My cat is peeing right next to her litter box on a rug. Why is she doing this?

Question

I have checked all the websites for this problem and even taken her to the vet. Her box is clean...I have a littermaid that scoops every time she uses it. And, she still uses it sometimes, but then she pees on this rug. I have changed the rug three times because I thought that would eliminate the smell for her to go back to. I don't know what else to do!

I've had the littermaid for about 2 years. She's always used it with no problem.

Answer 1

she may still have some objection to the litterbox. Is it in a noisy or non-private sort of location? Have you recently changed the type of litter you use (ie, clay versus sandy clumping-type litter)? Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their environment, and this can cause unwanted litterbox behavior. It might be worth it to make a quick visit to the vet--they can give you expert advice, and make sure that there isn't any underlying illness behind the problem.

Answer 2

I see you’ve done some research on the matter. Here are a few more things you can try. I am sure you already know that some cats are notorious for being extremely picky. First remove the carpet and bleach clean underneath it a few times and to go to the extreme also try some of those smell removers you can buy at your vet. I say vet because some of the stuff in pet shops are just gimmicks. Then I also noticed that you have an automatic litter box. Try removing it and changing it for just a regular litter box. The motor might be disturbing your cat and making it uneasy to use the litter. Also notice if this new habit started when you made a change in your cat’s life (moved to a new place, changed the litter box of place, and changed the litter itself for a new brand) all or any of these changes could be the simple reason for her new and unlike behavior. Cats tend to be extremely sensitive to changes. Some do well but others not so well depends on personality and also age. My friend went through something similar when her mother got sick with cancer she would be living at her mother’s house most of the week leaving the cat with her brother to care for it. When she would come home for the weekend the cat would poop on the carpet as if to tell her that she did not like being without her “Mom” during the week. It was as simple as the cat being unhappy and lonely. My friend took care of her mother for 3 years until her mother’s passing and it has been now 4 years since she is back living full time with her cat. As soon as she does anything that the cat is not happy with she now has a cat who bluntly poops on her carpet right in front of her! She will not do it when alone only when her “Mom” comes home as if to tell her that whatever it was she did NOT like it. It’s not a very good habit but it has been going on so long that there is not much that my friend can do to change it now. The cat as realized that she gets extra attention from her “mom” when she pulls the stunt and so she uses it to manipulate and get what she wants. My friend’s solution (might not be the best but it keeps the cat from pooping elsewhere than her litter) is that every time she comes home and the cat does not act out she gives her a bit of tuna. The cat likes the tuna and if she doesn’t make a mess she gets her reward.

Try and look back at what might have changed it does not have to be a huge thing but there might be where the key to solving your problem lies since the vet can’t find any problems health wise.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

I had the same problem at one point and the solution was as simple as the litter. Some cats don't like change and that's why my cat did it . I had bought a new brand of litter and she simply would refuse to use it. Once I switched back the problem was solved. If this does not work for you I would make a trip to the vet to make sure that there is not a health problem causing this.

Answer 4

Did the vet check her for a urinary tract infection? If the box is 2 years old, have you cleaned it out with bleach lately? Since it's plastic, it may smell bad to her and she doesn't want to use it anymore. Urine seeps into plastic after a time and stains the material with it's scent. It may offend her. She's definitely trying to tell you something. Cats don't do things like that without a reason. Somethings bothering her.

Answer 5

Don't use a rug, newspaper or any thing else under the litter box. It confuses the cat. Yes, I know it is nice to have something there to catch the litter from their feet as they leave the box, but it just doesn't work that way. Sorry.

Answer 6

Maybe she is afraid of the littermaid. Try a regular cat box
or maybe she has an infection. I had a cat that did something similar to that and it was his way of telling me he was sick.

Answer 7

Is your littermaid something new? She may not like the new litterbox. If not, it sounds like a behavioural problem. You may want to ask your vet if they know a reputable pet behaviourist.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Cats will go potty where it is the most absorbent. Try changing you litter to a different type. Also, bad habits are hard to break....in other words trying to get her to stop once she has started doing this could be hard. If she is not fixed then she could be scenting.

Answer 9

clean your litter box every day and put the cat into the box so it will know it's clean.then it should stop peeing on the floor.

Answer 10

Yeah my little guy started missing his mark years ago. I know his schedule now so I typically monitor where he's going so he doesn't just MARK anywhere. Not sure if my cat is inbred but he's pretty smart. He knows what I'm saying and can even say "No" when he wants to.