Cat Peeing in the House? A Pro Trainer Has the Solution

“My boyfriend rescued two cats a couple of years ago, a brother and sister pair. They're now estimated to be about 3 to 4 years old. One of them, we're assuming the male cat, repeatedly pees in the house outside of the litter box, almost as if he's marking his territory.

Sometimes, this behavior intensifies when I go visit the house with my little dog, which makes sense and is somewhat understandable, especially since my dog barks at the cats and is wary of them.

However, the cat will also pee in random spots in the house when my boyfriend is out of town for a day or two, and sometimes, he just randomly pees, seemingly for no reason at all. Can you help us out with how to stop this from happening?” —Mary

Related: Why Is My Cat Peeing in My Bed?

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

A: Hi Mary, thank you for sharing these details about your boyfriend’s rescued cats. It must feel frustrating for your boyfriend to repeatedly clean up messes, especially when cats have easy access to a litter box.

In these cases, it’s helpful to identify which cat is having the accidents around the house. This info can help us monitor the cat in question and look for certain clues that can paint us a better picture of what may be happening.

I would also assume it’s the male cat, considering urine marking is more common in cats of this sex. However, I have had my fair share of female cats that were peeing outside of their boxes for a variety of reasons.

Regardless of which cat is doing the marking, one thing is for sure: Cats are fastidiously clean critters, so when cats pee outside of the box, it’s often a sign of something in the cat’s physical or emotional world that requires attention. I like to think of it as their way of waving their little paw to say, “Something’s off—please help!”

Which Cat Is Peeing in the House?

To find out which cat is doing the deed outside of the litter box, we’ll need to turn into what I like to call a “pee detective.” Let's think of it as the feline version of CSI: Kitty Edition!

One helpful strategy for getting your cat caught “red-pawed” is to set a camera or even your phone on a discreet recording setup that records the areas where the accidents are more frequent. This high-tech surveillance will not only allow you to identify the “serial sprayer” but also reveal their modus operandi.

Pay attention to crucial details, such as what happens just prior to the peeing, whether the cat appears nervous, if there’s any straining, and the type of urination involved. This information is important not for the purpose of playing the blame game but because it helps us identify which cat needs help.

Interestingly, sometimes more than one cat may be urinating around the house. One cat may start peeing, and then the other one may instinctively feel the need to pee over the other cat’s pee or next to it.

Why Do Cats Pee in the House?

Cats have their own good reasons for peeing outside of the box, but it’s worth clarifying that urinating out of spite is not one of them. Just like dogs don’t “revenge poop,” cats don’t stage a pee protest just to get back at us.

Instead, most cases of cat peeing are mostly due to medical conditions, litter box issues, and stressful events. Let’s dig in—but don’t worry, not in the litter box this time!

Related: Why Is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?

Medical Conditions

When a cat starts peeing outside of the litter box, the first thing to do is schedule a medical check-up. This is important because peeing out of the litter box is likely to continue if it’s triggered by an underlying medical problem.

I learned this the hard way. When my Persian cat started peeing in the sink or the bathtub, we assumed it was because she used to play with the water and was too lazy to go to her litter box.

After several accidents, I started noticing some drops of pee with a pinkish hue, so the next thing I did was schedule her an appointment. The vet ran some tests, and her urinalysis showed signs of a bladder problem. Turns out, when cats develop bladder issues, just like us, they feel burning and discomfort, which causes them to associate the litter box with the pain, so they start seeking out other places.

While urinary tract infections are not as common in cats as in dogs, cats may pee out of the box because of other urinary problems, such as feline idiopathic cystitis or urinary crystals and stones, which can become particularly problematic in male cats because they may end up blocking their urethra. A blockage that prevents the cat from urinating can quickly turn life-threatening if not treated in time.

Joint problems may also trigger house soiling in senior cats who have litter boxes with high sides or that are placed on elevated surfaces, as can other medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney problems, etc.

Solution: Schedule your cat to see the vet to exclude medical problems. Vet staff may ask you to bring a urine sample and can provide directions on how to do that. If you’re unable to collect a sample, the vet can collect a sterile sample directly from the bladder using a needle, a procedure known as cystocentesis.

