Why Do Rabbits Stop Using Litter Box?

Has your Rabbit stopped using the litter box and start peeing and pooping all around your home? 

Well, the behavior of the Rabbit is very complicated. Sometimes, they may be pooping and peeing outside the litter box despite providing quality litter.

Rabbits may stop using the litter box or litter tray for various reasons like transferring them into a new home, litter box-related problems, hay, age, and medical issues.

Don’t be upset. It is not a matter of real concern. But if your Rabbit does this continuously, you should be concerned about your beloved bunny. 

Anyway, Rabbit tends to use the same area for the bathroom. Based on this habit, the rabbit can be litter-trained. But, it doesn’t mean that they always use your recommended litter box.

Why Does My Rabbit Pee Outside His/Her Litter Box?

Well, it is tough to answer this question in a word.  There may be a lot of reasons for peeing outside its litter box. 

However, I have combined all the possible causes and solutions to this problem here in the latter part of this article. 

Transfer Into a New Place

It is one of the most common reasons to stop using the litter box. When you transfer the cage of your bunny, they try to mark their territory again.

That’s why they go out of the cage or hutch during their emergency time. As a result, they are peeing or pooping outside their litter box or on the bedding in the cage.

It isn’t a big problem, indeed. Your bunny will fix this problem by herself. Just wait for a while. Simultaneously, you should ensure your Rabbit shouldn’t be disturbed by someone in a new place.

Litter Box-Related Problem

If you don’t clean the litter box regularly and it becomes messier, your bunny will stop using it. So clean it regularly.

Are you cleaning the litter box or tray too frequently? Yes! If you do that, it may be a reason to stop using the litter box. Clean the tray or litter box but don’t clean like the household materials.

If you use deodorant or scent to odor control the litter box, you are in the wrong way. Rabbit identify their territory with their urine scent. So, stop using deodorant.

If the size of the litter is too small for your bunny, it won’t use the litter box anymore. So, provide the perfect size litter box for your rabbit.

Setting up the litter box or litter tray in the wrong place is another crucial reason. You should place the litter box after carefully observing the behavior of your bunny.

Changing the types of litter boxes is another reason. It would help if you didn’t change the litter box suddenly. In case of emergency, turn it through a gradual process.

Do you depend on a single litter box? You shouldn’t. You should place at least a few where your bunny has frequent access.

If you have more than one bunny, you should budget at least one litter box for an individual. A single litterbox for multiple rabbits is not a good practice indeed.

Last but not least, you should use a comfortable litter box or tray for your bunny. It will help your rabbit to adjust to it.

Age is Another Crucial Factor

Generally, younger bunny shows less response in litter training than adults. If your rabbit is less than six months old, then don’t blame her for pooping outside.

When they become mature neuter them, neutering brings a good result for litter adjustment.

So, for your adult bunnies make the litter box comfortable for them. You can use commercial litter, hay, or other similar kinds of materials.

Medical Issue

In some cases, your rabbits may not use the litter box for sickness. Urinary infections and bladder stones are common diseases for the rabbits. Your rabbit will not use their litter tray If they are suffering from these diseases.

So, consult the nearest vet if your bunny is pooping outside their litter box continuously for a specific time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have understood the reason for refusing the litter box. These are the very initial discussions. At the very first stage, don’t lose your patience. Just wait and apply your common sense.

If the condition is severe, Don’t make a delay in consulting the specialists. Otherwise, you will be in trouble with your adorable rabbit.