One of the most common issues that cat owners around the world come into with their cats is inappropriate peeing. It might seem that your cat has started peeing outside the litter box and throughout the house for no reason. There are plenty of things that can cause a cat to have the urge to pee outside the litter box. It is important to figure out which of the many reasons is the cause of your cat’s behavior.
So what could be causing your cat to pee in the house suddenly?
Why is my cat urinating in the house suddenly?
The main reasons your cat is urinating in the house suddenly is because of litter box problems, medical issues, territory marking, and stress.
Litter Box Problems
The first step when trying to find out why a cat is peeing around the house is to take a look at what your litter box situation is. This is going to be the cause that is quickest and easiest to rule out. Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you think that your cat’s litter box might be the problem.
HOW MANY LITTER BOXES DO YOU HAVE PER CAT?
The general rule for litter boxes is that you need one more litter box than you have cats. If you have one cat, you should have two litter boxes. If you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. Additionally, the litter boxes should be spaced out across different rooms.
If you don’t have enough litter boxes, your cat could start pooping in the house all of a sudden.
DOES YOUR CAT LIKE THE LITTER YOU USE?
Not every cat is going to like the same litter. Some cats may have an aversion to lightweight litter while others prefer it. Many cats, to their owner’s dismay, don’t like unscented litter. If you think that your cat may not like the litter you use you can try out a few different litters in different boxes to see which one your cat uses the most.
DOES YOUR CAT LIKE THE KIND OF LITTER BOX YOU HAVE?
As you probably know, there are covered litter boxes and open litter boxes. If you want to know for sure if your cat has a problem with the type of litter box he has, you can always try out the kind that you don’t have. Some cats prefer to use a covered litter box as it feels more safe and secure than peeing or popping in the open.
To learn more you can check out my article on the best litter boxes on Walmart.
DO YOU CLEAN YOUR LITTER BOX ENOUGH?
Cats are pretty finicky creatures. Many cats don’t like to use litter boxes that are dirty or have a smell to them. Take the time to do a deep clean of your cat’s litter box and the surrounding area. You should make sure to regularly clean your cat’s litter box to keep him or her happy.
Medical Problems
There are a variety of medical concerns that can cause cats to start peeing around the house. Some of these issues include bladder stones, kidney disease, and UTIs. If you notice that your cat is suddenly not using his litter box, you should make an appointment with the vet.
Medical problems can also cause your cat to go to the litter box every few minutes.
When you call your vet, be sure to let them know how often your cat is urinating and where. They may also want to know if there have been any other changes in your cat’s behavior. This could be a lack of appetite or frequency of drinking, laziness, or screeching when he/she pees. Make sure that you can answer all of their questions as accurately as you can.
Territorial
Cats can be very territorial animals. They can feel threatened that another animal is attempting to invade and take over their space pretty easily. If you have just brought another animal, specifically a cat, into the house or notice that a stray cat is hanging around your house, you can assume that your cat is just trying to protect their territory.
If you suspect that your cat is suddenly peeing in the house due to the need to be territorial, the first step you need to do is make sure that your cat is neutered or spayed. Once this is done, you should determine if the threat to your cat is inside or outside the house.
If your cat is sensing a threat from outside, try to keep all windows and doors closed. This should help calm them down since they won’t be able to see outside. You can also put a motion-activated sprinkler in your lawn. This can help deter other animals from entering your property.
When you suspect that your cat is threatened due to another animal that is in the house, there are a few things you can do. Start by making sure that you are providing plenty of clean litter boxes in a variety of places.
Another thing that you could do is provide plenty of enrichment such as cat towers, toys, and tunnels for your cat to remain physically and mentally stimulated.
Stress
Just like people, cats can be affected negatively by stress. When a cat is stressed, you may notice that he or she starts peeing around the house. Many things can cause a cat to become stressed such as a change in environment, a new person in the house, a change in routine, and many others. Look out for other signs of stress like excessive grooming, change in appetite, digestive issues, and increased sleeping. Contact your vet if you think that this could be what is causing your cat to pee around the house.
No matter what you think the cause is for your cat peeing around the house, it is important to remember to remain level-headed and not to punish your cat. Your cat won’t understand why you are punishing it. Punishing your cat could push him to continue peeing outside of the litter box.
