“Help! My Cat Keeps Peeing Outside the Litter Box!”

September 23rd, 2015 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic

So, your cat keeps peeing outside the litter box.

(We know you love your cat, but a kitty that keeps peeing on everything is a bit of a sanity test, no?)

The question is why? What is your cat trying to tell you?

Typically, there are several reasons your cat may be peeing outside the litter box.

Let’s start with the easiest to address.

1. Your cat’s litter box is dirty.

Many cats don’t like to do their business in a dirty litter box. It’s possible you may not be cleaning or changing out the litter on a fast enough basis.

However, let’s say your cleaning rate is the same as always, and this is a new issue.

Your litter box may be getting dirty faster because your cat is peeing more than usual. If your cat is peeing a lot, that can be a sign of stress or a health issue.

And that leads us to #2 and #3…

2. Your cat may be stressed.

When cats feel stress, their bladders often become their mode of communication.

Has anything happened or changed lately that could be putting stress on your cat?

3. Your cat may have a health issue.

Cats are great at hiding pain. It isn’t always easy to tell when they’re feeling under the weather.

If your cat keeps peeing outside the litter box or is peeing a lot, he or she may be trying to let you know something is physically wrong.

Peeing outside the litter box and peeing a lot can be signs that your cat has:

• Bladder stones.
• A bladder infection.
• A kidney infection.
• Or even renal disease.

While these conditions typically aren’t an immediate emergency, you should connect with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Typically, 75% of your cat’s kidney function may be gone before he or she shows noticeable symptoms, such as drinking a lot and peeing a lot.

If you don’t take action, small health issues can turn into big health issues, such as blockages in your cat’s urinary tract or acute renal failure.

Acting quickly can help you protect your cat’s health and comfort.

Not to mention, if you catch your cat’s health issues sooner rather than later, it may reduce the need for expensive treatments.

4. Your cat may have a behavioral issue.

What’s another reason to visit a veterinarian?

You want to rule out that your cat has a behavioral issue and is using peeing to act out or mark territory.

If your cat does have a behavioral issue and this is new (or relatively recent) behavior, you have a better chance of successfully retraining your kitty.

Translation: You don’t want to wait to take action on this one!

Does your cat keep peeing outside the litter box?

Our cat veterinarians are here to help.

If you live around Castle Rock, Colorado, give us a call at 303-688-3757. Or:

Book your visit here

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Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.

This article is intended to provide general guidance on why cats pee outside the litter box. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call.)

© 2015, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic