Kitty accidents can be frustrating, but they are fixable. If you’re adopting a kitten or taking in a cat who has never been in a home before, you will need to teach them how to use the litter box. There are several reasons why your cat may not be utilizing their litter box, and these issues are generally caused by a behavioral or medical problem. You can learn quite a bit from your cat’s body language, which may help you reach the culprit behind this unwanted behavior.

Top Reasons Your Cat Is Peeing Outside of The Litter Box:

1. Medical Issue

This behavior could be the result of a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, kidney disease, or diabetes. A simple blood or urine test at the vet can help determine the issue. One thing is for sure, good stuff going in equals good stuff coming out and our premium cat food is top notch.

2. An Unclean Litter Box

Much like their humans, cats do not want to relieve themselves in a disgusting environment. The litter box should be scooped daily, and it should be deep cleaned every few weeks. Cats’ sense of smell is much more keen than ours, so they are able to detect filth much better than we are.

3. Stress or Anxiety

Cats sometimes exhibit urinary behavior called “spraying” to mark their territories. They may do this near the front or back door of the home if outdoor cats in the yard make them feel intimidated. Additionally, the smell of their own urine can be a stress reliever for your cat, so they may urinate wherever they need to calm themselves. If possible, try to relieve some of your kitty’s stress to prevent this behavior.

4. Location of Litter Box

Just like in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location of the litter box. This is especially true for older cats that may have trouble accessing stairs. Understandably, most pawrents don’t want a litter box in the middle of the living room or kitchen, however, it shouldn’t be too far away from the action of the home. The best places to put a litter box are in a main hallway, bathroom, or an office with easy access to a garbage can.

5. Behavioral/Defiance

Contrary to popular belief, if a cat pees on your clothes or furniture, it’s not a sign that they are unhappy with you. In fact, they are likely trying to bond with you by mingling your scents.

Ultimately, the key to stopping urination outside of the litter box is as simple as being a responsible pet pawrent. Keep your furbaby healthy and visit the vet for routine care and as soon as any issues are identified.