Help! My Cat Is Peeing Outside the Litter Box

Many cat parents appreciate their feline friends’ low-maintenance lifestyles. Cats bathe themselves, often maintain an independent attitude, and usually warm up to litter box training with ease. 

Despite your cat’s desire for cleanliness, you might find your kitty going potty outside their litter box. Discover the reasons why your cat may be peeing outside the litter area and how you can help redirect them back to the box. 

Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? 

If your kitty recently started peeing outside their usual spot, it’s important to understand what’s causing the behavior. Here are some common reasons your cat is peeing outside of the litter box. 

Reason #1: There’s Been a Change in Their Environment

Any change to a cat’s surroundings may lead to stress, such as moving to a new home or getting a new pet. Other environmental factors like adding new furniture or curtains (cats notice different scents!) may confuse your cat. This stress can lead them to pee outside the litter box.

Reason #2: Something’s Changed with Their Litter

Did you change the litter type, replace their litter box, or put too much litter in your cat’s box? If your kitty isn’t comfortable with these changes, they may just pee out of the box. It’s recommended to switch back to a type of litter or litter box they are more familiar with, so they can be comfortable in their own potty space.

Reason #3: You Have a New Schedule

Events like going on vacation or starting a new job could impact your cat. Just as you may be adjusting to your schedule, your kitty is, too. Your schedule affects their everyday life, so if you’re away for extended periods of time, your cat may go outside the litter box due to stress.

Reason #4: They Have a Medical Issue

Still don’t know why your kitty is going outside of the litter box? There may be an underlying medical issue. Some medical conditions result in frequent urination, like kidney disease or inflammation of the urinary tract, will cause your kitty to go potty more frequently (and possibly outside the box). Always check with your vet if you think the reason for them peeing outside of the litter box is medically related. 

🐾RELATED: Do Female Cats Spray? How to Stop the Habit

5 Ways to Stop Your Cat from Peeing Outside the Litter Box 

How do you put a stop to your cat peeing outside the litter box? Here are a few methods for getting them back in the litter box when it’s time for a potty break: 

Method #1: Relocate to the Litter Box

If you catch your cat in the act of peeing outside the litter box, pick them up gently and put them in the box. Try not to yell or scare them, which may make your cat associate the litter box with fear and punishment. Instead, remain calm and collected. 

Method #2: Freshen Up the Litter Area

Neutralize the odor in places where cats urinate outside the box. Simply masking the smell won’t discourage them from reusing the same areas. Cover the area with a cat pad to help neutralize litter odor and keep your floors clean.

Method #3: Try a New Litter Box

You might need to convince your feline friend that the litter box is the best spot to go potty. Buy a new litter box and keep it in its usual location. Keep an eye on your kitty’s preferences: are they a fan of litter boxes with hoods? Each cat is different, so make sure you make their “go” spot as comfortable as possible.

Method #4: Consider Multiple Litter Boxes

Make sure there are enough litter boxes throughout your home. Keeping a litter box on each floor or in your cat’s favorite spots will encourage them to pee inside the box. 

Think Outside the Box 

Accidents happen! If you find your cat regularly urinating outside of the litter box, there is usually an explanation. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get them back on their mark! Be consistent when redirecting your cat to the box and make sure they are reacquainted with their potty spot sooner rather than later. 

Pet parenting dedication doesn’t just stop at litter box training. From trimming your cat’s nails to offering them quality playtime, your kitty needs the best love and care for a fulfilled, happy life!