Discovering their cat is urinating outside the litter box is a common issue cat owners encounter-. Not only can the situation be extremely frustrating, but it also can harm the bond you have with your feline friend. Our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team wants your relationship with your cat to be as copacetic as possible, so we explain reasons your cat may be avoiding their litter box and offer tips to help remedy the problem.

Reasons your cat may avoid their litter box

Cats are finicky creatures, and many issues can cause them to urinate outside their litter box. They include:

  • Medical conditions — Cats experiencing certain medical conditions may avoid their litter box:
    • Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — FLUTD is an umbrella term that includes conditions that affect a cat’s urinary bladder and urethra. Potential causes include bladder stones, urinary tract infections, urethral blockages, cancer, and feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Urinating outside the litter box is one of the most common signs associated with FLUTD. Other potential signs include vocalization during urination, increased urination frequency, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and overgrooming of the area around their urethral opening.
    • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — CKD involves the gradual loss of kidney function and is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats. A cat’s CKD risk increases with age, and certain breeds, such as Persians, Abyssinians, and Siamese, are predisposed to the condition. In addition, chronic infections, such as dental disease, can lead to CKD. Affected cats experience increased thirst and urination, which may cause them to urinate outside the litter box. Other potential signs include decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, bad breath, oral ulcers, and a dull, unkempt coat.
    • Arthritis — Arthritic cats may have a difficult time getting in and out of their litter box, causing them to urinate elsewhere. Other signs you may notice include stiffness after resting, reluctance to jump on or off elevated surfaces, difficulty navigating stairs, and resting in easily accessible areas.

  • Behavioral issues — Behavioral issues can also lead to litter box avoidance:
    • Stress — Cats are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, and issues such as new pets, unfamiliar people, moving to a new home, and home renovations can stress them and cause them to urinate outside the litter box.
    • Territorial marking — New pets in or around your home can trigger marking behavior, especially in intact cats.
    • Multiple cats — Cats who live with other felines are more prone to stress and may urinate outside the litter box.
  • Litter box factors — Cats are particular about their litter box preferences, and if the setup isn’t to their liking, they may find another place to urinate. Considerations include:
    • Cleanliness — Cats prefer a clean litter box.
    • Location — Quiet, low-traffic areas are the best locations for your feline friend’s litter box.
    • Number — Provide at least one litter box for every cat in your home plus one extra.
    • Size — The litter box should be large enough for your cat to easily turn around and dig comfortably in the litter.
    • Litter type — Most cats prefer unscented, clumpable litter. 

Tips to address your cat’s litter box avoidance

Before kicking your cat out of the house or yelling at them, understand they aren’t urinating outside the litter box to spite you. Tips to remedy the problem include:

  • Scheduling a veterinary appointment — Your first step should be to schedule a veterinary appointment with our team so we can ensure the problem isn’t caused by an underlying medical issue.
  • Maintaining the litter box appropriately — Evaluate your cat’s litter box setup. Ensure you scoop the box at least twice a day and change the litter out once a week. Also, ensure your cat’s other litter box preferences are met. 
  • Providing resources — If you have multiple cats, provide enough resources, such as litter boxes, scratching posts, vertical spaces, and hiding spots, to accommodate all your feline friends.
  • Providing enrichment — Cats who aren’t properly mentally and physically stimulated can experience stress, causing behavioral issues, such as litter box avoidance. Schedule time daily to play with your cat, using a laser pointer or wand-style toy to get them moving, and offering treats in a food-puzzle toy.

If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, schedule an appointment with our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team so we can rule out a medical condition and help remedy the problem.