Is Your Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? 11 Causes and How to Avoid Them

When a few conditions are met, most cats will use the litter box properly. Cats can be very fussy so it might take some time before they feel comfortable using the litter box properly. Cats peeing in the litter box is a common problem. This could be due to a number of factors, including behavior problems, inability to use the litter box properly, or cat hygiene issues. Most cats don’t like a dirty litter box especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. These problems can usually be resolved depending on the reason.

11 Reasons your cat may be peeing outside their litter box

1. Their territory

To mark their territory, cats urinate or spray. This behavior is common if you have new pets or if your garden is invaded by a feral cat. Unfixed cats, unspayed or unneutered, are more likely to mark territory. You will see them rub their sides on furniture and other objects, leaving their scent. They are more likely to spray on vertical surfaces.

• Solution: Get your cat fixed. You must ensure that your property is secure so your neighbor’s cats or feral cats don’t come to your house.

2. Use a litter box for dirty litter

A clean litter box is preferred by cats. Unhygienic litter boxes will discourage cats from using them. If multiple cats share the same litter box, and it isn’t emptied properly, this is common.

• Solution: Depending on how many cats your house has, make sure you have a regular litter box cleaning schedule. Replace the litter as often and frequently as you can.

3. Are you unsure how to dispose of the litter?

You may have just recently adopted a kitten or cat. They might not be able to properly use the litter box, and they might end up putting their waste in unwelcome areas.

• The best way to get rid of this behavior is litter box training. You can attract your child to the litter box by the smell. This can be done every time there are accidents in the house. Once they get used to it, they will start to understand how it works.

4. Urinary tract infection (UTI).

Cats with UTIs may have difficulty controlling their urination and could cause unintentional accidents in the home. Cats with a UTI may have small bladder sizes and experience pain as they can’t empty their bladders.

• Solution: Your vet will need to see your cat immediately and prescribe medication to treat the infection. The vet might suggest that your cat use pet diapers to prevent them from becoming incontinent.

5. Stress

Emotionally stressed cats will display unusual behavior such as hiding, skittishness, not caring about their food or toys, and may not be able to be their normal self.

6. Kidney disease

Consuming something toxic or poisonous can cause kidney disease in cats. They may experience abdominal pain, difficulty peeing, or problems controlling when they pee. You can check the garden or house to determine if they have taken toxic medication or plants.

• Solution: This is a serious, rare illness that needs to be treated immediately by a veterinarian. If not treated promptly, kidney disease can prove fatal. Eliminate toxic plants from your garden or house.

7. Environmental changes

Cats can become confused or unsure if there is a sudden change in their lives. You may need to move houses, organize your home, or move the litter box.

• Solution: Allow your cat to adjust to the changes. Then, place any litter in the box. Your cat will love the smell and be attracted to it. If they are using your home as a bathroom, you can pick them up and put them in their litterbox.

8. Discomfort

Your cat may avoid the litter box if they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable. This is most common with older cats. This could be caused by something in your cat’s environment, such as children bugging them or babies who are too excited to play with them.

• Solution: Teach your children how to be respectful of your cat’s boundaries. Show them when you can interact with your cat. A vet may prescribe pain medication to relieve arthritis symptoms.

9. Attention

Cats who feel they don’t get enough attention may try to expel their waste near you in an attempt to get a response. They may feel that you are not giving them enough interaction if this is all they do other than feed.

• Solution: Give your cat the attention she wants. Spend some time with your cat.

10. Oils and candles

Essential oils such as lemon, peppermint, and lavender are not liked by cats. They also don’t like strong candles that have the same scent. These smells can deter cats from using their litter boxes.

• Solution: Do not use these smells around your cat’s litter box.

11. Illness

Your cat may feel sick if they have stomach discomfort, a thorn in the paw, injuries, or other health issues. They will not be able to use their litter box.

Solution: Move the litterbox close to the area where the cats are hanging out, and then take them to the vet to be checked in.

Last Thoughts

It is not a good idea for your cat to be punished for something they don’t understand. This could make the situation more difficult and cause fear in your cat. Instead, try finding positive solutions. These punishments are not recommended online and have no benefits.

• This isn’t going to improve the situation.
• Spray them with water
• Shouting and throwing objects at them
• As time permits, place them in a restricted space.