Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

So you got your cat a fancy litter box and the best-rated cat litter in the market, only to find them peeing on your bed or couch. What gives? “Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?”, you might wonder in frustration.

Before getting upset, it helps to understand that cats don’t just pee outside the box because they feel like it. According to Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, they do it not out of spite. Rather, it’s because they want to communicate to you that something’s wrong.

Content:

1. Why Is My Cat Not Using the Litter Box
2. Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box
3. How to Stop a Cat from Peeing Outside the Litter Box
4. Conclusion

Sadly, Dr. Wooten shares that “feline inappropriate elimination” or peeing or pooping outside of the litterbox is one of the leading causes of why cats are relinquished to shelters and lose their homes and potentially lose their lives.”

However, most of the time, the underlying causes of a cat peeing outside their litter box are treatable once you know what’s wrong. The first step is consulting with your veterinarian to help investigate the problem, determine the cause, and address it early on.

Why Is My Cat Not Using the Litter Box

If you notice your cat having accidents outside their litter box all of a sudden, you might be wondering - “Why is my cat not using the litter box?” If your cat refuses to use the litter box, Dr. Wooten says that it’s one of 2 things: 1. the cat, or 2. The litter box.

If it’s a problem with your cat, it’s likely due to medical issues or stress. If it’s a problem with the litter box, it can be as simple as them wanting a clean box; or they may have an issue with the litter box design, its location, or the cat litter itself.

To prevent and address medical issues that involve not getting enough water, having a reliable pet fountain such as the Petcube Pet Water Fountain can go a long way. With its innovative filtration system and ease of use, it can be a life saver for both you and your cat.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box

Medical Issues

If your cat pees outside their litter box, the first step is to talk to your vet about it. Dr. Cathy Lund, DVM, shares that any change in your feline friend’s feeling of well-being may cause them to behave differently. Litter box habit changes is a common example of this in cats.

Most of the time, medical issues can be diagnosed through blood or urine tests. Possibilities include:

• Urinary or Bladder Issues — Ex. UTI, crystals/stones, Feline Idiopathic Cystitis
• Hormonal Conditions — Ex. Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney Problems — Ex. Chronic or acute kidney failure
• Unrecognized Pain — Ex. Joint issues, gut problems, skin issues, dental issues

Litter Box Issues

Once medical issues are ruled out, if a cat is not using the litter box, maybe it’s the box. Determine whether your cat has an issue with the box. Become a litter box detective to find out. Here are some considerations when it comes to the litter box.

• Cleanliness — Cats want a clean box
• Design — Does it have the right size, height, or shape? Do they feel safe and not feel trapped in it?
• Location — Cats want a quiet, easily accessible, low traffic area with good temperature. They also want it in an area where they can exit the box freely
• Quantity — As a general rule, the ideal litterbox-cat ratio is 1:1 (especially if you have a cat that tends to bully the other/s)

Cat Litter Issues

If your cat is peeing outside the litter box, it could also be because they don’t like the cat litter. Does it have good clumping properties? Is it dust-free? How does the texture feel? Does it neutralize odor well? Note that every cat may have their own preferences when it comes to cat litter, so not all types of litter will work for them. But generally, cats do not like strong-scented cat litter.

Stress or Anxiety

Changes in a cat’s environment, whether big or small, may cause stress or anxiety in cats. For example: Litter box is moved to a noisy area; A new housemate or pet; A visitor they’re uncomfortable with; Moving to a new house. Dr. Lund shares that a cat peeing outside the litterbox may be a way to relieve anxiety as they feel safer when they smell their own urine.

Monitoring your cat is important to help prevent or address issues. Having a reliable tool such as the Petcube Cam 360 is a great way to monitor your cat 24/7, with its innovative features such as the 1080p HD Video, 110° wide angle view, 8x zoom for details, and a clear night vision. When your cat is peeing outside the litter box, for instance, the Petcube Cam can help detect signs and symptoms that can point to the underlying cause. Thus, it can help you and your vet in solving the issue of your cat peeing outside the litter box.

How to Stop a Cat from Peeing Outside the Litter Box

To stop the problem of your cat peeing outside their litter box, you must first be able to determine the underlying cause. As soon as you notice the symptoms, talk to your veterinarian to determine what could be wrong and to rule our medical issues. If your cat happens to have a health issue, your vet can help you treat the problem. If they’re clear of medical issues, however, it could be behavioral and if so, you may want to consult with a cat behaviorist to help you address your cat’s behavior.

Meanwhile, if your cat is stressed or anxious, ask advice from your vet on how to minimize or prevent the stress from happening. Using pheromones may also help calm your anxious cat.

In a Reddit thread under r/CatAdvice for instance, a Redditor was seeking advice since her cat won’t stop peeing outside the litter box. According to the vet, the issue was behavioral. A number of Redditors suggested trying different cat litters. One Redditor said that it could be territorial and advices the poster to deep clean beds and couches.

Others suggested spraying pheromones on the cat litter box to attract the cat. Meanwhile, one suggested to ask for a second opinion from a vet to make sure that it isn’t really medical. Another shared her experience with their cat and how diapers helped. Lastly, one commented that the best bet is consulting with a cat behaviorist to help determine and address the specific issue.

Conclusion

With close observation, patience, and the right support, you can get to the bottom of why your cat is peeing outside the litter box. Just remember that your cat isn’t trying to be difficult. They’re just trying to tell you something. By understanding and caring for your cat, you have a better chance of solving the problem and deepening the bond that you and your feline friend share.