Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?
Causes for Cats Who Won't Use Litter Box and Cat Bathroom Accidents
Oct 4, 2008
At some point during a cat's life, there's a good chance that a cat owner may encounter a situation where a cat is not using the litter box on a consistent basis. Feline bathroom accidents can occur at any point in a cat's life and the causes of litter box problems are varied.
There are three basic causes of a situation where a cat refuses to use a litter box, or where a cat is inconsistent with his use of the litter box: feline health problems, behavioral problems and environmental/home life factors.
The following overview of causes of feline litter box problems can serve as a sort of troubleshooting guide for cat owners who are seeking to remedy a situation with a cat who is not using the litter box.
Cause 1: The Litter Box is Dirty
Some cats will refuse to use a litter box that is dirty, resulting in a situation where the cat has bathroom accidents around the house. Daily or twice-daily cleanings of the litter box is the best way to remedy this problem.
Cause 2: The Litter Box is in a Bad Location
Cats prefer to have privacy and quiet while using the litter box, so a litter box that's situated in a busy location or in a location with lots of foot traffic from humans and other pets can deter a cat from using the litter box. Litter box hoods can provide added privacy and peace for a cat while he does his business. Placing the litter box in an out-of-the-way location, such as a laundry room, can help to make the litter box more desirable. The cat's litter box should also be placed away from the cat's sleeping area and eating area.
Cause 3: The Cat has an Infection or Illness
A urinary tract infection, bladder infection or kidney infection can lead to very frequent urination, which can result in a cat who has bathroom accidents outside of the litter box. Likewise, a sick cat may also refuse to use the litter box. Other problems, like feline crystalluria (crystal formation inside the bladder and urine) and bladder stones can cause inflammation and discomfort that makes bathroom activities uncomfortable. This is another fairly common situation for a cat who is refusing to consistently use the litter box.
When litter box problems are combined with signs of illness like poor appetite, lethargy, frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, and other symptoms, a vet visit is required. In the vast majority of cases, the cat will resume using the litter box full time once the illness is addressed.
Cause 4: The Cat Has Difficulties Sharing a Litter Box With Other Cats
Multiple cat households should have multiple litter boxes. A cat may urinate or defecate outside of the litter box if another cat is occupying the home's only litter box when the need arises. Placing two or more litter boxes inside the home will provide the cat with an available "bathroom" at all times, especially if another cat in the household enjoys sitting inside the litter box for an extended period of time.
Cause 5: The Cat is Upset About a Recent Life Change or Event
Some cats adjust better to change than others. The arrival of a new baby, a house guest, a move to a new home, a new cat, a new dog or a vacation for the cat's owners can be deeply upsetting and distressing for a cat. This can lead to a cat with behavior problems, which can manifest in the form of poor litter box habits. Pet owners should examine the situation and provide the cat with extra attention/affection and positive reinforcement for the cat's good behaviors. Planning ahead and taking measures to help a cat adjust to life changes can help a cat deal with life changes.
Cause 6: A Male Cat is Marking or a Female Cat is in Heat
Urine is like a business card - it can be used to leave brief messages for other cats that communicate dominance, territory and a female's willingness to breed. Intact males and unspayed females may urinate outside the litter box - often in the form of a small "spray" for males or "mark" in the case of females. Hormones are the trigger for this troublesome behavior, which is most commonly remedied by spaying or neutering the cat. This is the most effective way to stop a cat's urination outside the litter box due to hormonal factors.
