One of the most common complaints we hear from cat parents is that he or she is urinating outside of the litter box.
It is also one of the reasons so many cats end up in shelters. Although this is an extremely frustrating problem to deal with there are some things you can do to help.
Spay or Neuter
If not already, your cat should be spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Cats use urine marking as a form of communication, letting other cats know if they are looking for a mate or claiming territory. Urine marking is much more common in intact cats.
Schedule an appointment with your Veterinarian
There are some medical conditions that could cause your cat to be urinating outside of the litter box. It is very important to consult your veterinarian if you notice any change in his behavior. He will be given a thorough exam to determine if there is a medical explanation for his accidents.
Remove urine odors
Use a cleaning product that will eliminate urine stains and odors. Avoid strong scented cleansers or products containing Ammonia, these may cause your cat to re-mark the area. The goal is to get rid of the odor completely rather than cover it up. Nature’s Miracle is a great product that is guaranteed to permanently eliminate stains and odors caused by pets. Prevent access or make previously soiled areas seem less appealing to avoid re-marking. Scoop litter boxes daily, many cats will urinate inappropriately if their litter box is not up to par.
Behavior Modification
Consider purchasing additional litter boxes and experimenting with different types of pans and litter to see what your cat prefers. Keep litter pans in private, low traffic areas so they are more appealing. Try to create a comfortable and stress free environment. Feliway is a product that contains a natural pheromone and many have had success with reducing stress and urinary marking. Feliway has been clinically proven and is available in plug-in diffusers, sprays and wipes.