HELP! My cat keeps urinating outside her box, can you help?

Question

She squats next to the box and does her business. I have tried changing the ground around the box, changing the litter, cleaning the boxes with soap, scooping the litter three times a day (it used to be once every 1-2 days), aversion therapy (tossing a can of coins if I caught her in the act), basically everything that any website reccomended. I also clean up her messes with Natures Miracle and she has been to the vet who ran a whole bunch of tests and there is nothing wrong with her. She is 10 years old, siamese/tabby mix. I have several other cats too but my house is big and there is no fighting over food or territory usually so... I dont know what to do... Please no suggestions to get rd of her or "smart" azz comments about hating cats/killing cats/etc.

She does not do this all the time she uses the box, just about 65% of the time. She doesnt have any accidents with her bowel movements, just urination. The box is not covered, too small, too few, or crowded.

I forgot to say that this is not a normal behavior for her, she just started about 2 weeks ago, and I use Scoop Away clumping litter which is what I have been using for a long time.

I was thinking she may be getting old and going senile. I cant tell her age exactly since she is a stray I rescued and she seems to have some sort of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress DIsorder) plus the markings of a hard life. She was starving and terrified of everything when I met her a year and a half ago. She is perfectly healthy now, although she is still skittish. Thanks for your ideas.

Answer 1

The fact that both dogs and cats can be taught to relieve themselves in specific places is what permits us to keep them as housepets. When a kitten is about 4 weeks of age, s/he will begin to play in, explore, and dig in loose, soft materials, such as dirt or litter. Soon, this investigative digging results in the kitten eliminating in these materials. Many species of cats begin to show this behavior as soon as they can eliminate on their own. Kittens do not have to be taught by either their mothers or their human owners to relieve themselves in soft, loose materials or to dig and bury their waste. These behaviors are called "innate" behaviors because kittens do not have to learn how to perform them. However, where a cat eliminates can be affected by its experiences. Litterboxes which for a variety of possible reasons do not provide an acceptable place to eliminate FROM THE CAT'S POINT OF VIEW, may cause a cat to go to the bathroom somewhere else. Thus, it is important for you to provide a litterbox which meets your new kitten's or cat's needs so that s/he will like the box and use it consistently.
"LITTER-TRAINING" CATS
There is really no such thing as "litter-training" a cat in the same way one would housetrain a dog. The only thing owners need to do is provide an acceptable, accessible litterbox, using the criteria described below. Remember that what is acceptable and accessible must be determined from the cat's point of view, not the owner's. It is not necessary, or even recommended, to take a cat to the box and move his paws back and forth in the litter. This may actually be an unpleasant experience for the cat and may initiate "bad" associations with the litterbox. As explained above, a cat does not need to be taught what to do with a litterbox. If you provide him with acceptable, accessible litter, he'll know what it's for.
LOCATION
Most cat owners want to place the litterbox in an out-of-the-way place in order to minimize odor and loose particles of cat litter tracked around the house. Often, the litterbox may end up in the basement, possibly next to an appliance, on an unfinished, cold cement floor. This type of location may be undesirable from the cat's point of view. First, if you have a young, small kitten, s/he may not be able to get down a long flight of steep stairs in time when s/he has to go to the bathroom - especially if s/he started out on the top floor of a tri-level! Even adult cats new to a household may not at first remember where the box is located if it is in an area they seldom frequent. Secondly, cats may be startled while using the box if a furnace or washer/dryer suddenly comes on. That may be the last time they'll risk such a frightening experience! Lastly, some cats like to scratch the surface surrounding their litterbox and may find a cold cement floor unappealing. So you may have to compromise. The box should be kept in a location which affords the cat some privacy, but is also conveniently located. If you place the box in a closet, be sure the door is wedged open from both sides in order to prevent your cat from being trapped in or out. If the box sits on a smooth, slick or cold surface, consider putting a small throw rug underneath the box.
TYPE OF LITTER