Problems With the Litter Box

To better understand problems with the litter box, we need to think a bit like a cat. While to us, a litter box is just a container filled with sand, to our cats, it’s their personal powder room, and it better check all the right boxes—or else!

Common issues with the litter box that may cause cats to go on a litter box strike include the following:

1. Issues With Cleanliness

A dirty litter box to a cat is like a stinky public restroom to a human. Who wants to go there? Cats, being the discerning and dignified creatures they are, would rather find another spot than subject themselves to an unsanitary loo.

Something important to evaluate, therefore, is whether the urinating in the home coincides with the times when the litter box is not clean. If the cat comes rushing when the litter box is cleaned and uses the box readily, this can be a sign that the cat was “holding it” because it was considered too dirty.

Solution: Scoop your cat’s litter twice a day, preferably every morning and evening, to meet your cat’s five-star restroom standards. Also, consider that some cats may not like to use the same litter box for peeing and pooping, so adding an extra one can turn out to be helpful. Make sure to clean the entire litter box every one to two weeks using mild soap and water.

2. Chaotic Locations

If cats could share their thoughts with us, they’d likely call a litter box in a quiet, private spot the ultimate prime real estate. On the flip side, having to use a litter box placed smack in the middle of chaos might feel to them like trying to go to the bathroom during a loud, crowded heavy metal concert!

Solution: Evaluate whether your cat’s litter box location is too full of distractions for your cat’s taste or whether something may have changed. Sometimes, something unexpected may have happened. For example, if the heating system was recently turned on, the warm dry air from the furnace may have started blowing right near the box.

Related: The 3 Best and 3 Worst Cat Litter Boxes

3. Accessibility Issues

The ideal litter box should also be easy to access. Anything blocking it can cause the cat to pick another area of the house and turn it into the official bathroom.

I once knew of a cat who stopped using the litter box because a guest placed a broom right next to it, and in the cat’s previous home, they were using a broom to shoo the cat away from climbing on the table or kitchen counter.

Sometimes, another cat may be blocking access to a litter box. This is something that may be noticed only by watching recordings, in the case of busy pet parents who are often out of the home working.

Solution: Ensure the litter box is always easy (and feels safe!) for the cat to access. Nothing should block it and prevent the cat from readily accessing it.

4. Undesirable Features

Some cats can have problems with a litter box’s design. The box may be too small, the litter may be unpleasant on the paws, and boxes with covers may be perceived as a trap that makes cats uneasy.

The use of deodorants to mask litter box smells, scented litter, or even the choice of litter or liners may be off-putting for cats who may prefer litters of a certain texture/level of absorbency and may dislike invasive smells.

Solution: Carefully evaluate whether your cat began soiling outside of the box after any changes to his litter box or type of litter. If recent changes were made, it may help to revert to the previous setup that the cat was more comfortable with. Some cats never get used to new types of litter.

Related: Cheapest Litter Options for Cats

Anxiety and Stress

Cats may find any novelty in their environment as disruptive and anxiety-inducing. When working for a vet, one of the first questions our vets asked in cases of feline house soiling (after medical causes were ruled out) was whether there were any recent changes in the cat’s life that may have disrupted their routines.

Talking about disrupted routines, I will never forget one day when my husband and I were visiting with my sister-in-law. After the first couple of nights we slept there, I went to open my suitcase, only to find everything drenched in cat urine! Her cat was visibly upset about our arrival, and she let all of us know.

Guests, the arrival of a new baby, visiting children or pets, a new spouse, scary sounds, changes in work schedules, or even new furniture can cause cats’ lives to become topsy-turvy.

In multi-pet households, social conflicts may trigger challenges over the negotiation of space. Sometimes, the conflicts aren’t readily noticeable, as they may lack hissing, growling, and swatting behaviors and be limited to staring or blocking passages.

Cats, just like dogs, can suffer from separation-related distress too! If the peeing occurs when your boyfriend is away, that may be something that needs to be ruled out. Showing the vet a recording of the cat’s behavior when left alone can help determine whether separation-related distress may be a trigger for house soiling.

Solution: Determine whether the pee accidents in the home coincide with stressful stimuli or events. If that’s the case, prevent exposure to them as much as possible. For dog visits, it may be best to keep the pets separated if the visits result in stress.

