SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-soiling-punish

A cat starts going outside the litter box. Should you punish her?

Never punish. It can make house soiling worse.

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  1. No, punishment can make the problem worse ✔
  2. Yes, raise your voice
  3. Yes, rub her nose in it

Why: Cornell says never to hit, kick or scream at a cat. These punishments are not only ineffective, the anxiety they cause may worsen the problem. Check for medical causes first.

Huh, didn't know that: Cornell says kidney and thyroid disease and diabetes can cause failure to use the litter box.

The dad joke
What do you call a cat that doesn't use the litter box? A pet project.
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References

Answer: No, punishment can make the problem worse. Cornell says never to hit, kick or scream at a cat. These punishments are not only ineffective, the anxiety they cause may worsen the problem. Check for medical causes first.

  1. Cornell Feline Health Center, House Soiling www.vet.cornell.edu/node/3981
    Punishments like these are not only ineffective, the anxiety they cause may actually worsen the house soiling problem.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. International Cat Care, Soiling indoors icatcare.org/articles/soiling-indoors
    Whatever the cause, punishment is not the answer
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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