Research has shown that most cats prefer fine grained litters, presumably because they have a softer feel. The clumping litters are usually finer grained than the typical clay litter. However, high quality, dust-free clay litters are relatively small-grained and may be perfectly acceptable. Potting soil also has a very soft texture but is not very absorbent. If you suspect your cat had an outdoor history or is likely to eliminate in your houseplants you can try mixing some potting soil with your regular litter. Pellet-type litters or those made from citrus peels are not recommended. Once you find a litter your cat likes, beware of changing types or brands. Buying generic, the least expensive or whatever brand is on sale may result in litterbox problems.
Some cat litters were developed more with the owner's needs rather than the cat's needs in mind. Many cats are put off by the odor of scented or deodorant litters. For the same reason, it is not a good idea to place a room deodorizer or air freshener near the litterbox. A thin layer of baking soda can be placed on the bottom of the box to help absorb odors without repelling the cat.
DEPTH OF LITTER
Some owners are under the impression that the more litter they put in the box, the less often they will have to clean it. NOT TRUE!!! When wild cats eliminate outside, they generally choose an area that has a few loose particles of dirt or other material in which they can make a small scrape. They generally DO NOT choose areas where they "sink in" to several inches of dirt. Most domestic cats will not like litter that is more than about 2 inches deep. In fact, some cats, particularly some long-haired cats, may actually prefer less litter and a smooth, slick surface such as the bottom of the litterbox. The box MUST be cleaned on a regular basis, and adding extra litter is not a way around that chore.
NUMBER OF BOXES
A good guideline is to have at least as many boxes as you have cats. That way, no cat can be prevented from using the box because it is already occupied. You might also consider placing the boxes in several locations around the house, so that no one cat can "guard" the litterbox area and prevent other cats from accessing it. In general, it is not possible to designate a personal, unique box for each cat in the household. Cats will often use any and all litterboxes available. Occasionally a cat will refuse to use the box after another cat. In this case, all boxes will need to be kept extremely clean, and extra boxes may be needed.
TO COVER OR NOT TO COVER
Many cats will not show any preference for a covered versus an uncovered box. However, if you have a very large cat, a covered box may not allow him sufficient room to turn around, scratch and dig, and position himself in the way he wants. A covered box may also make it easier for another cat to lay in wait and "ambush" the user as s/he exits the box. On the other hand, a covered box tends to provide more privacy and may be preferred by timid, shy cats. You may need to experiment, and offer both types at first to discover what your cat prefers. If you do not wish to purchase a cover, you can make one from an upside-down cardboard box with the flaps and one side cut away.
CLEANING THE BOX
Litterboxes must be kept consistently clean. To meet the needs of the most discriminating cat, feces should be scooped out of the box daily. How often you change the litter depends on the number of cats and the number of boxes you have. Twice a week is a general guideline, but depending on the circumstances, the litter may need to be changed every other day or only once a week. If you notice an odor to the box or if much of the litter is wet or clumped, it's probably more than time for a change.
Do not use strong smelling chemicals or cleaning products when washing the box. The smell of vinegar, bleach, or pine cleaners may cause your cat to avoid the box. Washing with soap and water should be sufficient.
LINERS
Some cats don't mind having a liner in the box, while others do. You may need to experiment again to see if your cat is bothered by a liner in the box. If you do use a liner, make sure it is anchored in place well so it can not easily catch your cat's claws or be pulled down into the litter.
IF PROBLEMS DEVELOP
If your cat stops using the litterbox your first call should always be to your veterinarian. Many medical conditions can cause a change in litterbox habits and these possibilities must be considered first. If your veterinarian determines your cat is healthy, the cause may be behavioral. Most litterbox behavior problems can be resolved using behavior modification techniques. Punishment is NOT the answer. For more assistance, contact a professional animal behaviorist who is knowledgeable about and experienced in working with cats.

Answer 2

Adding a second box near the first is likely a good measure, and you might look for one with lower sides, as mobility of "old folk cats" can be more limited. For wobblers, even a jelly roll pan with one inch sides can be used. Put it right on top of the accident site!