Stress levels can be reduced by using pheromone-based diffusers such as Feliway. Behavior modification involving desensitization and counterconditioning may be necessary to address fears. It’s important to avoid any forms of punishment (even verbal reprimands) since this will only add to the cat’s stress. If a cat is caught in the process of trying to pee, he should be called with a happy voice, taken to a room with the litter box, and praised for using it.

Nutraceutical supplements (l-theanine, alpha-cazosepin) or special calming diets from your local pet store or vet may help, but some cats may need low-level tranquilizers prescribed by the vet.

It’s important to note that when accidents in the house occur as a result of anxiety or fear, the problem tends to resurface if the cat’s triggers remain unaddressed. Cases of separation-related distress need to be addressed and treated.

Related: My Cat Throws Up After Eating ... Could It Be Anxiety?

Leaving a Mark

Dogs aren’t the only pets to urine mark; cats can steal the spotlight by elevating their legs too. Suspect urine marking if the traces of urine left are found on vertical surfaces (about 6 to 8 inches above the ground) and in small amounts.

If you were able to catch your cat on camera, suspect urine marking if the cat in question sniffs and then backs up to the wall or furniture with the tail rising and quivering. When horizontal areas are marked, the cat may assume a squatting position.

Urine marking may occur as a result of seeing other cats through a window or smelling them under the front door. This can trigger territorial anxiety and its associated marking. It can also take place around novel objects brought into the home (marking makes the marked object/areas feel safe and familiar) and as a result of social conflict between other cats sharing the home.

Urine marking is often seen in intact male and female cats as a way to let everyone know they’re single and ready to mingle. However, it’s more common in intact and neutered males compared to female cats.

Interestingly, cats that urine mark will still keep on using their litter box.

Solution: Because marking may stem from anxiety, a pheromone diffuser like Feliway can help dial things down a notch.

Multi-cat household problems need to be addressed. Blocking visual access to outdoor cats through the use of privacy window film or the removal of window perches can help reduce marking in response to seeing them.

Fears and anxieties require behavior modification, possibly along with supplements and medications. Keeping stress to a minimum is crucial.

Neutering and spaying intact pets can significantly lower urine marking in both sexes.

How Is Urine Marking Different From House Soiling?

Feline house soiling is the term used to depict a cat’s urination that takes place outside of the litter box. Vets refer to house soiling when cats soil the house as a result of an underlying medical disorder or any type of stimuli or event triggering household stress.

While territorial marking can occur as a result of stress too, it is more purposeful and is rarely associated with medical problems, points out veterinarian Dr. Jacqueline Brister in an article for Veterinary Information Network.

How to Stop Peeing in the House

When dealing with cats soiling outside of the box, a multi-pronged approach is often needed. This is important considering that every time the cat chooses to pee in an area of the house outside of the box, he/she is forming positive associations with this new area, potentially leading to an ingrained habit (peeing is self-reinforcing).

The goal, therefore, is to reduce the appeal of the soiled areas around the house and to make the litter box attractive again in order to help the cat make good choices.

How to Reduce the Appeal of Soiled Areas

There are several strategies that can be used to make the soiled areas seem less bathroom-like to the cat. Following are several options.

Remove the Odors

Similar to dogs, cats are attracted to previously soiled areas, as to them, they smell like a “bathroom.” It’s therefore important to use products that help eliminate odors and break the cycle of unwanted marking.

The best cleaning products are odor neutralizers containing special enzymes that “eat up the odors” and remove any lingering smells. Angry Orange is an enzyme-based cleaner that leaves an orange smell. Cats tend to dislike the scent of citrus.

Avoid any ammonia-based cleaners because, to cats and dogs, the scent of ammonia is considered similar to the smell of pee.

The use of a UV light can come in handy to check whether some spots may have been missed, as urine glows in the dark when it reacts with the UV light’s wavelengths.

Related: What Can I Spray on My Carpet to Stop My Dog From Peeing on It?

Evaluate Preferences

Oftentimes, when cats stop using the litter box, they will establish some alternate preferred bathroom areas. These areas may be quieter, or the surface may be absorbent and appealing.

