We’re always impressed by just how easily most kittens take to using the litter box. It’s often as easy as putting them in a room with the litter box so they know where it is. From there on out, they seem to get it. If your kitten was routinely using the box and is now having accidents, this may indicate that your cat needs medical or behavioral help.
Let’s review some of the reasons your cat might eliminate outside of the litter box:
- Cleanliness: Some cats are very specific about the cleanliness of their litter box. If you’ve not cleaned their box recently, they may eliminate outside of the box. Litter should be scooped at least once daily, and the litter box should be deep-cleaned monthly.
- Stress: A wide variety of stressors can contribute to elimination outside of the litter box, such as a new animal or child in the home, moving homes or even something as simple as a change to the type of litter you’re using.
- Marking behavior: Some cats will begin to mark if they’re experiencing social stress, such as an uncomfortable relationship with another cat. You may also see marking behavior in unaltered cats, particularly male cats.
- Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC): This condition involves inflammation of the bladder with no specific cause. Anxiety may be a contributing factor. FIC can lead to urethral obstruction, particularly in male cats. You may notice blood in the urine.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Urinary tract infections aren’t very common in young cats but can occur secondary to chronic diarrhea (leading to bacteria entering the urethra), diabetes and other conditions. You may notice blood in the urine.
- Bladder stones: Bladder stones irritate your pet’s bladder and make them feel like they constantly need to pee. Cats are more likely to develop bladder stones when they’re middle-aged or older, but they can develop at any age. You may notice blood in the urine.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is not common in young cats, but it does lead to excessive urination, sometimes outside of the litter box.
- Kidney disease: Like diabetes, kidney disease isn’t common in young cats, but it does lead to excessive urination that sometimes results in accidents.
- Pain in limbs: Cats with pain in their paws or legs due to things like wounds or arthritis may struggle to climb into the litter box and posture to urinate.
If your cat is eliminating outside of the box, contact your VCA care team to rule out medical causes.
Warning signs that your pet needs immediate attention include:
- Repetitive attempts to urinate with little to no urine coming out
- Unproductive straining in the litter box
- Yowling or vocalizing in the litter box while posturing
- Painful response to touching the lower abdomen
Don’t forget that you can always access Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional 24/7 using the myVCA™ app.*
Find out more about house soiling in cats and how to perform a litter box preference test.
