13 Symptoms of cats urinating outside of their litter box and 40 reasons why
There are complex to easy-to-understand reasons why a cat or kitten isn’t using the litter box. Examples range from kittens entering new homes without being fully litterbox trained to adult cats using this act to communicate a message you’ve yet to understand.
This article will cover a list of examples of causes as to why cats pee outside their litter box. We will answer how to solve the problem in each case where we can.
Let’s begin. The number one reason cats urinate outside their litter box is medical.
You’re probably not reading this to learn the obvious. You are here to find your unique problem listed and how to fix it. Be advised. This article is NOT to be construed as medical advice. It is for educational purposes.
How To Use This List
Each listed item we have knowledge of (and perhaps experienced), will link to a more detailed specific sub-section that provides answers that follow this outline:
- Summary answer
- Examination of the root cause
- Treatable percentage (in our estimation)
- Known treatment(s), off-label, prescribed, training, etc…
- References to anecdotal evidence
- How to return balance to the home
- Long term resolution
Medical Issues
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bladder stones or crystals
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
- Incontinence due to age or injury
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
Litter Box Problems
- Dirty or unclean litter box
- Inadequate number of litter boxes (not enough boxes for the number of cats)
- Wrong type of litter (texture, scent, or clumping vs. non-clumping)
- Location of the litter box (too noisy, high-traffic, or not private)
- Litter box size (too small for the cat)
- Covered litter box causing discomfort or trapping odors
Territorial Marking or Stress
- Introducing new pets or humans to the household
- Changes in routine or environment
- New furniture, rearranged items, or renovations
- Multi-cat dynamics, dominance struggles, or territorial disputes
- Stressors like loud noises, unfamiliar scents, or other animals outside
Behavioral Issues
- No previous training or incomplete training as a kitten
- Anxiety, fear, or other emotional disturbances
- Negative association with the litter box due to past experiences
- Overstimulation or excitement
- Behavioral changes due to aging
Spraying and Marking
- Spraying to mark territory (usually vertical surfaces)
- Intact (unneutered) males marking to attract females or assert dominance
Litter Box Aversion
- Negative experiences associated with the litter box (loud noises, startling events)
- Previous punishment in the vicinity of the litter box
Medical Procedures or Pain
- Negative associations with the litter box after a medical procedure or surgery
- Pain from medical conditions preventing access to the litter box
Inappropriate Surfaces
- Preference for certain textures (carpet, clothing, bedding) over the litter
- Cats with mobility issues may find it challenging to access the litter box
Social Dynamics
- Dissatisfaction with a household member
- Changes in social hierarchy among cats
- Sibling rivalry or competition for resources
Hormonal Factors
- Hormonal imbalances affecting behavior
- Hormones related to reproduction, even in neutered cats
Aging and Cognitive Changes
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior cats affecting litter box habits
Environmental Factors
- Lack of environmental enrichment, leading to boredom or frustration
- Inadequate play or mental stimulation
Misinterpretation of Elimination Behavior
- Cats squatting to defecate being mistaken for urination
- Normal behavior being misperceived as a problem
WHAT NEXT?
These are just 13 known causes of cats urinating outside the litter box. We will discuss more specific instances of cat peeing outside litter box causes in supplemental articles: Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, and Colloidal Silver.
