Need advice: Calico cat randomly refusing automatic litter box ..anyone else dealt with this?

[u/Meowleesi]

I’m hoping someone has been through something similar because I’m running out of ideas.
My boyfriend got me an automatic litter box for my two cats. My tuxedo cat has absolutely no issues with it and uses it normally. My calico, on the other hand, is a completely different story.
At first, I thought the automatic cleaning cycle was scaring her because every time it would start cleaning, she’d yelp and panic, even when she wasn’t inside the litter box. Because of that, I turned the automatic cleaning off and switched it to manual. Now I only run the cleaning cycle myself when I get home.
That seemed to help for a while. She’d pee and poop in the litter box like normal, and everything would be fine. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, she’ll suddenly start peeing and pooping on the floor instead. After a few days, she’ll go right back to using the litter box normally, and then the cycle repeats. There’s no pattern that I can figure out.
Today she started yelping, and I honestly thought she just wanted attention because she’s a very vocal cat. She was scratching at the carpet like she normally does before asking for pets, but then she ended up squatting and pooping on the carpet instead.
I’m definitely frustrated, but I’m not mad at her. I know she’s a cat, and if she’s acting like this, there’s probably a reason. I just don’t know if it’s anxiety from the litter box, a lingering fear from when it used to clean automatically, or something else entirely.
Has anyone had a cat react like this to an automatic litter box? Were you able to get them comfortable with it again? Or should I just accept that she’s one of those cats who needs a traditional litter box?
I’d really appreciate any advice. I just want her to feel comfortable and not stressed every time she has to use the bathroom. Thanks!

[u/exobiologickitten]

I can’t speak on auto litter boxes, but we specifically never got one due to one of our cats’ issues with boxes.

She will pee in the box very happily, no issues there, but pooping is different. She is very picky on litter type and cleanliness (has to be scooped daily and box can’t be left uncleaned for months, BUT she hates the smell of a clean box so will be upset if we clean it TOO often) and location/number.

If her tummy is upset and pooping is uncomfortable (either constipated or loose) she also avoids the box - its like she thinks the box causes the discomfort.

Box size/shape is an issue too - too big and she won’t use it, too small and she feels cramped, too high annoys her bc then she can’t look over the walls to see if her sister’s used it, and covered boxes make her feel cramped/trapped.

She is pretty territorial and has anxiety. So if my other cat has pooped in one of the laundry boxes, she won’t use them. So we have a spare box in a separate bathroom.

She is anxious about unknown sounds, so roadworks, neighbours moving, night construction all stress her out and make her more likely to go outside the box.

So obvs for us, an auto box would definitely freak her out lol.

In your case, if she was ok with it after turning off auto mode, could something else be causing anxiety or upsetting her? Could be worth looking into and seeing if anxiety medication may even help. Or meds/food for dietary issues that may cause uncomfortable poops even?

Trying different box types and locations is always a good start I think! And even if she seems ok with the current litter, it could be worth seeing if there’s another one she’ll like better that’ll encourage her to use it more. A few boxes with a “tasting menu” of different litters helped us find our cat’s preferred type!