Inappropriate urination is a frequent reason cats visit veterinarians. Cats will urinate outside the litter box for both medical and behavioral reasons, and sometimes both simultaneously. An examination by your veterinarian along with complete urinalysis and abdominal radiographs are best to help distinguish between medical or behavioral conditions. Please don't just assume it's a behavioral problem without doing a few simple tests. For behavioral problems, the earlier you begin to address the issue the better the success in getting your cat back into the litter box. Below are environmental and behavioral tips I frequently present to clients who are frustrated by behavioral inappropriate urination. Please note that all of these suggestions may not apply to your situation.
- Clean litter boxes daily. This is essential.
- Litter boxes should be a minimum of 2 feet by 3 feet in size. Many cats are simply too large for the litter box selected by the owner. The bigger the better!
- Use at least 3 inches of litter in the box.
- Keep litter boxes out of high-traffic or noisy areas.
- Increase the number of litter boxes. You should have at least one per cat. Many veterinarians advocate "one litter box per cat PLUS one extra."
- Change litter types. We are fortunate to have many options these days.
- Do not use box liners.
- Uncover covered litter boxes.
- Try a product called Cat Attract that you can add to the cat litter.
- Get a new litter box yearly. Plastic can absorb odors over time.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners in litter boxes. These smell of chemicals can be offensive to cats. Instead of strong chemicals, use a mild dish detergent and warm water.
- If a cat is hiding to urinate consider a covered litter box.
- Offer a variety of litters in a line of litter boxes and see which your cat prefers.
- Move food bowls to the area where the cat is inappropriately eliminating.
- Move litter boxes to the area where the cat is eliminating. If the cat begins to use the box, gradually start moving it back to the desired location.
- If the cat is eliminating in defined areas, cover them with aluminum foil or plastic sheets to give an undesirable substrate.
- Change dynamics of a multi-cat household-separate cats when not monitored or use crates; cover outside windows, gradually re-introduce the cats after behavior is satisfactory.
- Treat soiled areas with enzymatic odor and stain removers and citrus type sprays. Cats are said to dislike citrus odors.
- Use Feliway, a cat pheromone product, to decrease territorial pressure.
- Confine the offender. Use a small space to provide food and water. A small space will require the cat to use the litter box unless it wants urine and feces near its food.
- Give a flavored treat as a reward when the cat uses the litter box.
- Do not punish the cat for going outside the box unless you can catch them in the act, and then only by squirting them with water.
- Ask your holistic veterinarian about herbal supplements for calming. Many are available in treat form for ease of administration.
- If possible and if safe, allow the cat time to exercise outside or on a screened porch.
If you have experienced success with a product or technique not mentioned above, please share by posing a comment. I am always open to creative solutions!
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