Do you get mad when you see pee on the floor? This is a perfectly natural reaction. Don’t worry! The reasons why your cat may do it outside the litter pan are varied, but they all have solutions. First of all, it is critical to find out what caused this disturbing behavior. There are two main reasons: medical and behavioral. Take a while to read about all the possible causes and solutions to this problem.

In this article you will read about
1 Reasons why cats pee outside the litter box
2 Medical reasons for cats peeing everywhere
3 Inappropriate urination – cat behavior
3.1 Dirty litter box problem
3.2 Stressed cat peeing all over the house
4 How do I stop my cat from peeing outside of the sandbox?
5 Reasons why your cat pees everywhere – who can help cat owners?

Reasons why cats pee outside the litter box

If your cat suddenly urinates in the house, you are probably wondering what the reasons for this behavior are. It is frequently said that cats are mean, but this is never true. When your cat urinates on the floor or on your bed, or any other place, it is always a sign that something is wrong. There are actually various causes of this problem, and of different gravity.

Medical reasons for cats peeing everywhere

First of all, you need to find out if your cat is peeing or spraying. If your kitty is not squatting and the urine goes on vertical surfaces, they are spraying. This is common for male cats, although this may also happen with female cats. You might want to get them neutered, which should stop them from spraying.

However, when your cat urinates on the floor, you should take them to the vet. Cats are perfectly able to hide their pain from humans and the easiest way to notice that something is wrong is by observing their behavior. If you see your cat urinating outside the box, you should definitely take them to the vet who will run urine and blood tests. There are a few medical issues that may be causing the problem:

  • UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) – provoked by bacteria, an inflammation of a cat’s urinary tract that may cause excessive urination. This, in turn, leads to a dirty litter box. Your cat might also associate the box with the pain connected with the infection. UTIs can usually be easily treated with antibiotics.
  • Bladder stones – this is a more serious issue that causes irritation or might even block the urinary tract and bring a lot of pain. Your vet can run an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and check the size of the stones. The small ones can be dissolved with a special diet, but the bigger ones need surgical intervention.
  • Metabolic diseases – urinary problems may also be a sign of numerous metabolic issues, such as kidney, liver, thyroid problems, or diabetes.

If the tests do not reveal any of the diseases, don’t forget that your kitty can also feel pain elsewhere. The pain may be stressful and may cause your cat to micturate everywhere.

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Inappropriate urination – cat behavior

Hopefully, your cat is not seriously ill. If this is the case, you now need to check behavioral reasons for the problem. You should ask yourself if there were any changes to your own routine, if your cat got stressed, or if the problem lies in the litter tray itself.

Dirty litter box problem

Cats are very clean animals. They really don’t like when their cat toilet is dirty. Sometimes it’s as simple as that – make sure your cat has a clean box all the time. Some cats need to have their box cleaned after every use. What is more, many cats do not like to urinate and defecate into one box. If you have multiple cats, it is said that you need one litter box per cat plus one extra, or even two trays per cat. You just need to test whatever works for your four-legged friends.

The problem can also result from the type of litter. Sometimes what works for us, does not have to work for our cat. While you like absorbent, clumping litter, your kitty might not. It might be that the smell is unappealing to your cat or they do not like the feeling on their paws, or the residues stick to them. It really just depends on what your cat prefers, so you will need some patience to find out what litter your cat likes.

Another reason can be the box itself or its surroundings. If you have an older cat or one that is big and fluffy or has put on weight, they may find it difficult to get in the box or the space inside is confined. Also, if you have two cats or more, one of them might be ambushing the other near the tray, which is really stressful. You can use an open box so that your cat is able to observe the surroundings. You can also consider putting the litter pan in a more open space for your kitty to feel safe. Finally, your cat can have their own preferences and you may be forced to test different types of boxes.