If a preference is noted, this can give us some hints about what the cat is looking for. For example, if the cat pees in a distant room, that may be a good area to place a litter box if feasible. Cats who prefer to urinate on door mats or rugs may find the use of puppy pads appealing enough.

Change Perception

Cats, like dogs, have a natural tendency not to want to soil where they eat and drink. Placing the cat’s water bowl and food bowl in the commonly soiled area may help change the cat’s perception of the area.

Block Off Access

If the cat repeatedly pees in the same areas over and over, it may help to block access to them. This could be as simple as closing a room or erecting an extra tall cat baby gate. If the cat is urinating on an area rug, remove it or make it difficult to reach.

Related: Why Does My Cat Groom Herself So Much That She Vomits?

How to Make the Litter Box Attractive Again

Making the litter box attractive again requires us to think a bit like a cat. To a cat, the litter box isn’t just a toilet; it’s a place of privacy, safety, and pristine hygiene.

So, how do we make it appealing again? Start by considering the cat’s preferences and checking all the boxes. Is the box clean enough? Is the location too loud or exposed? Is the litter appealing to the cat’s paws?

It’s all about making our cats happy. After all, a happy cat translates into a cleaner home!

Add an Additional Box

For busy pet parents, an additional box can help, as it gives the cats another option should one of their litter boxes not be up to their standards. Place the box in a quiet location.

Try Cat Attract

This litter was crafted with cats soiling outside of the box in mind. What makes Cat Attract attractive to cats is the fact that it is made of clay, which ranks high as a cat’s favorite litter. Plus, it contains a natural herb attractant.

Experiment

You may need to experiment with different types of boxes (of different shapes, sizes, and depths) and different litters and locations to evaluate how your cat feels about them.

Most cats prefer large uncovered boxes filled with unscented litter (preferably of the clumping type with a sand-like consistency) and a depth of about 3 centimeters.

Location-wise, they prefer an area that is easy to access but in a quiet space away from busy areas and loud appliances, observes board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Meredith Stepita in the book Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult.

Related: How to Build an Outdoor Cat Litter Box

Don’t Forget About Feline Enrichment!

Cats also benefit from environmental enrichment. When introduced to our environments, cats still have a need to express natural behaviors, such as hunting, scratching, and eliminating. We can provide some outlets through toys, climbing trees, and food puzzles. Toys should be rotated to keep the cat’s interest in them fresh.

For cats that urine mark, providing alternative ways to “mark” their territory with scratching posts and self-grooming devices may help. Elevated perches can also provide enrichment while also helping cats “get away” from scary stimuli/events when frightened.

Concluding Thoughts

As seen, house soiling in cats can happen for a variety of reasons! Often, the issue doesn’t resolve until the underlying cause is addressed.

If your cats have undergone a lot of stress, no matter how innocuous it may appear (visitors, changes in work schedules, introduction of objects that carry the scent of unknown pets), consider that this may impact their urinary habits. In several studies, stress has been found to be a common trigger for feline idiopathic cystitis.

For particularly challenging cases, consulting with a specialist such as a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) or a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) may be the key to identifying and addressing the root causes of the issue effectively. Meanwhile, it’s important to take proactive steps to minimize the chances of house soiling through careful management.

"Dog training and behavior modification, particularly for challenges involving potential aggression (e.g., lunging, barking, growling, snapping, or biting), require in-person guidance from a qualified behavior professional. Online articles are for educational purposes only and do not replace personalized, professional intervention. By using this information, you accept full responsibility for your dog’s actions and waive any liability claims related to their behavior. If your dog shows concerning behaviors, seek professional help immediately to ensure safety and proper care."

References

1. Dorsch R, Teichmann-Knorrn S, Sjetne Lund H. Urinary tract infection and subclinical bacteriuria in cats: A clinical update. J Feline Med Surg. 2019 Nov

2. Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior 2nd Edition

3. Veterinary Information Network: Territorial Marking in Cats

4. Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones

5. Hatala P, Sebők C, Mackei M, Kárpáti K, Gálfi P, Neogrády Z and Mátis G (2023) Molecular effects of intermittent stress on primary feline uroepithelial cell culture as an in vitro model of feline idiopathic cystitis. Front. Vet. Sci