Cats naturally dig in their litter boxes, but sometimes the digging seems excessive.
Your cat might spend a long time scratching the litter, digging around the sides of the box, rearranging the litter, or continuing to scratch even after covering their waste.
So, why does my cat dig in the litter box so much?
In many cases, digging is simply part of normal litter box behavior. However, litter depth, box size, cleanliness, litter preference, stress, or difficulty getting comfortable can sometimes make the behavior more noticeable.
Here are eight common reasons your cat may be digging so much—and what you can do about it.
1. Your Cat Is Following a Natural Instinct
Digging and covering waste are natural behaviors for many cats.
After using the litter box, a cat may scratch through the litter to find a suitable spot and then dig again afterward to cover their waste.
Some cats are simply more enthusiastic about this process than others.
One cat may scratch a few times and walk away, while another may spend considerably longer rearranging the litter.
What You Can Do
If your cat:
- Uses the litter box normally
- Appears comfortable
- Produces normal urine and stool
- Isn’t suddenly behaving differently
there may be nothing you need to change.
Some enthusiastic digging can simply be part of your cat’s normal routine.
2. There May Be Too Much Litter
More litter isn’t necessarily better.
When the litter layer is excessively deep, some cats may spend additional time digging through it or moving it around before finding a comfortable position.
Deep litter can also make it easier for an enthusiastic digger to throw litter over the sides of the box.
What You Can Do
Try adjusting the amount of litter rather than filling the box deeply.
A practical starting point for many setups is around 2 inches of litter, then adjust according to your cat’s behavior, litter type, and manufacturer instructions.
For a more detailed explanation, see our guide on how deep cat litter should be.
3. Your Cat May Be Searching for a Clean Spot
Cats can be particular about litter box cleanliness.
If the box contains several clumps or areas of waste, your cat may dig around more than usual while searching for a cleaner place to stand or eliminate.
The ASPCA also recommends keeping litter boxes clean and considering individual litter and box preferences when addressing litter box problems.
This can become more noticeable when multiple cats share the same litter area.
What You Can Do
Scoop the litter box at least once daily and more frequently when necessary.
Also pay attention to:
- Accumulated urine clumps
- Stool
- Wet or dirty litter
- Odor
- Litter stuck to the bottom
- Overall condition of the box
Regular scooping is usually easier than waiting until the entire box becomes unpleasant.
For more on maintenance schedules, read how often you should change cat litter.
4. The Litter Box May Be Too Small
Your cat needs enough room to enter, turn around, dig, eliminate, and cover waste comfortably.
When a box is cramped, your cat may repeatedly reposition themselves and scratch around while trying to find enough usable space.
The problem can become even more noticeable in covered litter boxes because the hood reduces the feeling of open space.
What You Can Do
Look at the usable interior space, not simply the manufacturer’s overall exterior dimensions.
Your cat should be able to turn around without being tightly confined by the sides or hood.
Large cats may particularly benefit from a larger litter box.
For households with several cats, see our comparison of the best litter boxes for multiple cats.
5. Your Cat May Not Like the Litter Texture
Cats don’t all have the same litter preferences.
The size, texture, scent, and feel of the litter under their paws can influence how they interact with the box.
If you’ve recently switched litter, your cat may spend extra time investigating or digging through the unfamiliar material.
What You Can Do
If excessive digging started shortly after changing litter, consider whether the change could be contributing.
Instead of abruptly switching again, you can compare your cat’s behavior with the previous litter or transition gradually when appropriate.
If fragrance appears to be an issue, our guide to the best unscented cat litter covers several fragrance-free options.
6. Your Cat Is Scratching the Sides Instead of the Litter
Sometimes what looks like excessive digging isn’t actually digging.
Your cat may scratch:
- The walls of the litter box
- The hood
- The floor around the box
- A nearby wall
- The edge of the litter pan
This can happen before or after elimination.
Some cats appear to perform covering motions even when their paws aren’t actually moving litter over the waste.
What You Can Do
Watch what your cat is actually scratching.
If the box is small or the litter layer isn’t working well for your cat, experimenting with a larger box or adjusting the litter depth may help.
If the bigger problem is litter flying onto the floor, see why cats kick litter out of the box.
7. Stress or Environmental Changes May Affect Litter Box Behavior
Cats can respond to changes in their environment in different ways.
Changes might include:
- Moving home
- Rearranging furniture
- A new pet
- A new family member
- Visitors
- Construction or loud noises
- Moving the litter box
- Conflict between cats
A cat that feels unsettled may show changes in its normal routines, including behavior around the litter box.
What You Can Do
Try to keep the litter area predictable, accessible, and relatively quiet.
Avoid making several major litter box changes at the same time.
