Why is my cat peeing everywhere?

Cats have a well-earned rep for being low-maintenance potty practitioners; just plop down the litter box, and they’re supposed to do the rest. So it’s particularly frustrating when your cat starts to treat your floor like their own personal pee pad.

An extra-litter-box pee spree is a more common kitty crisis than you might think. From health-related issues to stress and environmental factors, there are plenty of explanations for why your feline friend might be avoiding their litter box.

Why is my cat peeing everywhere?

When your cat won’t use the litter box, you’d be wise to rule out health problems before you consider other causes. Illnesses often lead to changes in your cat's potty habits, and these issues can range from minor to serious.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, or inflammation are common culprits. These conditions can make urination painful, causing your cat to associate the discomfort of peeing with their litter box, at which point they may start avoiding it. Watch for signs like straining to urinate, frequent attempts to pee, or blood in the urine, as these can all point to a UTI or other urinary issues.

Kidney disease and feline diabetes are other medical conditions that can cause your cat to pee more frequently. With kidney disease, the kidneys fail to concentrate urine, leading to a greater volume of urine being produced. Diabetes, on the other hand, increases your cat’s thirst, resulting in more frequent urination.

Both kidney disease and diabetes can make it hard for your cat to reach the litter box in time, especially if they’re senior or have mobility issues. Increased water consumption and noticeable weight changes are other major signs to watch out for. 

As cats age, arthritis is another ailment that can affect their potty habits. That’s because the condition can make it painful or difficult to climb into a high-sided litter box or to travel across the house when they need to go. 

If your cat frequently hesitates before jumping or shows signs of stiffness, that may be a giveaway for arthritis. Give them a litter box with lower sides, and place multiple boxes around your home so they never have to commute to the commode. 

It’s also worth noting that certain medications can increase urine production or change your cat's behaviour. If your cat has recently started a new medication or undergone treatment, this could be contributing to the issue.

In all of these cases, the first step is a visit to the veterinarian. They can conduct tests to diagnose any underlying health issues and recommend appropriate treatment.

Stress and anxiety 

Change can be stressful for cats. Any disruption in their routine or environment can lead to behavioural issues like peeing outside the litter box. Common stressors include moving to a new home, changes in the family dynamic, such as a new pet or baby, or even rearrangements in your home’s layout.

It’s also possible that your cat is marking their territory. Cats—especially non-neutered males—have an unfortunate habit of marking their territory by spraying urine. This can be especially common in homes with multiple cats or neighbourhoods with multiple outdoor cats. It can also be a response to a perceived threat, like seeing another cat through a window.

If you suspect territorial marking, helpful strategies include making sure each cat in your household has their own set of resources, such as separate food bowls, water bowls, and litter boxes, and using pheromone diffusers to help reduce stress and marking behaviour.

Oh, and cats can get bored. Lack of stimulation can lead to any number of inappropriate behaviours, including peeing outside the litter box. Make sure they have plenty of toys, ample opportunities for playtime and exercise, and stimulating engagement from their pet parent (that would be you). Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular play sessions can work wonders.

Make sure their litter box is always clean, that it’s placed in a quiet and accessible location, and that it contains a type of litter your cat likes. (Seriously, there’s an array of different litter types, and sometimes it’s just a question of finding the right one.) As for finding the right location in your home, some trial and error can be necessary. Sometimes, simply adding more litter boxes in different locations can resolve the issue.

Finally, consider any recent changes in your cat's life or routine that may be causing anxiety or stress, including changes in your schedule that might be affecting the amount of time you’re spending with them. Cats thrive on routine, and disruptions can cause them to act out.

Litter box issues

If your cat’s litter box isn’t up to their standards, they might turn tail and go elsewhere. One of the most common issues is cleanliness. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and a dirty litter box can send them scampering. Scoop all litter boxes daily and change their litter regularly! 

And again, the type of litter can make a big difference. Cats may have a preference for a certain kind, whether it’s clumping, non-clumping, scented, or unscented. Some cats are put off by the strong fragrances of certain litters, while others might dislike the texture. 

The box itself can also have an impact. Some cats prefer open litter boxes, while others like the privacy of a covered box. Larger cats need bigger boxes. Meanwhile, older or arthritic cats—not to mention litter-training kittens — may benefit from boxes with lower sides for easy access.

Be sure to place the box in a quiet, low-traffic area where your cat feels secure. Don’t set it down near loud appliances or in areas that are difficult for your cat to reach. Plus, cats prefer their litter boxes to be a fair distance away from their feeding areas. (Who can blame them?)

Sometimes, the issue may be related to the number of cats in the home. In multi-cat households, one cat may intimidate another away from the litter box, or there may simply be too much competition for the available boxes. Providing multiple litter boxes in various locations can help solve the problem.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that cats can develop a negative association with their litter box. If they’ve experienced discomfort or pain while using it in the past—for instance, due to a medical condition—they may still avoid the box even after the condition has resolved. In such cases, retraining your cat to use the litter box, possibly by placing them in a confined space with the box for some time, can help re-establish their normal habits.

Age-related factors

As cats age, they can experience a range of health issues that affect their litter box habits. We’ve already touched on arthritis and mobility, but cognitive issues can play a role as well. Senior cats can get confused and forget where to find their litter box. In such cases, your cat might benefit from having multiple litter boxes in different areas of your home.

Sensory decline can be a problem too. Vision and hearing loss can contribute to disorientation, making it more challenging for them to find and use the litter box.

And of course, some of the conditions we’ve already discussed (like kidney disease and diabetes) are more likely to afflict seniors. Keeping your older cat healthy with regular vet check-ups and prompt treatment can go a long way toward keeping your floors dry. 

One other thing to consider: older cats may require different nutrition, and changes in their diet can lead to positive changes in their potty habits. Consult with your vet to help craft a tailored senior diet.

How to stop your cat from peeing everywhere

First and foremost, always approach these issues with patience and understanding.  Punishing your cat is not only ineffective; it’s likely to increase their stress and make the problem worse. After all, stress might be at the root of the problem in the first place! Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and making sure the litter box is as appealing as possible.

Cats are likely to return to spots where they can smell their urine. So if your cat has peed outside the litter box, you should thoroughly clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet odours, since regular household cleaners may not fully remove the scent.

And again, make sure your cat has ample opportunities for play and exercise. Interactive toys, climbing structures, and regular play sessions can relieve anxiety and boost your cat’s well-being. As a result, this kind of stimulation can reduce stress-related peeing.

Cat peeing problems: when to seek professional help

While many cases of inappropriate urination can be resolved at home, there are times when professional help is simply necessary.

If your cat suddenly starts peeing outside the litter box, the first step should always be a visit to the veterinarian. Sudden changes in bathroom habits can be a sign of medical issues, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney problems. Your veterinarian can conduct a thorough examination and necessary tests to diagnose any underlying health conditions.

But in cases where a medical cause has been ruled out, a cat behaviourist may be able to help. They can help identify stressors or environmental factors that might be contributing to the behaviour and suggest modifications to your cat’s environment or routine.

If your kitty winds up needing veterinary care, cat insurance can cushion the financial burden of treatment. With the right coverage, you can focus on getting your furry friend the care they need, not on your bank account. With a little luck, they’ll be back in their litter box in no time. 

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