What is on the ground around the box? Do you have a mat or throw rug? Pick it up. It may have acquired a litterbox scent, or came with one if it has rubberized backing. Be sure to clean the floor with Nature's Miracle or - if it is durable and well-ventilated - diluted bleach (1:30 water). Check with a black light that you got all of urine.

Cats do experience senility like humans do, but it makes sense to try to eliminate other causes first. Is she more consistent when she is confined to the bathroom? It may be that her control has lessened such that she needs closer boxes. You might add one in an intermediate location.

You said you tested her; does that mean urinalysis, cbc, and blood panel? Older cats are prone to many conditions which can cause these problems, like diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. These are all manageable geriatric conditions which should NOT be neglected.

That aside, if you explained this problem to your vet and he did NOT prescribe antibiotics, then go to a better vet! Cats can suffer from low-level infections which do not always show on tests. A course of antibiotics may be well worth the $20 as it will save you endless aggravation!

There is an extremely soft and attractive litter sold with additives to encourage your cat to use it, and it comes with a moneyback guarantee. It feels like baby powder, so most cats love it.
http://www.preciouscat.com/

If all else fails, put down puppy pads or underlayment pad from the drugstore on the floor near the box. Don't do this as a first step as the plastic backing can attract pee-ers!

Answer 3

My vet told me that sometimes the cats will take a disliking to the more expensive kitty litters due to the deodorizing additives. You may have better luck if you use the more basic clay litter with the less added the better. The cheaper brands. Hope you find a solution that works! Good luck. :)

Answer 4

With all that being said...try a LARGER box...much bigger than the standard size, I have cut holes in the side of a storage tub. It gives them a bigger "playing field" I also have 1 with a lid, one with out, and one in a seperate room than the others.

There is also a minimum requirement for litter boxes...1 box per number of cats + one...it also helps if you are able to put them on different floors of the house...Gives them options.

That is unfortuantley the only advise I can give or have ever heard of in the past 10 years of working in many animal hospitals...Good luck!

Answer 5

At age 10, there may be little to do. Not trying to be smart, rather trying to outsmart her; Try placing a small to medium cat box inside a extra large box..so one is inside the other .She MAY stand in the inner box, do her thing outside this box...(which ends up being in the larger box). Not easy to explain, but maybe worth a shot as shes unlikely to change her ways. Best of luck!

Answer 6

Sometimes cats grow to dislike their kitty litter. My siamese has used feline pine for the last 5 years. All of the sudden, she began urinating in the clean clothes basket! We tried everything you did and she continued to do this.

I went to the store to get more litter and they happened to be out of it. I bought a small box of the silica litter and she loved it! She used it right away and has not gone on the clean laundry since!

Good luck, and I hope it works for you.

Answer 7

Sorry to say this but your cat is old and senile. She forgets she is supposed to use the box. My dad has a cat that is about that old and sometimes she forgets where she is supposed to go and goes right outside the box. When you see her do this, have you tried picking her up and placing her in the box. Maybe this will refresh her memory. My dad said that this seemed to help with his cat.

Answer 8

I have this problem with my cats (although they're still young). I heard from my mother that it could be the smell from where they had done their "buisness". Try sprinkling baking soda on the area she's gone on (and/or cleaning it with a carpet cleaner). Right now, we're using citrus air freshner's (to keep them out of certain room's) which the cat's hate because of the citrus smell.

If it's item's like clothes, bedding, etc. wash them with baking soda, then febreeze the area to deoderize.

And, your kitty is getting old, so you have to expect some mess' like this~

Answer 9

Just one of those things. My 16 yr old cat does the same darn thing. Just have to live with it I suppose.

Maybe buy a COVERED CAT LITTER BOX. The 2 I have are OPEN ones. She pees in one, poops in the other. LOL

MAYBE that is why she is peeing on the floor. HMMMMMMM will have to keep that in mind.

Answer 10

There may be something of use here.