Cats are known for their cleanliness, and if they start avoiding the litter box, their owners can feel frustrated and puzzled. Understanding the underlying reasons for this behavior is important for addressing the issue effectively. Our Stanton Pet Hospital team describes six common reasons why your cat is peeing outside their litter box and what you can do to encourage your whiskered pal to use the box.

1: Medical issues in cats 

If your cat has not been using their litter box appropriately, they may be ill. Medical issues are often the top causes of a cat’s inappropriate elimination and can include:

  • Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — FLUTD is an umbrella term that covers several urinary issues in cats, causing litter box avoidance because of the pain associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), and similar conditions. Affected cats may also try to urinate more than usual, have bloody urine, and excessively lick their urethral area.
  • Chronic conditions — Kidney disease and diabetes are two of the most common chronic conditions that cause cats to urinate more frequently than usual and have accidents outside the litter box. These conditions are more common in older cats.

2: Stress and anxiety in cats

Cats are highly sensitive to disruptions in their surroundings and routine and can become stressed and anxious. One of the top indications that your cat is stressed is peeing outside the litter box, which can be triggered by:

  • Environmental changes — Cats are creatures of habit, and any change in their environment can cause significant stress. Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or even rearranging furniture can upset your cat’s routine and lead to inappropriate urination.
  • Social stressors — Cats can also experience stress from conflicts with other household pets or changes in their human family dynamics. Providing a safe, quiet space for your cat and using pheromone diffusers can help reduce their anxiety.

3: Cats may have issues with their litter box 

Cats are finicky about their bathroom facilities. They may avoid their litter box because of the following factors:

  • Box cleanliness — Cats are meticulous about cleanliness. A dirty litter box can be highly unappealing to them. Scoop the litter box daily and completely change the litter at least once a week, disinfecting the box with an unscented cleaner.
  • Box type and size — The litter box’s size and type can also cause your cat to urinate elsewhere. Some cats prefer open boxes to covered ones, while others may need larger boxes to feel comfortable. Experiment with different litter box types to see which one your cat prefers.
  • Litter preference — Cats can be particular about the litter type used. Some prefer clumping litter, while others might favor litter made from a different material such as recycled paper. Gradually introducing a new litter type can help determine your cat’s preference without causing stress.

4: Behavioral issues

Behavioral problems in cats can manifest as inappropriate urination. In addition to stress and anxiety, cats may pee outside the litter box because of:

  • Territorial marking — Unneutered male cats and some female cats mark their territory by spraying urine. Neutering or spaying your cat can reduce or eliminate this behavior. 
  • Learned avoidance — If your cat has had a negative experience with the litter box, such as being startled by a loud noise, they might avoid it. In such cases, reintroducing the litter box in a different location and creating positive associations can help.

5: Age-related issues

As your cat grows older, they can develop age-related problems that interfere with appropriate litter box use. Aging problems in cats that can cause inappropriate urination include:

  • Cognitive dysfunction — Older cats can suffer from cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in people, which can lead to confusion and accidents outside the litter box. 
  • Mobility issues — Arthritis and other mobility issues can make it difficult for older cats to access or climb into and out of the litter box. Providing a low-sided or ramp-accessible box can help alleviate this issue.

6: Household dynamics

Relationships between pets and people in the household can greatly influence your cat’s comfort with their litter box. Factors that may lead to inappropriate urination include:

  • Multiple cats — In a multi-cat household, one cat might block another from accessing the litter box. Provide enough litter boxes for each cat, ideally one per cat plus one extra, and place them in different locations to reduce competition.
  • Lack of privacy — Cats need a quiet and private place to do their business. If the litter box is in a busy area, your cat might seek a more secluded spot. Moving the box to a low-traffic area can help.

Addressing litter box issues requires patience and a bit of detective work. If your cat continues to pee outside the box despite your best efforts, schedule an appointment with our Stanton Pet Hospital team to determine the cause and implement treatment.