Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box: Why and How to Prevent?

Introduction

Cats peeing outside the litter box is a trouble for pet owners and is the primary reason for feline surrenders. Generally, cats are clean animals that prefer using a litter box for elimination. However, when they suddenly urinate elsewhere, it often signals an underlying health or behavioral concern. In this post, we will explore the possible causes and solutions for inappropriate urination in cats.

 

1. Why is Your Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

The three most common reasons for this behavior are underlying medical problems, new stress from environmental change, or dissatisfaction with the litter box.

1.1 Cat's health is at risk

If your cat is peeing inappropriately, firstly, consult your veterinarian.

Urine and blood tests can check and rule out most health issues.

Once any medical cause for inappropriate urination is diagnosed with the help of your vet, you can then focus on identifying any environmental factors that may contribute to your cat's behavior. Medical issues that can cause a cat to pee outside the litter box include:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacterial presence in the urine can cause inflammation of the bladder or kidneys, resulting in difficulty peeing, frequent urination, or blood in the urine.

Crystalluria: The formation of crystals in the urine, often due to factors such as diet, dehydration, or genetics, can lead to bladder inflammation and urinary tract infections.

Bladder Stones: Stones in the bladder can cause inflammation of the bladder wall, leading to a sense of urgency to pee and potentially resulting in urinary blockages, which require immediate medical attention.

Hyperthyroidism: This condition affects a cat's metabolism and can lead to symptoms such as excessive drinking and urination, weight loss, and other metabolic changes.

Arthritis: Joint pain may cause a cat to avoid using the litter box, particularly if it involves jumping or climbing to enter it.

Kidney Disease: Common among older cats, symptoms include increased urination, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): Often stress-related, this condition can cause frequent urination, blood in the urine, and, in some cases, urinary blockages.

 

1.2 Your cat feels stressed or anxious.

Cats are sensitive creatures and dislike changes in their environment. Even little changes can have a great effect, such as noise near the litter box or moving it to a different part of the house. If there’s no underlying medical issue, cat owners should consider the following potential stressors:

• Have you recently adopted a new pet, lost one, or taken in some foster kittens? Did you have a baby or adopt a child? Your cat may be feeling restless because their territory is under threat. New dogs and youngsters frequently make loud, unpredictable noises that most cats find uncomfortable. Ongoing loud noises and unpredictable behavior might exacerbate your cat's nervousness, potentially leading to urination outside the litter box.

• Has your routine changed due to a new work schedule, visits, illness, or injury? What about house renovations or installing new appliances? Cats might become anxious when their surroundings change, and they may respond with inappropriate urinating until they feel safe again.

• Has you or anyone else in your household been away for an extended period? If your cat is accustomed to your or someone else’s presence, their absence—whether temporary or permanent—can be quite distressing for your cat. 

• Has another pet in your household passed away recently? Cats are particularly sensitive to the loss of feline and canine mates.
• Where is your cat's litter box located? Is it near any noisy appliances, such as a washing machine, water heater, or HVAC system?
• Do other pets follow your cat when it uses the litter box?
• Do other people or youngsters in the house bother your cat when it is using the litter box, on its way to the litter box, or immediately after it has finished?

 

2. How to resolve the stress issue?

If your cat is under significant stress, your vet may recommend gentle antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to help ease the stress and correct this behavior. Products like Feliway can make your cat feel safer and more relaxed, reducing stress and urine marking. Zylkene, a supplement made from casein (a milk protein), has calming properties and can effectively relieve stress caused by environmental changes. If you can find what causes the stress and it’s not a long-term issue (such as home renovations or visitors), focus on your cat’s routine to see if the behavior resolves once things return to normal.

 

2.1 Your cat is dissatisfied with the litter box

• Litter Preferences

Not all types of litter are suitable for all cats. Certain types of litter may not "feel good on the foot" for a specific cat.

At around three weeks old, kittens learn from their moms which type of litter they prefer. Switching to a different litter as your cat grows older may be the source of litter box issues.

To select the finest litter for your cat, you may need to try a few different types. If you want to switch, set up three litter boxes with different litter kinds to discover which your cat prefers.

 

• The litter box is dirty

Your cat may be reluctant to use its litter box for a variety of reasons. Inaccessibility is one clear reason why a cat may start looking elsewhere. Other factors could be the following:

• The litter box was not cleaned regularly enough for the cat's preference.
  • Insufficient litter boxes for all cats in the household.
  • The kitty's litter box is too small and difficult to use.
  • Cats may be bothered by the box's hood or liner.
  • The cat dislikes a new litter brand that the owners are experimenting with.
  • The cat favors surfaces like carpets, potting soil, or bedding to the litter box.

3. How to Prevent Cat Peering Outside the Litter Box Problem?

3.1 Improve Litter Box Conditions

• Keep the litter box clean and tidy, and opt for a larger, uncovered box to prevent your cat from feeling cramped, especially if you have a larger or long-haired cat.
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  Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible spot, away from your cat’s food and water. You can also use a decorative screen to offer your cat some privacy.
• If applicable, place one litter box on each floor.
• For older cats, the litter box should be easy to access. Consider purchasing a shallow litter box or placing a ramp at the entrance.
• Choose unscented, clumping, high-quality litter. Courpal cat expert suggests having one litter box per cat, plus an extra, as some cats prefer to use one box for urine and another for feces. If you have multiple cats, extra litter boxes can help prevent territorial disputes. Upgrade your Litter Box at Courpal!

 

If your cat suddenly starts peeing outside the litter box, see your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. If your cat's health is normal, you may wish to consult with a cat behaviorist to assist you solve the difficulties.
Litter box issues are not easily remedied, but they can be. Each situation must be dealt in accordance with your cat and your environment. Please show patience for your cats.

3.2 Make sure to avoid the following behaviors with your cat:

• Do not rub its nose with urine or feces, as this will increase stress.
• Do not yell at your cat or force it into the litter box, as this will only make things worse.
• Additionally, avoid confining your cat and its litter box to a small room, and do not use ammonia-based cleaners, as ammonia is present in urine and could attract your cat back to the same spot.
  
  

4. Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box FAQs

1. Why is my cat peeing on the floor and pooping in the litter box?

Some cats prefer to pee and defecate in separate litter boxes. Make sure you have two litter boxes for each cat in your home. If they have bladder problems, they may associate the unpleasantness of peeing with the box itself (whereas pooping in the box feels normal).

2. How do you prevent a cat from peeing on the bed?

You may need to restrict access to your bedroom until you determine the causes. Rest assured, it is not personal. Your cat may enjoy the absorbency of your bed or find the surroundings familiar and comforting. And if other pets have peed there, your cat may be drawn to the scent.

3. Should I discipline my cat for peeing outside of its litter box?

Never reprimand your cat for peeing outside the litter box, as most sudden changes in urination patterns are the result of a medical problem. Punishment might exacerbate the conduct and prolong the problem.