How to Stop a Cat from Urinating in the House

Co-authored by Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT

Last Updated: May 8, 2023

Most cats learn to use the litter box without much training. However, sometimes a cat might have issues urinating outside his litter box. This can be caused by stress, the location of the litter box, the type of litter, or an underlying medical condition. Figuring out the cause of your cat's litter box problem and proceeding accordingly can help eliminate the problem.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Identifying the Cause

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1
Differentiate urine marking from a litter box problem. Sometimes, cats spray areas around the house to mark their territory. This is a habit known as urine marking. This is different than a litter box problem, and if your cat is urine marking it needs to be dealt with in different ways.
- Cats tend to urine mark on vertical surfaces. While litter box problems can be detected by large amounts of urine deposited at random places throughout the house, urine marking is generally present on vertical surfaces like walls, shelves, and sofas.^{[1]
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- Urine marking does not leave a large amount of urine. The primary purpose of urine marking is to leave a scent to mark territory. When your cat urine marks, the amount will be significantly less than you would normally scoop out of a litter box.^{[2]
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- Urine marks contain certain chemicals used to communicate with other cats. These chemicals make the urine smell pungent.^{[3]
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2
Consider a number of factors. Cats are sensitive animals and may urinate outside the litter box for a number of reasons. Consider any recent changes in your home when trying to find the cause of a litter box issue.
- Do you clean the litter box every day? If you have not cleaned the litter box for a number of days, your cat might prefer to urinate elsewhere. Cats are neat animals and dislike using an unclean litter box.^{[4]
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- How many cats do you have? If you have more than one cat, and only one litter box, your cats may be fighting over the litter box.^{[5]
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- Can your cat easily access the litter box at all times? Is the box too small? Size and location play a big factor in your cat's litter box use and if he's having trouble reaching or fitting in the box he may urinate elsewhere.^{[6]
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- Have there been any changes to your home recently? Cats might urinate outside the box due to stress. If you've recently moved or introduced a new pet or roommate, this might be triggering the urinating.^{[7]
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3
Observe how your cat behaves around the litter box. Observing how your cat behaves can offer clues to his litter box issues. Try and keep an eye on the litter box area and see if you notice any unusual behavior.
- How old is your cat? A geriatric cat might physically have trouble getting in and out of the litter box, especially if you have a covered litter box with a door. If you notice an older cat struggling to get in and out, this might be the cause of the urinating.^{[8]
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- Your cat may have an aversion to his litter box due to a negative experience. If your cat was scared or intimidated while using the box, he may get in the box and leave very quickly or approach the litter box area but hesitate to enter.^{[9]
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- Painful urination is another reason for urinating outside the box. Your cat may have developed a fear of his litter box because he associates it with pain. If you notice your cat straining or crying during urination, he may be experiencing pain. You should consult a veterinarian.^{[10]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Changing the Litter Box

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1
Try a different box. Sometimes, simply changing the litter box can help alleviate the problem. If a box is too small or difficult to enter, a cat may end up urinating outside the box.
- Some cats dislike enclosed litter boxes because they are small or dark. If you have an enclosed litter box, try replacing it.^{[11]
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- The sides of the litter box may be too high for your cat to easily get in an out. If you have a smaller cat or a kitten, switch to a box with lower sides.^{[12]
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- Cats may urinate outside the box if they feel the litter is too high. They prefer no more than 2 inches of litter. You can try switching the litter amount if getting a new litter box does not work.^{[13]
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2
Add another litter box. If you have more than one cat, territorial disputes can be the cause of litter box issues. If you have more than one cat, adding a second litter box to your home might be a good idea.
- Place another box in a different location from the old box. In territorial disputes, one cat might have claimed an entire region of the house to himself.^{[14]
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- If you only have one cat, but have a house with multiple levels, have a litter box on each level. Your cat may be urinating outside the box because he can't move between levels quickly enough.^{[15]
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3
Move the box to a new location. Your cat may dislike a certain location in your home. If the litter box is in this location, he might urinate outside the box to avoid that location.
- If your litter box is tucked away somewhere, like a closet, your cat might be having trouble accessing the litter box. Move it to a location your cat can access easily.^{[16]
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- If there's a particular spot where your cat keeps urinating, move the litter box to this spot. This could help teach him to urinate in the box.^{[17]
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- Put a cat's food, water, and toys in the same area but not beside the litter box. This way, you'll be creating a cat friendly location in the house and your cat will learn to associate his litter box with his territory. This may increase his comfort using the litter box.^{[18]
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4
Change the litter type. The wrong type of litter can result in a cat urinating outside the box. Experimenting with different types of litter can help resolve a litter box issue.
- A sand-like substance is preferable. This kind of litter puts less pressure on your cat's paws and is easier for digging.^{[19]
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- Cats sometimes dislike perfumed litter as some cats are sensitive to smell. While you might prefer it as it lessens the stink of the litter box, your cat may be put off by it and choose to urinate elsewhere. Regular cleaning can prevent smell, so opt for unscented litter.^{[20]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Managing Stress

