New rescue cats odd behaviour

[Kim mills]

Hi everyone one just brought a new female cat home from local cat rescue Jane 2yr dsh she hasn't had a good start she was homeless at 1 the shelter got her done and chipped she went to a new home they wanted to keep her in she was going for feet the thought it was cute they didn't check her when it got worse they brought her back she was then there for9 months till we got her she's settled quick a bit quiet but we've gave her time she goes outside but not far and she comes back regular to see us she's happy to just be in the same room we play with her my concern is when she's been on her litter tray she scratches against the walls I've att a video tried moving litter tray other side she scratches that side I put it in the middle she tried to reach for sides she had a open litter tray at shelter although she was in a large caged area 6x3 didn't know if maybe get covered one but didn't want her to feel trapped if anyone could shed some light as to why this could be happening please

[Ruth B]

Congratulations on the new addition.

It sounds very similar to what a couple of cats I've had have done, including one of my current three. She digs in the litter tray fine, uses it fine, then when she comes to try and cover it over she seems to want to use an area about 4 foot across, as the litter trays are tucked in corners this means that she scrapes at the walls or whatever is covering them. I've never worked out why they do it, but there doesn't seem to be any harm in it, they normally cover what they have produced over well, they just want to be a bit more enthusiastic than the space allows.

If this sounds like what yours does then I wouldn't worry, as long as what she produces goes in the litter tray. You might want to get some cheap boards to protect the walls but it seems like it is just something some cats do.

Just of note, both of my cats that have done have been female, it could be they are just a little more hygiene conscious than the boys.

[booktigger]

I foster cats and most do it, whether male or female. It doesn't bother me but you could try a covered tray

[MarySkater]

didn't know if maybe get covered one but didn't want her to feel trapped

If you get her a covered tray, it's probably best to take the door off it. So long as she has open access to get in and out, she'll probably be happy.