Instructions
Rule out a medical condition. If a cat that has never urinated out of its box before it starts urinating in odd places, one thing to check is the cat's health. House cats frequently develop urinary problems, including urinary tract infections, and these conditions can bring on inappropriate urination. Diabetes is another condition to rule out. Take your cat to the vet and get it checked out if you have any doubt.
Clean any area that was "marked" with urine. If a cat has urinated anywhere outside of its box, it is important that the soiled area be completely cleaned. Upholstery cleaners, carpet cleaners and soap and water are important cleaning agents, but these often do not remove all lingering smell. Get a bottle of an enzyme-based agent such as "Nature's Miracle" to eliminate any possible remaining odor. This will help discourage your cat from urinating in that place again.
Keep litter box areas clean, private and quiet. Cats are very fastidious animals, and you must keep the litter box very clean. If you have more than one cat, or can't scoop the box every day, get more than one litter box. These steps will encourage your cat to use the box.
Consider neutering or spaying your cat if you haven't already. Male cats are especially prone to sexual marking behavior. Ideally, you should neuter your male before they are 6 months in age, but neutering after that age can also help reduce urinary marking, which is a territorial behavior (see Reference 1). Female cats engage in urinary marking, too, but they do it to let males know that they are "available" (see Reference 1). Spaying females will generally stop this behavior.
Check your home environment. Cats are creatures of habit: Many get "upset" by changes in the household; insecurity frequently leads to inappropriate urination. Changes such as a new baby, a new pet or even kitchen remodeling can stress a formerly well-behaved cat. Try to introduce changes to the household gradually, and if your cat seems to have trouble adjusting, sometimes a veterinarian can prescribe medication to help calm your cat.
How to Stop a Cat from Urine Marking
Inappropriate cat urination, including marking, is a common problem. To begin, there are steps you can take to rule out medical problems with your cat. Then, if you are sure you have a behavior issue, there are things you can do to change your cat's behavior. Dealing with cats requires that you analyze every factor, know how cats "think" and be willing to do what you can do to help your cat change its behavior. If you catch your cat backing up to a wall or sofa and peeing on it, this is typical marking behavior.