How to Stop Your Cat From Urinating and Defecating Inappropriately

Though spraying can be a symptom of a medical condition, it can also be due to stress associated with a new person in the home, new carpet, remodeling or the presence of a neighbor cat. Here's how to redirect your cat to the litter box.

Things You'll Need

Fresh Step brand kitty litter
Cat Foods
Litter Boxes
Carpet Cleaners, such as OXY Woolite or Stanley Steemer
Furniture Cleaners
Sandpaper
Scat Mats
Two-sided Tape
Lemon Scents
Cat Litters

Instructions

Getting Your Cat to Stop Spraying
- 1
  Have your veterinarian screen your cat for any medical conditions.
- 2
  Place litter boxes in the areas where your cat sprays.
- 3
  Put down plastic, two-sided tape, food, sandpaper or a lemon scent in areas where cat sprays. These will discourage spraying.
- 4
  To divert your cat from spraying in sinks and bathtubs, fill them with a little water.
- 5
  Confine your cat to a clean area with a litter box, food and water.
- 6
  Block visual access to outside areas if your cat is stressed by something in the outdoor environment (for example, a new cat in the area).
- 7
  Use an abundance of positive reinforcement messages.
Getting Your Cat to Use the Litter Box
- 8
  Place a number of litter boxes in different areas of the house to increase the chances that your cat will use one.
- 9
  Use various types of litter boxes and litter materials to entice your cat (see related eHow on cleaning litter boxes).
- 10
  When your cat finally adjusts to using the litter box, keep it in the same place for four weeks.
- 11
  Move the box 1-foot or less per day to the area you want it to stay permanently.
- 12
  Praise your cat when it uses the litter box.
- 13
  If the cat continues to spray, consult an animal behaviorist and your veterinarian. Some cats need temporary antianxiety medication.