What Causes a Cat to Urinate Outside Its Cat Box?

During your cat's lifetime, it may urinate outside of its litter box due to a variety of causes related to physical or behavioral issues. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that 10 percent of cats will eliminate inappropriately during their lives. Determine the cause of your cat's behavior to help you to fix the situation and prevent your cat from urinating in places other than its litter box.

  1. Litter Box Issues

    • If your cat finds its litter box undesirable, the cat will not use it and will instead urinate outside of the litter box. A change in the type of litter you use in your cat's box or the location of the box can cause the cat to avoid it. Cats generally prefer fine, clumping litter that you need to scoop once or twice daily to keep the box free of urine and feces. Place the litter box away from high-traffic or noisy areas of your home in a place your cat has free access to at all times of the day. Remove hoods from covered boxes or litter liners, which your cat may not like, and fill the box deep enough for your cat to bury its waste, according to PetPlace.com.

    Stress

    • Cats that experience stress may start to urinate outside of the litter box. The introduction of another pet in the home, especially another cat, may cause some conflict and stress for your existing cat. To prevent aggression between your cats, provide each animal with its own separate spaces, food, water and litter box. The ASPCA recommends giving each of your cats a litter box plus one additional box in your home, making sure to have at least one litter box per floor. Other changes such as a move to a new home, an alteration to your usual work schedule or even new furniture can cause stress for your cat. Soothe your cat's stress with a pheromone diffuser or spray to promote a calm environment for your cat in new situations.

    Urine Marking

    • An intact cat will begin urine marking between 5 and 8 months old, according to PetPlace.com. Urine marking differs from inappropriate elimination because the behavior is due to hormonal urges to protect territory or find a mate. Cats mark on vertical surfaces by backing up to them and spraying urine containing pungent-smelling chemicals that communicate messages to other cats. Neutering or spaying your cat will usually eliminate this behavior in about nine out of 10 cats, though the behavior may take several months to completely stop after this surgery, according to PetPlace.com.

    Considerations

    • If your cat urinates outside of its litter box, take it to a veterinarian to check for any medical issues that may cause this behavior. Conditions such as a urinary tract infection, feline interstitial cystitis, kidney stones or a urinary blockage can all cause your cat to urinate outside of its litter box, according to the ASPCA. A veterinarian can diagnose these conditions and treat them to stop this behavior. Clean areas your cat has urinated on with an enzymatic urine cleaner to completely eliminate the odor and prevent your cat from re-marking the area. Provide an elderly cat with a litter box that has low sides so it can easily enter the box, and illuminate the area with a night light so it can see the box in the dark.