Why your cat might hate their litter box 😬 (and how to fix it)

Covered boxes, corners, and high sides? Here's what your cat really wants instead.

Hey Golden Whiskers family,

The other day, I realized I’ve been getting my cats’ litter box setup totally wrong. 😅

Ok, not TOTALLY wrong, but I could be doing better.

It’s not that they were having accidents—thankfully, Milo and Niko are champs in that department (so far). But after talking to Dr. Rachel Geller on this week’s podcast, I had a lightbulb moment 💡 about something that’s probably way more common than we think...

Listen to the audio clip about litter box issues with Dr. Rachel Geller below…

🐈 Litter box issues? Your cat might be solving a problem as a cat, not misbehaving.

That’s one of the biggest takeaways from this week’s episode.

We humans love privacy when we do our business, but for cats? Safety trumps privacy—every time.

Cats want to be able to see everything around them while they’re using the box. Why? Because in the wild (and in their instincts), crouching to pee or poop is a vulnerable position. If something scary is nearby, they want a clear visual field and an easy escape route.

Which means:

• 🚫 Covered litter boxes can feel like a trap.

• 🚫 Corners and closets block their view.

• 🚫 High sides might feel like a fortress... with no exit.

I’ll be honest—when I had Mia and Nomar, I used one of those fancy dome litter boxes. It looked nice... but after learning more about cat behavior, I realize it probably didn’t feel very safe or inviting for them.

With Niko and Milo, I’ve upgraded to an open box (small win!), but after this chat with Dr. Rachel, I realized it’s still tucked into a corner—which means two of the four sides are blocked. Not ideal. So even though they’re using it fine, I know there’s still room to make their setup even better.

If your cat has ever peed on your bed or couch, it might not be out of spite. It could be their way of choosing a safer place with better visibility and escape options.

✅ Dr. Rachel’s Top Litter Box Tips:

• Use a plain, open litter box (no domes or robots).

• Keep it in a spot with a clear view—not shoved into a cabinet.

• Make sure it’s big enough and easy to get in and out of.

If your setup is already working, no need to change it. But if you're struggling with accidents or weird pee behavior, this could be a total game-changer.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here:
Episode: “Immediate Help For Your Cat’s Behavior Issues” with Dr. Rachel Geller

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🧡 What I’m trying this week:

• Moving my litter box just a little bit out from the corner to give Milo and Niko a better view (and more peace of mind).

• Scouting out a proper 3-foot-tall scratching post that doesn’t wobble, based on Rachel’s advice.

• Watching Niko less like a “bad boy” when he meows at a door he’s obsessed with—he’s just trying to monitor his territory, like a good little lion king. 🦁

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🐾 This week’s Cattitude Prompt:

What’s one thing you could shift in your home to make your cat feel safer, calmer, or more empowered?

Could be something simple: a new perch, a better litter spot, or a daily play session. Let us know in the comments.

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🐱 Bonus Shout-Out

Huge thanks to Dr. Rachel Geller for the amazing work she’s doing through her nonprofit, All Cats All The Time, helping cat parents with behavior issues free of charge so they don’t have to surrender their cats. ❤️

You can find more from Rachel at drrachelcatbehavior.com

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📣 What about you?

If you found this helpful, hit reply (or comment below) and let me know what you’re trying this week with your own cat—I’d love to hear from you.

And if you haven’t listened to the full episode with Dr. Rachel Geller yet, you can check it out right here. It’s packed with practical tips every cat parent should know.

Thanks for reading, thanks for loving your cats, and thanks for being part of the Golden Whiskers family.

Until next time, snuggle those whiskers.

💛 Scott | Golden Whiskers 🐾