Since starting as a volunteer at the SPCA a few months ago, I have noticed a surprisingly high number of cats who spend there time lying in litter boxes. I don’t know why. The pods at the SPCA are about 100 square feet with plenty of vertical sleeping areas. Perhaps it is a reaction to stress. Considering there are between four and eight cats in each pod and the pods are constantly changing as cats come and go, I can understand why it would be stressful, especially for the more timid cats.
Sometimes they are joined by friends.
What do you think?
Bad Cat Chris 
At our shelter, many cats sit in their litter boxes too. I do think it’s stress related.
My job is to just pay attention to the cats. It seems pretty insignificant on the surface but I have to believe that it is a much needed distraction for them.
I guess it’s fine as long as the litter is clean….
Fortunately the boxes are kept pretty clean.
They say that stressed cats are comforted when they have boxes to sit in. Perhaps the litter is just a bonus!
They often have boxes in the pods and sometimes bags, and there is almost always a cat in them. Perhaps they need more boxes.
Probably every cat desires a space that feels like it is their own. A box could do that.
That is probably true.
Such gorgeous kitties. They all look well cared for. I think what you do is very important. I believe that cats need to be talked to and fussed, if they want it.
I think so too. I think it also may help the timid cats be more trusting of humans which will increase their chance of adoption.
Clean dry litter boxes – I’ve had my own cats do this. I think it may be related to a good roll in the dirt in the warm weather.
Our Puck did that in the litter several years ago. It’s called a dust bath but it is supposed to be done outside. I guess they make due with what they have
Yes, it’s easy, it’s a box, we’ll always pick the box, the contents aren’t important.
You have a point.
Nervous cats at our our shelter do the same thing sometimes. Sometimes we will also give them a similar box with a pad and/or towel in it. It seems to help most of the time.
I’m starting to think more boxes are needed at the shelter
I’m pretty sure it’s stress related.
It seems everyone agrees with you.
More boxes for them with a towel or blanket perhaps…..cats love boxes and I guess even when it’s filled with litter it’s better than no box at all!
Hugs, Pam
I should probably bring in a box or two next time I go.
oh we hope there is a way to lower the stress level for this poor cats…
I wish I knew how.
Stress. If the cats had their own little cubby to hide in and feel protected, they wouldn’t revert to a litter box.
I think you are absolutely right.
mackerull does this too, only when he gets in he likes to ‘roll” …yes he was feral but he’s never been in a shelter so why he does this, is in his mind alone ~~ ☺☺♥♥
Rolling in the letter is different. That’s called a dust bath. Cats do that in the wild. I think it helps get beneficial bacteria into their digestive tract the problem is there is no beneficial bacteria in the litter box. Unfortunately cats don’t realize that because mother nature never took litter boxes into consideration..
Dad has seen this many times when fostering and taking cats to adoption events. It is from stress sadly
That is too bad that they have so much stress but not sure how to improve it.
it seems to me that it would be stress related as well. Or, maybe they want to be close to something that is THEIRS (as in being close to their poop?) google that and see if Jackson Galaxy has any answers!
I think most people agree that it’s stress-related. The smell may play a part, but I don’t know.
The three-cat picture is adorable. They look to be getting comfort from each other as well as the box.
I think they are like humans and form cliques.
I think they feel safe inside the box. They look good and as long as they come out of the box from time to time, I think there’s nothing to worry about😸Pawkisses for a Happy Wednesday🐾😽💞
I’m sure you are right.