Your cat scratches the litter box walls for one of five reasons: burying waste, marking territory, testing the box, stress, or a medical problem
Scratching at the walls and floor of the litter box is normal cat behaviour, but the reason matters. Most of the time your cat is doing what cats do — digging before they go, or covering their waste after. Sometimes the scratching means the box itself is the problem: it is too small, too dirty, or in the wrong spot. Occasionally scratching signals stress, anxiety, or a health issue that needs attention.
The good news is that most wall-scratching stops once you understand what your cat is telling you and fix the actual problem. This guide walks you through the five most common causes and what to do about each one.
Key Takeaways
- Scratching before and after using the box is instinctive digging and burying behaviour, not a sign of a problem.
- Excessive scratching at the walls often means the box is too small, too dirty, or placed somewhere your cat feels unsafe.
- A cat that scratches frantically or obsessively may be stressed, anxious, or dealing with a medical issue like diarrhoea or pain.
- Adding a larger box, scooping more often, or moving the box to a quieter spot stops most scratching within days.
- If scratching happens alongside other changes — litter outside the box, hiding, or loss of appetite — contact your vet.
Normal digging and burying behaviour
Cats scratch the litter box floor and walls before they use it because they are digging a hole. This is instinctive. In the wild, a cat digs a small pit, uses it, and then covers the waste to hide their scent from predators and competitors. Your indoor cat is doing the same thing, even though there are no predators in your living room.
After they finish, they scratch again to cover what they have left behind. This post-use scratching is also normal and healthy. If your cat scratches for a few seconds before and after using the box, and then walks away, there is nothing wrong. This is just a cat being a cat.
The scratching becomes a concern only when it is excessive, frantic, or happens at times when your cat is not actually using the box. If your cat is scratching the walls for minutes at a time, or if they are scratching when the box is empty, something else is going on.
The litter box is too small or too shallow
A box that is cramped or has low sides forces your cat to scratch harder and longer to dig a proper hole. Cats need room to turn around, crouch, and dig without their rear end sticking out. The general rule is that the box should be at least as long as your cat from nose to tail, and at least half as wide.
If your cat is large, a standard box may not be enough. Many cats will scratch frantically at the walls when they are trying to dig in a space that is too small. They are not being destructive — they are frustrated because they cannot dig the way they want to.
Switching to a larger box, or a storage container with one side cut down, often stops the scratching within a day or two. Your cat will have room to dig properly and will not need to claw at the walls to make space.
The litter box is dirty or the litter is wet
A box that has not been scooped recently, or litter that is clumped and wet, makes it harder for your cat to dig and bury waste. Your cat may scratch more aggressively trying to find clean litter underneath, or trying to move wet clumps out of the way.
Cats are particular about cleanliness. If the box smells bad or feels unpleasant under their paws, they will dig more, scratch more, and sometimes stop using the box altogether. Scooping once or twice a day, and changing the litter completely once a week, keeps the box in the condition your cat expects.
If you use a clumping litter that breaks apart easily or does not hold together well, try a different brand. Some cats also prefer finer or coarser litter. Experimenting with litter type can reduce scratching if the current litter is the issue.
The litter box location makes your cat feel unsafe
A box in a high-traffic area, near a loud appliance, or in a spot where your cat cannot see who is coming will make them anxious. An anxious cat scratches more, digs more frantically, and may not feel comfortable staying in the box long enough to finish.
The best location is quiet, away from the washing machine or furnace, and positioned so your cat can see the room while they use it. If the box is in a basement corner or a closet where your cat feels trapped, move it to an open area where they have an exit route and can watch for danger.
If you have multiple cats, a box in a spot where one cat can block another from leaving will also cause stress and excessive scratching. Each cat should have a clear path in and out.
Your cat is stressed or anxious
Cats that are stressed — from a new pet, a move, loud noises, or changes in routine — often scratch the litter box excessively. The scratching is a self-soothing behaviour, similar to how a nervous person might tap their fingers or pace. Your cat is trying to calm themselves down.
If the scratching started after a change in your home, or if your cat is also hiding, eating less, or acting withdrawn, stress is likely the cause. Reducing noise, giving your cat a quiet safe space, and keeping their routine as stable as possible will help. Some cats also respond well to pheromone sprays like Feliway, which can reduce anxiety.
If stress scratching continues for more than a week or two, or if your cat is showing other signs of anxiety, talk to your vet. They can rule out medical causes and may suggest additional steps.
Your cat has a medical issue
Cats with diarrhoea, constipation, or pain in the abdomen or rear end often scratch the litter box excessively. They are trying to dig a hole that feels right, or they are in discomfort and scratching is a response to that pain. A cat with a urinary tract infection may also scratch more because they need to urinate frequently and feel uncomfortable.
If the scratching is new and sudden, or if it is accompanied by litter outside the box, straining, blood in the urine or stool, or a change in how often your cat goes, contact your vet. These are signs that something medical is happening and needs attention.
Older cats sometimes scratch more because of arthritis or difficulty getting comfortable in the box. A box with lower sides, or a ramp leading up to it, can help. Your vet can also check for pain and suggest treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my cat to scratch the litter box walls?
Yes, scratching before and after using the box is normal digging and burying behaviour. If your cat scratches for a few seconds and then leaves, there is no problem. Excessive scratching — frantic, prolonged, or happening when the box is empty — suggests the box is too small, too dirty, or your cat is stressed or unwell.
How often should I scoop the litter box?
Once or twice a day is standard. Cats prefer a clean box and will scratch more if litter is clumped, wet, or smells bad. Scooping in the morning and evening, and changing the litter completely once a week, keeps the box in good condition.
What size litter box does my cat need?
The box should be at least as long as your cat from nose to tail, and at least half as wide. Many cats are happier in a larger box or a storage container with one side cut down. A box that is too small forces your cat to scratch harder and longer to dig properly.
Can litter box scratching be a sign of illness?
Yes. Cats with diarrhoea, constipation, urinary tract infections, or abdominal pain often scratch excessively. If the scratching is new, sudden, or paired with litter outside the box, straining, or changes in appetite, contact your vet to rule out a medical problem.
Does moving the litter box help with scratching?
Sometimes. If the box is in a noisy, high-traffic, or enclosed space, your cat may feel unsafe and scratch more. Moving it to a quiet, open area where your cat can see the room and has a clear exit often reduces scratching within days.