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1
Develop a predictable routine. Stress can be a cause of urinating outside the litter box. Cats thrive on routine and establishing a schedule for you and your cat can minimize stress.
- Keep food bowls in the same place and make sure your cat always has fresh water. If you let your cat eat freely, make sure the bowl is always full. If you feed your cat in certain intervals, strive to feed him at the same time each day.^{[21]
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- Changes in diet, such as switching food types, should be done gradually. It can trigger urinary problems. Introduce new food by mixing it with old food a little at a time.
- Try to schedule time every night to play with and pet your cat. While cats are not as people dependent as dogs, they do crave attention and will act out if neglected. Having a regular playtime can reduce stress and urinary problems.
2
Invest in pheromone sprays. Pet stores and veterinary clinics sell sprays made from synthetic pheromones that simulate feelings of relaxation in your cat.
- Feliway spray is one pheromone spray option, suggested by the ASPCA. It can be purchased online, from a veterinarian, or at a pet store.^{[22]
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- If Feliway does not work for you, ask your vet for another recommendation.^{[23]
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3
Manage conflict between cats. If your cat is having conflict with another cat, this might result in urinating outside the box. Managing conflict quickly and effectively can help reduce the problem.
- Separate cats when they fight. Allow them to have time to cool off before reintroduction, and do so gradually. Allow the cats to interact through the door before allowing face-to-face interaction. Separate your cats for at least an hour after a fight.
- Cats love to have hiding places. Make sure all the cats in your house have access to hiding spaces. Clear off spaces on shelves and counters for your cats, as cats enjoy high perches. Consider investing in a couple of kitty condos. Adequate space for privacy can reduce conflict in a multi-cat household.^{[24]
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- Have multiple food and water bowls to reduce fighting between resources.^{[25]
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4
Never scold a cat. Cats do not respond to scolding well. Being stern with your cat after he urinates outside the litter box can create further feelings of stress. Scolding is not only ineffective, but it may actually make the problem worse.
- Never rub a cat's nose in urine or feces. This is an outdated training tactic that can alienate a pet from its owner, causing household tensions. If you find urine or feces, simply clean it up. Do not use an ammonium-based cleaner, however. Urine contains ammonium and it might encourage your cat to pee in the same spot again.^{[26]
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- Do not carry your cat to the litter box to show him this is where he should urinate after an accident. He will not make the connection. Cats respond to human contact differently than other pets, and prefer not to be held or handled too much, this will only serve to scare you cat.^{[27]
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- Never yell at a cat. Your cat will become frightened if they are yelled at or otherwise spoken to harshly. You do not want to create a situation where your cat is afraid of you. This increases stress, which contributes to litter box issues. A cat may respond to scolding by simply urinating in a spot in the house they think you will not find.^{[28]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Consulting a Vet

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1
Make an appointment with a veterinarian. If your cat's problems do not improve with household and litter box changes, consult a veterinarian to rule out a medical issue.
- Your veterinarian will perform a routine exam, taking your cat's temperature, listening to his heartbeat, and physically examining for any signs of ill health. Your vet will also ask you a number of questions about your cat's behavior. Mention the urinating and ask your vet about potential causes.
- Depending on your cat's age and medical history, your vet might want to conduct additional blood work, x-rays, or other tests to help determine the cause of the urinating.
- If additional tests are needed, you may not know the cause until the test results return. It may take a few hours or a few days and follow appointment might be necessary depending on results.
2
Understand the possible causes. There are a variety of medical conditions that could cause your cat to be urinating outside the box. Some are fairly benign while others can be quite serious.
- A urinary tract infection can be treated fairly easily with antibiotics. If your cat seems to be urinating frequently and in small amounts, this may be a UTI.^{[29]
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- Feline interstitial cystitis is a neurological disorder that can affect bladder control. This is marked by blood in urine, strained urination, and licking after urination. This can be very serious, even fatal, and requires immediate medical attention.^{[30]
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- Kidney issues, such as a stone or blockage, can be a cause of frequent and painful urination. Your cat might cry or meow while urinating. Some kidney problems can be serious, but others can be treated fairly easily. Consult your vet if you believe kidney problems are an issue.^{[31]
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3
Ask your vet about medication. Your vet may be able to prescribe certain medications to help with your cat's litter box issues. Talk to your vet about the possibility of medication during your appointment.
- Medication options depend on why your cat is urinating outside the litter boxes. Conditions like UTIs require antibiotics but if your vet believes the problem is behavioral she may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.^{[32]
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- Discuss your cat's medical history with your veterinarian, as well as any known allergies. Your veterinarian will select a medication she believes will be best for your cat and most effectively solve the problem.^{[33]
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- Be aware of any potential side effects. Ask the vet about side effects and when you should be concerned or cease using the medication.^{[34]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Why is my elderly cat suddenly peeing on the floor?

Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT
Certified Dog & Cat Trainer
Russell Hartstein is a Certified Dog & Cat Trainer and CEO of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles, California. With over 25 years of training, nutrition, boarding, and daycare experience, Russell and the Fun Paw Care team provide the most current, humane, and science-based methods utilizing force-free positive reinforcement to train and care for pets. Russell is an author for PetMD, Chewy, and Dogster. He is also regularly cited in publications from various organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). He is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. He received his bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from Binghamton University.

Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT

Certified Dog & Cat Trainer

Expert Answer

It could be an age-related issue—as seniors get older, they develop more incontinence in their bowels and bladder.

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Clean any area your cat urinated in thoroughly. This will discourage other animals from urinating in the same area.

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Warnings

If your cat's behavior changes suddenly, and if you notice blood in urine or stools, consult a vet immediately. You want to rule out medical problems.

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