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When a cat pees outside the litter box, it’s not a case of feline revenge! They are trying to tell you something. Reasons your cat might urinate outside the litter box include the following:
Some cats are quite fastidious, and they don’t like to eliminate in a dirty litter box. You should clean your cat’s litter box daily and change the litter in the box weekly. For cats who refuse to use a litter box with any urine or feces in it, consider a self-cleaning litter box.
Cats can be very specific about the type of litter they urinate in, how deep the litter box is, the size of the litter box and whether it has a cover. You can create a litter box buffet with different litter and litter box types to find your cat’s preferences. Most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter. The litter box should be large enough for your cat to turn around and cover their urine or feces.
If your cat is consistently urinating in one spot, consider moving the litter box to that location. If your litter box is in an area frequented by other animals, children or guests, try moving the box to a more secluded, calm location.
Some cats don’t like to eliminate in the same area as other cats. Generally, the recommendation is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in your home. For example, if you have two cats, then you should have three litter boxes.
A cat in a litter box is a sitting duck for other cats in the home to corner or pounce on. If your cat frequently has spats with your other cats, ensure those conflicts aren’t occurring around the litter box. Having several litter box options in a variety of locations may reduce ambushing behaviors. In some cases, anti-anxiety medications may be recommended to reduce aggression between feline housemates.
Cats often urinate (and sometimes defecate) outside the litter box when they are stressed or anxious. Potential triggers could include:
When possible, make changes to the home slowly. You can try anti-anxiety supplements and cat pheromone diffusers to help manage anxiety. In some cases, anxiety medications may be recommended.
A variety of health conditions can cause your cat to urinate outside the litter box. Feline cystitis and lower urinary tract disease are common causes of abnormal urination in cats. Conditions that make it hard to get into the litter box, like arthritis, can also contribute to accidents in the home. Additionally, chronic health conditions that increase the urge to urinate, like diabetes or chronic kidney disease, can lead to peeing outside the litter box. Your VCA care team will usually rule out health conditions before considering behavioral causes of inappropriate urination.
If your cat sometimes backs up to a vertical surface, quivers their tail and urinates onto the surface, this is urine marking. Urine marking is most common in male cats that have not been neutered, but any cat can display this behavior. Aside from altering your cat, the reduction of stressful triggers and the use of medication are common treatment methods for spraying cats.
If you’re concerned that your cat is urinating outside the litter box, your VCA care team is happy to help you determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.
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