Cats pee outside of the litter box when there is something they don't like about their litter tray environment, have a behavioural issue, or are unwell. While it’s not always easy to understand the exact reason, animal experts warn against a common myth that felines urinate around the house when they are mad at you. Definitely not. Here are the possible reasons and solutions.
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Why does your cat pee outside the litter tray?
The reasons can be narrowed down into three categories: environmental, behavioural, and medical. Schedule an appointment with a vet to rule out health issues.
Pinpointing the environmental or behavioural issue reasons isn’t easy on your own, and you might need some help from an animal behavioural specialist.
Experts recommend showing your cat lots of love and patience—especially when they’re having bathroom troubles. Yelling at them will not just be ineffective, it will harm your relationship with your cat.
Follow the simple strategies.
Create a perfect litter box set-up
Use these basic tips to create a desirable environment for your pet.
Experts recommend using one litter box per cat plus one extra per household. The ideal tray is at least one and a half times the length of your cat's body, and most cats prefer uncovered boxes.
Scoop twice daily and clean out the box. Replace litter monthly. Opt for unscented, fine-grained, clumping litter because it resembles sand, and your cat is more likely to use it.
Make sure the litter tray is away from high-traffic areas and other startling noises.
Eliminate the stress
Cats might pee in unusual spots because they are stressed by unfamiliar scents and aren’t confident in their own home. They then pee on your favourite belongings because meshing your scent and theirs provides comfort. If you can remove the stressor—like closing the blinds to hide the sight of a curious tomcat—do that.
Stress can also be dealt with by engaging your cat in play and giving them treats near its source. Enriching toys and hiding spots are also healthy ways for your cat to de-stress.
Cats live a scent-based life, as proven by their urine-marking antics. Use the power of smell and soothe your cat with products like Feliway and Comfort Zone, synthetic pheromones developed to mimic the natural comforting facial pheromone secreted by felines.
Use positive reinforcement
Your cat could be scared of their litter box, and you might have to slowly reintroduce it to them. Reward them for their progress.
For desensitization you want to treat your kitty for looking at, approaching, or investigating the box. But cats love making their own choices, so fight the urge to place them in the litter box. Always let them investigate at their own pace, rewarding them along the way.
Spay or neuter your cat
Spaying and neutering your pet will prevent them from spraying. Urine is a surefire way for your cat to communicate to other cats what their reproductive status is—whether your cat is male or female. Urine also marks territory, making spraying even more common if you live with a clowder of cats.
Sources used:
- Daily Paws: '5 Ways to Stop a Cat from Peeing in the House (And Why They're Doing It)'
