How do you stop a cat, who has acquired the habit of urinating in front of the litterbox, not in it?

Question

Since moving to our new home, about 4 months ago, one of my cats has started urinating in the floor right in front of the litter box, and on top of the litter box. I clean the box everyday, often twice a day, as I have multiple cats. This has never been an issue, as she is 3 and this has never happended until we moved. This is not our first move, in fact we have moved across the US from CA , to OH, to NC. The only thing I can think of is we now have hardwood floors, as previously we have always had carpet or linoleum. Any Ideas?

Answer 1

Hi there...generally, when a cat inappropriate soils oustide the box it is could be indicative of a lower urinary tract disorder. Also, first consider all the possibilities such as:
- changes with litter brands
- location of the litter box isn't private enough
- some cats like to have one box to defecate and another to urinate
- cleanliness (some cats are very finicky and prefer a super clean box)
- as a general rule there should be one litter box for each cat plus one extra as a back up

If all these have been ruled out, there's a chance that your cat may have developed another underlying medical problem which can contribute to accidents outside of the box. Cats will associate pain while using box and change their habits as a result.

Here's an article about why cats inappropriately soil outside their litter box by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/Housesoiling.html

House soiling is the most common behavior problem reported by cat owners. It includes urination and/or defecation outside the litter box, as well as urine spraying.

Why do cats eliminate outside of the litter box?
One common misconception is that cats soil in inappropriate places for revenge. It is tempting to conclude, "He defecated on the living room carpet to punish me for leaving him for the weekend." But this kind of calculation requires sophisticated cognitive abilities that cats aren't believed to possess. Furthermore, this conclusion assumes that cats view their urine and feces as distasteful, when in fact they do not. It is only we humans who view it that way.

Medical Problems
So why do cats urinate or defecate on your bed or carpet? Medical problems are one possibility. Inflammation of the urinary tract may cause painful or frequent urination, inability to urinate, bloody urine, and crying during urination. An affected cat is likely to eliminate outside the litter box if he comes to associate the box with painful urination, or if he has an increased urgency to urinate. In addition, kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases often lead to increased drinking and urination. Inflammation of the colon or rectum, intestinal tract tumors, intestinal parasites, and other gastrointestinal conditions may cause painful defecation, increased frequency or urgency to defecate, and decreased control of defecation. Age-related diseases that interfere with a cat's mobility (for example, arthritis, nervous system disorders, or muscular diseases), or with his cognitive functions can also influence his ability to get to the litter box in time. In short, any medical condition that interferes with a cat's normal elimination behavior can lead to house soiling.

Litter Box Aversions
Behavioral problems, such as litter box aversions, inappropriate site preferences, or urine spraying can also lead to house soiling. An aversion implies that there is something about the litter box that your cat finds unsavory. It could be the box, the litter, the location of the box, or all three.

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Answer 2

First - you have multiple cats and only one box? At the bare minimum you should have one box for every cat in the house. I have three cats and three boxes - and it sounds like a lot of cleaning but it's better than what a vet will tell you which is one MORE box than you have cats, which in my case would be FOUR boxes for three cats!

Second - there's a LOT of things this behavior could be. First, it could be a bladder or urinary issue. It could also be an issue of the move and not liking the new home. As well it could be a new or different litter box - new or different cat litter - or just location of the box!

Cats are very tough to figure out - but start with the easiest issue - one box for each cat in the house. Then try to move through your mind and take care of the other issues such as a different cat box or cat litter. There's not much you can do about location - as this cat's old home is many miles away. But try to do the best you can to find a place similar to his old one.

Answer 3

My cat was doing that, so we took her to the vet. She had crystals as well and is on a special diet which makes her vomit, such a hassel of a kitty. So we got her an extra litter box, I put her in one of her boxes when I think she hasn't peed in a while (I do this a couple of times a day, in the morning and before bed), and she actually will pee for me. Since I've been doing this she hasn't urinated outside of the litterbox. 2 weeks urine-free, yippee!! Now I just have to look after the vomiting problem. We use the clumping litter, which is great. We cleaned her messes on the carpet and couch and chair really good with Nature's Miracle, Shout, Febreeze, cat repellent spray, and put tin foil on top to prevent her from going back to those spots. We got the couch professionally cleaned. The carpet and couch still smells pissy though unfortunately.

Answer 4

My old cat did this when he had a bad UTI. He also seemed uncomfortable using the litter box and spent a ton of time cleaning his genital area. If the cat only urinates a very tiny bit each time it uses the litter this is another sign of a UTI.
I hope you are able to figure out the cat's problem, good luck

Answer 5

Hev you switched the kitty litter brand? I found out that my cat was allergic to a new brand we bought, though he wanted to use the litterbox, so he would do everything right beside it.

It could also be related to stress from moving to a new home. If it is the litter that is bothering her, try using a litterbox filled with either sand or strips of newspaper. Sometimes that will make them feel better.

Answer 6

Well, since i have a cat too, and he's always urinating not in his box, I took him to his vet to see what to do, but the answer was: An Operation. So maybe that's what you should do. Wish you good luck.

Answer 7

It is possible that your cat has a urinary tract infection. They go outside the box because the litter hurts them. I would first take your cat to the Vet to see if this is the problem, and if not--we hope--seek your Vet's council as to this behavioral problem.

Answer 8

well i dont know what to say but i know what you should not do do not scold it. but try using a different litter maybe it hurts you cat or you cat does not like it

Answer 9

Get rid of the cat

Answer 10

hay, must be previous sent, try some urine be gone on & around the spot;)