Stressed cat peeing all over the house

The feline litter pan problem can also come from stress. The reasons can be diverse, so you need to ask yourself what might have caused the anxiousness:

  • Another cat in your home – if you have taken a new cat without properly introducing them to your old cat, this can be really stressful. If they started peeing outside the box shortly after, you should definitely find out how to socialize the cats. You will need to start from isolation and go through scent swapping, visual contact, and gradual proper introduction. The process might be time-consuming, but it will guarantee a stress-free life for all your cats and yourself.
  • A new person in your house – whether it’s your new partner or a baby, your cat needs to be prepared for a new human in your household. You need to introduce them gradually to your kitty. In the case of a baby, you can start the preparations before their birth, so that the cat gets used to new objects in the house or to baby noises. Don’t forget to repeat the introduction processes while your baby grows and becomes more mobile.
  • Routine changes – think whether your routine has changed recently. Cats hate changes in their routine. Did you change jobs, work patterns, or spend more time outside the house? Do you spend more time out with your friends or invite people more frequently? This may cause separation anxiety or just additional stress. Separation anxiety is often linked to your cat peeing on your bed. Think about adjusting your routine, spending more time with your cat, and buying them new toys.
  • Loss – if you had other pets or people in the house, and they are gone for whatever reason, your kitty may become really anxious and unhappy. They can feel the loss just as you do. You probably need to spend more time with your sad or grieving cat.
  • Household changes – have you bought a new appliance? Its actions or noises can be a source of anxiety for your kitty. Consider changing their location, usage hours, or just introduce the change step by step. A renovation can also make your cat feel uneasy by changing your home’s structure. Make sure you provide them with enough vertical space, for example, shelves, cat trees, or window perches.
  • Boredom – your cat relies on you for all their needs. They may feel worried when bored. As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to give them enough time, space, and toys that will satisfy their natural instincts. A cat behaviorist can help you find the best means for you and your kitty.
  • Old urine smells – if your cat has started peeing in the wrong places, you need to get rid of the smell immediately. Even if the reason for this behavior is gone, the smell can still provoke your kitty to urinate in the previous places.
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If you can’t find the reason for the stress, you can analyze the spots where your cat urinates. The places are usually linked to what causes the stress. For example, if your cat pees near the door, you might want to think about separation anxiety. As the causes linked to stress can be different, it is always advised to consult a behaviorist.

How do I stop my cat from peeing outside of the sandbox?

The bottom line is to find the reason for this behavior. You can consult your vet or behaviorist to check if the cause is medical or behavioral. To stop your cat from peeing everywhere, you can follow these steps:

  1. Take your kitty to the vet to run urine and blood tests. If the reason is a medical issue, the veterinarian will suggest a proper treatment. Don’t forget to neuter your cat.
  2. Keep the cat litter tray clean. Make sure your cat likes the litter and that the tray is easy for your cat to access and use. Check if they prefer other types of boxes or litter.
  3. If you only had one cat in the house and now there are new people or pets, your kitty needs your help to adjust. Observe how your cat interacts with the new humans or animals. Read about socialization or consult a cat behavior specialist.
  4. Give your kitty all the time they need. Do it especially when your routine changes. Cats are creatures of habit, so try to prepare them for any major changes, if possible. When the changes start, spend more time with your cat, play with them and pet them.
  5. Don’t forget to catify your house or flat. Install shelves, cat bridges, scratching posts, and cat trees. Catification will help your kitty observe everything from all angles, and will make them feel safe. This in turn may help stop a cat from peeing on the floor.
  6. Check if there are new objects or sounds in your house, especially if you find your cat’s urine nearby. You could move the objects so that they are not stressful for your kitty anymore.
  7. Remove old urine smells. You can use special odor eliminators.
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Reasons why your cat pees everywhere – who can help cat owners?

If your cat’s behavior becomes worrisome, do not hesitate to consult specialists. Cats are really good at hiding their pain. At the same time, you can almost always see when something is wrong, by observing the small changes in their usual routine behavior. Just as in the case of the urination issue – the bottom line is always to consult a veterinarian, then a cat behavior specialist. They will help you to find the medical and behavioral reasons for the problem. The biggest benefit of consulting the right specialist is that you can deal with the very reason right off the bat. You can also avoid the risk of aggravation of the real problem.

When your cat starts peeing outside of their litter, don’t blame them. Cats trust their owners as the only people who are able to help them. They show you that they are in pain or stressed out. Cat parents should therefore be attentive to the needs of their feline friends. By observing such signals, you can protect your cat from serious diseases, not to mention your expenses connected with treating them. When you spend enough time with your kitty and pay attention to their behavior, this will contribute to their long and happy life.

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