Why does my cat freak out when I clean the litter box?

Cats may freak out when you clean the litter box because they are sensitive to changes in their environment and may feel anxious or threatened by the disruption to their territory. They may also be reacting to the smell of cleaning products or the sound of the litter box being cleaned. It is important to give your cat time to adjust and provide a calm and safe space for them during this time.