In multi-cat homes, make sure cats have access to multiple litter boxes in appropriate locations rather than forcing every cat to use one shared box.
A commonly used starting guideline is one box per cat plus one additional box.
See our complete guide on how many litter boxes per cat you need.
8. A Sudden Change Could Signal Discomfort
Digging by itself doesn’t necessarily mean your cat has a health problem.
However, a sudden change in litter box behavior deserves more attention—particularly when accompanied by other unusual signs.
Watch for:
- Repeated trips to the litter box
- Straining
- Crying or vocalizing
- Producing very little or no urine
- Blood
- Urinating outside the box
- Unusual posture
- Signs of discomfort
- Significant changes in elimination habits
If your cat appears unable to urinate or repeatedly strains while producing little or no urine, seek veterinary care urgently. Urinary obstruction can be a medical emergency, particularly in male cats.
For a broader look at litter box avoidance, read why your cat may not be using the litter box.
How Much Digging Is Normal?
There isn’t a universal number of scratches or a specific amount of time that defines normal digging.
Instead, pay attention to your cat’s usual behavior.
A cat that has always spent time enthusiastically digging may simply have a strong covering routine.
A sudden increase is more noteworthy.
Consider whether anything else changed around the same time, including:
- Litter brand or type
- Litter depth
- Box location
- Box design
- Cleaning routine
- Household environment
- Other cats
- Elimination habits
The pattern and surrounding circumstances usually tell you more than the digging alone.
How to Reduce Excessive Litter Box Digging
If your cat’s digging creates a mess but they otherwise appear comfortable and healthy, a few practical changes may help.
Use an Appropriately Sized Box
Give your cat enough room to move and dig comfortably.
A larger box can also provide more space between previously soiled areas and fresh litter.
Adjust the Litter Depth
Avoid automatically adding a very deep layer.
Start with a moderate depth and observe how your cat responds.
Scoop Regularly
A cleaner box gives your cat more usable litter without needing to search through old clumps.
Consider a Higher-Sided Box
If digging sends litter over the edges, higher sides can provide better physical containment.
Another option is a covered model. See our best covered litter boxes comparison.
However, don’t switch solely for your own convenience if your cat dislikes enclosed boxes.
Use a Litter Mat
A mat outside the entrance won’t stop digging, but it can catch some litter carried or kicked out of the box.
Avoid Too Many Changes at Once
If you’re troubleshooting, change one major variable at a time when practical.
Otherwise, it becomes difficult to determine whether the litter, box, location, or another change actually made the difference.
Digging vs. Kicking Litter Everywhere
These behaviors are related but aren’t exactly the same.
Digging happens when your cat scratches and moves litter inside the box.
Litter kicking occurs when that activity sends litter outside the box.
A cat can dig frequently without making much mess if the box is sufficiently large and has high sides.
Conversely, even moderate digging can create substantial scatter when the box is shallow or small.
If floor mess is the main issue, our guide on why cats kick litter out of the litter box goes into more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat dig in the litter box for so long?
Some cats naturally spend more time digging and covering their waste. Other possible factors include litter depth, box cleanliness, limited space, or litter texture. A sudden change from your cat’s normal behavior deserves more attention.
Why does my cat dig in the litter box but not use it?
Your cat may be investigating the litter, searching for a suitable spot, or reacting to something about the box or litter. If the behavior continues or your cat repeatedly enters without urinating or defecating, pay close attention for signs of discomfort and contact a veterinarian when appropriate.
Why does my cat scratch the sides of the litter box?
Some cats continue their covering motion against the walls or sides of the box after eliminating. Box size, litter depth, and individual behavior may all play a role.
Can too much litter cause excessive digging?
A very deep litter layer can give your cat more material to move around and may contribute to prolonged digging or litter scatter. Try a moderate depth and adjust according to your cat and the litter manufacturer’s instructions.
Should I stop my cat from digging in the litter box?
Usually, no. Digging is normal feline behavior. Instead of preventing it, focus on providing an appropriately sized, clean litter box with suitable litter.
When should I worry about litter box digging?
Pay closer attention when digging is a sudden behavioral change or occurs alongside repeated box visits, straining, vocalization, blood, inappropriate elimination, or difficulty passing urine or stool.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering why your cat digs in the litter box so much, the answer is often simple: digging and covering are natural parts of litter box behavior.
Some cats just take the job more seriously than others.
However, excessive digging can sometimes be influenced by a box that’s too small, excessive litter depth, cleanliness, litter texture, environmental changes, or discomfort.
Rather than trying to stop normal digging, make sure your cat has a clean, appropriately sized, accessible litter box and watch for changes from their usual behavior.
If the digging suddenly changes or appears alongside signs of difficulty urinating, pain, or other unusual symptoms, contact a veterinarian.