While cats naturally gravitate to using the little box for bathroom purposes, certain circumstances can cause them to choose other places. Below, our Dallas vets discuss some of the reasons that a cat is peeing outside of the litterbox and what you can do in this situation.
Why is it concerning when your cat is peeing outside of the litterbox?
Firstly, and most importantly, it is essential to consider your cat's health. Cats will often pee outside their litter box if they suffer from a bladder infection or severe bladder inflammation.
It is also common for cats to pee somewhere else if they are experiencing high levels of anxiety or stress, which results in chemical imbalances in the body.
Before you go any further, if your cat has recently started peeing anywhere other than its litter box, it's time to take them to the vet for a checkup.
So why might your cat be peeing outside of the litterbox?
Once you rule out health reasons for your cat's strange new behavior, it is time to consider other possible reasons why your cat is choosing to pee elsewhere. Some of the most common are listed below.
There have been changes at home.
Your cat craves predictability. Problems involving soiling outside of the litter box can be sparked by a change in the household, such as someone moving in or out or the arrival of a new pet. Perhaps you have started a new job and are out of the house for long hours.
Make sure you spend extra time with your kitty to help them feel safe and secure despite the recent change. With a little extra love and attention, this behavior should resolve once your cat feels safe and secure again.
Their litterbox is dirty.
Cats have a keen sense of smell. One common reason your cat refuses to use their litter tray is that it isn't clean enough. If you use clumping litter, take a few minutes daily to clean the clumps and any solid waste out of your cat's box, and replace the litter weekly. If you use non-clumping litter, do a full litter change at least twice a week, but if you have a particularly fastidious cat, you may need to change the litter every second day to keep your feline friend happy.
They don't like where their litterbox is.
Cats are surprisingly particular about where their little box is located. Cats need to feel safe and secure to do their business, so this could be the issue if your cat's little box is in a high-traffic area.
It is also important to note that cats will not urinate or defecate near food. This means your cat may not use their litter box if it is too near its food and water bowls.
In some cases, cats want more light, or perhaps your cat's litter box is kept in an area that necessitates passing your dog's favorite spot.
Moving your cat's litter box is easy, and it could help prevent your kitty from peeing elsewhere.
More litterboxes are needed.
Multiple litter boxes can be particularly helpful if you have more than one cat, if your cat is still a kitten, or if you have a large home with multiple stories.
Make sure that the litter boxes are all easy to access. If you have a multi-feline home, try having as many litter boxes as cats so each cat has its own.
They don't like the type of litterbox.
While covered litter boxes are a favorite of pet parents, many cats refuse to use them. Your cat may feel trapped inside these covered boxes, they may find it too dark in a covered litter tray, or the smells may be too strong. Try providing your cat with a standard open litter to see if that is a better solution.
Size also matters when it comes to litter boxes. Suppose you have a kitten, so provide them with a smaller litter box they can easily access. Ensure the sides aren't too high for your cat to step over.
On the other hand, if your cat is on the large side, such as a Maine Coon, be sure to provide your large feline with a litter tray that provides plenty of space for shuffling around and scratching.
The litter is unpleasant to them.
You may think the type of litter you use doesn't matter, but it might matter to your feline friend. Some cats will refuse to use litter boxes lined with litter made from coconut or corn. Cats will not urinate or defecate near their food, and because cat litter made from these substances can smell more like food than a place to relieve oneself, your cat may refuse to use their litter box.
Other cats find some cat litter brands too hard on their feet, dusty, scented, or clumpy. The best thing to do is try experimenting with different types and brands of cat litter until you find one your cat is happy to use.
Tips to Stop Your Cat From Peeing Outside of the Litterbox
Whatever approach you take, do not yell or punish your cat. Positive reinforcement combined with loving patience is always best.
Create a new purpose for the area that your cat peed.
Besides making your cat's litter box a more pleasant place to go, a helpful approach can be to change the meaning of the place your cat is choosing to urinate or defecate. This means that if your cat has started to pee elsewhere, spend time playing with your cat in that place and give your cat some treats while in that place. Your cat will stop thinking of that place as a place to relieve themself and more as a place to relax and enjoy.
Give the area a thorough cleaning.
It will be essential for your sanity and help deter your cat, and clean the area where your cat has peed to remove all smell. If your cat can smell urine, it may encourage them to pee in that spot again. For yourself, of course, there is nothing nice about having a home, bed, sofa, or rug that smells like cat pee. Be sure to use a cleaner formulated to neutralize the smell of pet urine. Sometimes, you may need to rent a steam cleaner to help eliminate the cat pee smell.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.