Could my cat have a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Yes, UTIs are a common reason for litter box avoidance. Symptoms include straining or crying while urinating, frequent small urinations, or blood in the urine. A vet diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

Can kidney disease or diabetes cause my cat to pee outside the litter box?

Yes. These conditions lead to increased thirst and urination, which can result in large urine puddles or more frequent accidents. If you notice these signs, consult your vet.

Could my cat have bladder stones or crystals?

Yes. These can make urination painful, causing your cat to associate the litter box with discomfort. Treatment usually involves a prescription diet and vet care.

Is stress causing my cat to avoid the litter box?

Possibly. Stress from changes like moving, new pets, or loud noises can trigger litter box problems. Use consistent routines, provide safe spaces, and consider pheromone diffusers to reduce anxiety.

Does my cat dislike their litter?

Some cats are picky about litter texture, scent, or dust. Try switching to a low-dust, unscented, or crystal litter like Boxiecat’s Glo Crystal Cat Litter. Introduce new litter gradually.

Is the litter box in the wrong location?

It might be. Cats prefer quiet, private places. Avoid placing the box near noisy appliances, in high-traffic areas, or next to food and water bowls.

Is my cat spraying instead of urinating?

Spraying is a territorial behavior and involves small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces. It's different from regular urination. Spaying or neutering and cleaning sprayed areas with enzyme cleaners can help stop it.

Can a dirty litter box cause this behavior?

Yes. Cats are clean animals and will often avoid a dirty box. Make sure you scoop daily and change the litter as needed.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

Q: Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

When a cat is peeing outside of the litter box, it is usually due to medical issues, stress, litter box aversion, or territorial marking. It's important to rule out medical conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and bladder stones. Also keep in mind, that factors like stress, anxiety, or a preference against the type of litter or the box's location can contribute to this behavior. To help fix the issue, make sure that the litter box is clean, properly placed, and utilizes a litter type that your cat prefers. Solution: Try switching to a crystal cat litter like Boxiecat’s Glo Crystal Cat Litter, which absorbs moisture quickly and keeps the box inviting. It's also a highly effective type of non clumping at litter.

By April LiuMarch 11, 2025

Why does a cat pee Outside the Litter Box

Cat peeing outside the litter box? Super annoying. But it’s also a big clue.

Usually means something’s wrong. Health issue. Stress. Or maybe they just hate the box setup.

Let’s walk through the top reasons cats pee outside the box, and what you can do right now to fix it.

Key Takeaways

Health issues like UTIs or kidney disease are a major reason cats pee outside the litter box.
Cats may avoid the box if it’s dirty, in a loud area, or uses litter they dislike.
Stress from changes in routine or environment can trigger accidents.
Solving the issue usually involves a vet visit, a cleaner box, and sometimes switching to a better litter type like crystal litter.

Health Issues That Cause Cats to Pee Outside the Box

Could It Be a UTI?

Cats with urinary tract infections may avoid the box because it hurts to pee.

Look for:

Straining or vocalizing while urinating
Frequent, small amounts of pee
Blood in the urine

What to Do:
A vet must diagnose and treat a UTI. Left untreated, it can become serious fast. PetMD explains feline UTIs here.

Kidney Disease or Diabetes?

These conditions make cats drink more water, and they may not make it to the box in time.

Watch for:

Larger puddles of pee
Increased thirst
Lethargy or weight changes

📌 A blood test at the vet will confirm the diagnosis. Early treatment makes a huge difference.

Bladder Stones or Crystals

Painful urination = box avoidance.

Some cats associate the pain with the litter box and start peeing elsewhere.

A vet might recommend a special diet or medications to dissolve stones.

Behavioral Reasons for Litter Box Problems

Stress Is a Big One

Cats are creatures of habit.

Any disruption—like moving house, new pets, or even loud guests—can stress them out.

Common signs:

Peeing near doors or windows
Hiding more than usual
Acting out of character

✔️ Try pheromone diffusers like Feliway.
✔️ Keep feeding times and routines consistent.
✔️ Give your cat safe, quiet spaces.

The ASPCA has more on stress-related litter box issues.

Your Cat Might Hate Their Litter

Yes, they can be picky!

Some cats hate scented litter. Others don’t like rough textures.

Try:

Unscented litter
Crystal litter like Boxiecat Glo—it absorbs moisture fast and locks in smells

Introduce new litter gradually—mix it in with the old over 5–7 days.

Buy Boxie online at your favorite retailers!

Is the Litter Box in the Wrong Spot?

Cats won’t use the box if it’s:

Near noisy machines (like washers)
In a hallway or open space
Close to their food or water

Move it to a quiet corner where they feel safe.

Is It Spraying, Not Peeing?

Cats spray to mark territory. It’s different from normal urination.

Signs of spraying:

Small amounts of pee
On walls or vertical surfaces
Often near windows or doors

📌 Spaying/neutering often reduces spraying.
📌 Clean the area with enzyme cleaners to fully remove scent.

How to Stop the Behavior

Keep the Box Spotless

Cats are clean freaks. If it stinks, they won’t use it.

Cleaning Checklist:

Scoop daily
Change litter every 2–3 weeks
Wash the box monthly with mild soap (no bleach)

Upgrade to a Better Litter

Dusty, scented, or clumping litter might be the problem.

Try this instead:
➡️ Boxiecat Glo Crystal Litter – It traps moisture, reduces odor, and stays dry longer.
➡️ Unscented options for sensitive noses.

Add Extra Litter Boxes

More cats = more boxes.

Rule of Thumb: One litter box per cat, plus one extra.

Place them in different parts of the home so each cat feels like they have their own “bathroom.”

Don’t Punish Your Cat

Scolding won’t fix anything.

They’re not doing it out of spite—it’s either discomfort or confusion.

Positive reinforcement and patience always work better.

FAQs

Why did my cat suddenly start peeing outside the box?

Something has changed.

It could be a health issue (like a UTI) or emotional stress. A vet visit is step one.

How can I stop my cat from peeing on the floor?

Keep the box clean
Try a different litter type
Move the box to a quieter spot
Reduce stress in the home

What's the difference between peeing and spraying?

Peeing: Large puddles on flat surfaces.
Spraying: Small amounts on vertical surfaces—usually a territorial thing.

Will cleaning the litter box more often help?

Absolutely.
Cats will avoid a box that smells or looks dirty.

Should I take my cat to the vet?

Yes, especially if this behavior is new or your cat shows other signs like weight loss or pain.

Getting Back to a Happy, Clean Home

Litter box problems are frustrating—but usually fixable.

Start by ruling out any health issues.

Then look at the litter box setup, the type of litter, and your cat’s stress levels.

Switching to a low-dust, unscented crystal litter like Boxiecat Glo can be a total game-changer.

Be patient. Most cats want to use the litter box—they just need the right setup.

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