Cat Peeing Outside Litter Box: Why & What to Do
If your previously well-behaved cat has started suddenly peeing outside the litter box, there can be several reasons behind this change in behavior. This article will explain potential causes for your cat peeing outside the litter box and provide practical solutions for each. Cat parents can consider these solutions based on their cat's specific situation to address this troublesome issue, as the smell of cat pee can indeed be unpleasant.
Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? What To Do?
Reason 1: Health Issues
Health issues are the most important factor to consider. You should first check if your cat has any bladder infections or urinary tract diseases.
These problems can cause changes in a cat's peeing behavior, leading them to pee in unusual places because they may associate peeing with pain. In addition to peeing outside the litter box, signs of urinary tract and bladder infections include:
- Peeing more frequently but passing a smaller urine volume each time.
- Painful or straining urination.
- Excessive licking of the urethral area.
- Blood in urine.
What to do:
If your cat exhibits the above-mentioned symptoms, it's likely that your cat is suffering from a health problem. In this case, consult a veterinarian immediately for a physical examination and proper treatment. Once the health problem is addressed, your cat should return to using the litter box.
Reason 2: Litter and Litter Box Issues
- Litter box placed too close to the food area: Cats and dogs both have a sense of cleanliness and prefer to keep their eating and toileting areas separate. If the litter box is located right next to the feeding area, your cat is less likely to use it.
- Dirty litter or litter box: Cats have a keen sense of smell, and if the litter is not changed for a long time, your cat may detect odors and avoid using the litter box. Cats often prefer a clean area for elimination.
- Incompatibility with the current litter: Some cats are not very picky about litter, while others have specific preferences. In general, most cats prefer litter that is unscented, with soft particles and low dust.
- Inappropriate placement of the litter box: Incorrect placement can lead to cats refusing to use the litter box. A litter box in a noisy, high-traffic area may make the cat feel vulnerable. If the location is too cramped or difficult to access, the cat may avoid using it. Frequently changing the location of the litter box can also confuse the cat and make it less likely to use it consistently.
What to do:
- Regularly clean the litter box to keep it clean and free from odors. Scoop clumps daily and completely replace the litter at least once a week.
- Experiment with different types of litter to find the one your cat prefers.
- Place the litter box in an appropriate location. Keep it away from food and water, and put it in a quiet, private area that is easily accessible to the cat. Once you've found the right location, avoid changing it frequently.
- Use proper English expressions, and ensure your language is natural and fluent.
Reason 3: Anxiety or Stress due to Changes in the Environment
Cats experiencing psychological stress may have difficulty controlling their bladder, leading to inappropriate urination. There are many reasons that can cause cats to feel anxious or stressed. For example:
- New pets arrive. The arrival of a new pet in the household can make the cat feel that their territory is threatened, leading to anxiety. Problems in interacting with the new pet may also result in temporary discomfort and unease.
- Home environment changes. Cats are creatures of habit, and changes in the home environment due to relocation, new furniture, or renovations can easily trigger anxiety in cats.
- Sudden loud noises. Such as loud music, noisy construction work, or large gatherings, may make cats feel uneasy.
What to do:
- Try to provide a stable and comfortable environment for the cat, reducing unnecessary factors of change.
- If you can't avoid environmental changes, provide the cat with higher quality time and more companionship to help the cat regain a sense of security.
- If you're introducing a new pet, do so gradually, allowing the cat to slowly become familiar with the new pet. Give the cat extra attention, toys, interaction, and care to prevent the cat from feeling neglected due to the arrival of the new pet.
Reason 4: Lack of Companionship
Cats may experience anxiety due to their owner's absence, especially when the owner is away for extended periods. Some cats may urinate or defecate inappropriately after their owner leaves, targeting areas like carpets, beds, floors, or even the owner's clothing.
What to do:
- Ensure that the cat has enough play and stimulation when you are not at home, such as toys and climbing structures.
- Introduce a new cat companion to provide mutual company, which can help alleviate separation anxiety.
- In severe cases, consult a veterinarian for the use of medication to reduce separation anxiety.
What Wegreeco Can Do
The Wegreeco reusable and washable pee pads can be used to assist in training cats to use the litter box and establish the correct urination habits. Placing the pee pads next to the litter box can reduce the likelihood of cats urinating in other areas, which is highly beneficial for fostering the desired behavior in cats.
Wegreeco washable pee pads offer strong absorption, are leak-resistant, and effectively neutralize odors. If your cat frequently pees in inappropriate places, before completely solving the problem, these pee pads can serve as a temporary solution to alleviate household cleanliness issues. They protect your floors, furniture, and bedding from urine damage and help maintain a fresh indoor environment while you work on finding a long-term solution. The washable nature of our pads makes them environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as they can be reused multiple times.