Remedy for a Cat Urinating Outside a Litterbox Wall

One of the biggest complaints cat owners have stems from their cats not being able to use the litter box properly. There are many reasons for this, from the obvious, such as bad aim, to the not-so-obvious, such as a serious infection. The remedy for such behavior depends entirely on the cause, so you might have to try a few things before the problem is solved.

  1. Upgrade the Litterbox

    • Many cats urinate down the litter box wall because they think they are inside the litter box. They climb in, they squat, and their bottoms are outside the boundary. Watch your cat. If he does this, invest in a larger litter box and see if that solves the problem.

    Switch Fillers

    • Many cats are picky and prefer a certain type of filler in the litter box, plus she might not want to urinate if the box is not clean. Try some different types of filler until you find one your cat likes. In your search, try some that are unscented, since cats can be sensitive to smell.

    Spay or Neuter

    • Many cats spray a bit of urine to mark their territory, and that territory can include the litter box. If your cat sprays the wall of the litter box from outside the box, chances are he is marking his territory. Cats usually only do this if there is another cat around. This can be a difficult problem to solve, but neutering or spaying the cat often fixes it. Failing that, you could add another litter box for the second cat.

    Check for Urinary Tract Problems

    • Unfortunately, urinary tract disease can be fatal to cats if not caught early. One of the earliest symptoms is urination in places other than the litter box. If your cat has been urinating inside the litter box, but suddenly will no longer do so, take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible to check for possible urinary tract problems.

    Try the Squirt Gun

    • Every cat owner knows that cats can be stubborn, difficult creatures. Most cats do not react well to change or other stressful situations, such as a move or the introduction of a new pet to the family. Your cat might be urinating on the outside of the litter box wall as a way to relieve stress and show his displeasure. If you think your cat might be doing this on purpose, try to catch him in the act and spray him with a squirt bottle full of water. Cats hate water, and this might be enough to dissuade him from doing it again.