There are several different reasons why our feline friends may decide to urinate outside their litter boxes. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in figuring out how to change this unwanted behavior.
Here are some of the most common causes of inappropriate urination, along with the best solutions:
Underlying medical issues
There are certain underlying medical issues that can cause your cat to urinate outside the litter box. A urinary tract infection is one condition that your veterinary can test for by collecting a urine sample and treating with antibiotics.
Cats can also have kidney or bladder stones that cause them to experience pain when urinating, resulting in frequent trips to the litter box or accidents outside the litter box. Your veterinarian can perform an x-ray or ultrasound to help diagnose stones.
A urinary blockage is a serious medical issue for many cats, especially male cats. If you cat is straining to urinate, only producing small volumes of urine or no urine at all, your vet should rule out a urinary blockage. If your cat is unable to urinate he requires immediate medical attention.
Lastly, cats can also suffer from a condition called Feline Interstitial Cystitis, which causes near constant inflammation and pain in the bladder. This creates a feeling of urgency and pain when urinating, and causes the cat to attempt to urinate frequently and often outside the litter box.
If you are observing changes in your cat’s litter box usage then you should consult with your veterinarian to rule out an underlying medical issue.
Litter box choices
To begin with, place the litter box somewhere that is easily accessible for your cat. Keep in mind that the litter box has to be large enough for your cat to climb in and out comfortably. A lid on the litter box may cause discomfort or make your cat feel constricted, so consider this when deciding which litter box you want to purchase.
Lastly, the volume and type of litter is important. Most cats prefer one to two inches of litter. If you put in too much litter, your cat may feel uncomfortable walking through it. There are different textures of litter too, and finding the one that your cat likes best will help encourage your feline friend to use the litter box.
Litter box cleaning
Cats will often urinating outside the litter box when they feel it's not clean.
If possible, it is best to clean the litter box daily in order to remove any accumulated fecal material and clumped urine. Additionally, it is recommended to empty and clean the litter box completely once a week, to remove residual debris and control unwanted odors.
Stress
Your cat may stop using the litter box appropriately due to an underlying stress or anxiety issue. This may be related to changes in your household, such as the addition of a new pet, or changes in furniture or daily routines.
A good rule of thumb is to have enough litter boxes for each cat in the household, plus an additional one. Another option for stress relief is to add a feline pheromone diffuser to your household. The brand "Feliway" is available not only as a diffuser, but also as an individually packaged wipe.
Urine marking
Another behavioral issue that will often result in urinary accidents outside the litter box is urine marking. Many cats will attempt to show their dominance by leaving their mark in certain areas of the house.
To discourage this behavior, change the location of the litter box to the region they are marking. If this is not possible, try to clean the accidents and eliminate the odor with an enzymatic cleanser. Placing his or her food or water bowls in a region where your cat has previously urinated should also discourage this behavior in the future.
If you cat persists with this behavior, your best option is to consult with your veterinary or with a feline behavior specialist on further methods or treatment options.
Overall, there are many potential reasons for cats to start urinating outside the litter box, and changing this behavior can be very challenging. Being patient and trying to understand the underlying cause will ultimately help you establish a more balanced household for both you and your cat.