours if urinary blockage is left untreated. If you detect a change in your cat’s bathroom habits, it’s important to discuss this with your veterinarian.

Your Cat Is in Pain

Having digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation might lead a cat to spend more time than normal in the litter box.

Sometimes, your cat is too weak to make the journey back and forth between the litter box and its bed because of an illness. When a cat is in a lot of discomfort, it may be reluctant to move.

Cats should be sent to the clinic if they get listless, stop drinking or eating, or have severe diarrhea that prevents them from leaving the litter box.

Your Kitten is Tired

Kittens are high-energy furballs who wear out quickly. Therefore, it is not uncommon for kittens to nod off in the middle of a game. Therefore, their presence in the litter box shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

And kittens need time to figure out the purpose of the litter box. And because kittens, like adult cats, have a penchant for cardboard boxes, the bathroom wastebasket can easily be mistaken for a cozy nest.

Your Cat Is in Labor

Do you know whether your cat is expecting a baby? Then it’s possible your female cat is in labor and becoming frantic.

It’s common for first-time cat moms to panic right before giving birth. Some people have been known to take a cat nap in the bathroom stall, certain that they required a trip to the restroom.

As an added bonus, the litter box is a haven for feline comfort. Additionally, if the cat has no other options, it will give birth in the litter box.

Your Cat Is Stressed

One of the most prevalent causes of unusual feline behavior, such snoozing in the litter box or hiding under the bed, is stress.

When your cats feel vulnerable or endangered, they will seek a quiet, secure spot to sleep.

Your cat is likely to feel at ease in the litter box since it is scented with its own aroma and is not difficult to guard.

Your Cat Wants Privacy

Do you have a covered or enclosed box for your cat to use? It’s no wonder your pet likes to take naps inside; it’s just like a closet or a cardboard box in that respect.

Inaccessible spots are perfect for a cat’s nighttime nap since it allows them to relax and feel safe enough to sleep there. Since you probably won’t go looking for your cat in there, it’s also an excellent hiding location.

Territory Problems

Do you share your home with more than one cat? If the cats don’t have enough area, one of them may be forced to take refuge in the litter box.

Researchers at The Ohio State University note that when domestic cats feel threatened, they frequently retreat to isolated parts of the home.

If you have many cats and observe that one of them is acting aggressively toward the others, you may want to investigate the possible reasons for your other cats’ unusual preference in sleeping arrangements.

Your Cat Is Weird

Your cat may want to sleep in the litter box for no apparent reason. Some cats are just plain odd, and they take pleasure in watching you react in disbelief as you try to decipher their strange actions.

It could be a health problem

Your cat may be experiencing pain if it is urinating more frequently than usual, which might be indicated by it spending more time than usual in the litter box.

If your cat starts using the litter box more frequently than usual, they may start sleeping there even if it’s not the healthiest option.

Painful and potentially deadly, urinary tract infections include bladder infections, kidney stones, crystals, and urinary tract infections.

Make an appointment with the vet to rule out any medical issues that could be causing your cat to only want to sleep in the litter box.

To cool down

This is a very unusual explanation for why a cat could want to sleep in its litter box, but it does occur. When it’s really hot outside, most cats will take a sleep in the litter box, where the litter will be noticeably cooler than anywhere else in the home.

If your cat is overheating, just put it in a metal pan with no litter and no blanket and it will sleep there. To combat this problem, you can provide your cat with a cooling gel pad. If your feline friend has long hair, this will be extremely helpful.

Can a dirty litter box make a cat sick?

While it’s unlikely that your cat would become sick by sleeping in the litter box, it might be an indication that they’re feeling under the weather.

This is not a sanitary habit, especially if your cat also likes to lie on your bed or sofa, so you may want to take measures to prevent him from preferring his tray as a sleeping spot.

How do I stop my cat from sleeping in the litter box?

Rule Out Medical Issues

Even if your cat looks well, it’s still a good idea to take it to the doctor to be safe, especially if you’ve seen any changes in the frequency or volume with which your cat drinks or urinates.

Keep in mind that cats are masters at concealing their distress, so you’ll have to be on the lookout for subtle indications of disease.

Change the Box

Some senior cats, as I’ve said before, have trouble climbing into and out of the litter box. To remedy this, consider upgrading to a shallow-sided, low-entry litter box designed for elderly cats.

Provide a Birthing Box

If you have a pregnant cat, you should provide her a calm place to give birth away from any loud noises or humans.

Don’t freak out if the cat begins having kittens in the litter box. Put the mother cat and her kittens in a clean nesting box. Consuming an unsafe amount of litter might make the mother unwell.

Create a Suitable Sleeping Spot

Make sure your cat has a cozy hiding spot it can go to when it’s feeling anxious or stressed out, and you won’t have to worry about it taking a nap wherever unsuitable.

Place a cardboard box with towels or a comfortable cat bed in a quiet area, and use goodies to entice your cat to sleep there. Make better use of the vertical space in your home by installing many perches.

Some veterinarians recommend utilizing a box that is structurally similar to the litter tray to entice the cat to use it. If you want to learn more, watch this video.

Reduce Stress

Maintain as much consistency in your cat’s habitat as you can. If you have to make a change, give your cat time to adjust and don’t worry about it if it hides under the bed or in the litter box.

Your veterinarian can advise you on the best cat anxiety remedies. And make sure your cat has much to do when you’re not around by giving them a stimulating environment.

Solve Conflicts

Keep your cats from fighting by giving them separate food and drink dishes, beds, play areas, and litter boxes.

One box for every cat, plus one more, is required. To prevent jealously and possessiveness among your pets, give each one an equal amount of attention. Keep in mind that you should take your time while introducing your cats to one another.

Why Is My Cat Sleeping in the Litter Box: FAQs

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Sleeping in the Litter Box?

Take your cat to the vet if you notice that it has begun sleeping in the litter box or acting strangely. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection, bladder issue, or kidney illness might include such a dramatic shift in behavior.

Why Does My Cat Drag Clothing Into Her Litter Box?

If your cat isn’t using its litter box properly, or if your cat doesn’t like the litter you’re using, it may start dragging garments in there to use as a makeshift toilet.

Conclusion

The reason that cats sleep in their litter box is that it’s the safest place for them. When cats are outside, they are vulnerable to all kinds of dangers that they would otherwise avoid if they were inside. Cats are social creatures.

They live in a pack and they need each other. They also need to sleep in a warm, safe place that has been made for them, and the litter box is the perfect environment for them to be safe and secure.

source https://catshint.com/why-do-cats-sleep-in-their-litter-box/