🐱💦 Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box — Misbehaving or Sick? 7 Causes Owners Should Know Before Scolding Their Cat
🐱💦 Suddenly your cat is peeing outside the litter box... don't jump to the conclusion that they're being "naughty" or "spiteful"!
Peeing on the bed, sofa, rug or in corners of the house may be a sign that something is bothering your cat, whether it's their health, stress or the litter box. 👀
In this article, the PETMED+ veterinary team walks you through 7 common causes, what owners should do, and the signs that mean your cat needs to see a vet right away.
Summary
A cat peeing outside the litter box isn't always misbehaving. There are 7 common causes: urinary tract problems, urinating more than normal due to certain diseases, a dirty litter box, disliking the litter box or the litter, stress from changes at home, not enough litter boxes or boxes in the wrong place, and territorial marking. If your cat used to use the litter box normally but has suddenly started peeing in the wrong places, watch for other symptoms as well, and don't scold or punish them.
In particular, if your cat is straining to pee but nothing comes out, is passing only a very small amount of urine, cries in pain, or has blood in their urine, take them to a veterinarian right away, because this may be urethral obstruction (a blocked urethra), which is an emergency.
Table of Contents
Cat peeing outside the litter box — misbehaving or sick?
Peeing on the bed, sofa, rug or in corners of the house may be a sign that something is bothering your cat.
Remember 👉 "Peeing outside the litter box ≠ always a naughty cat."
7 reasons why cats pee outside the litter box
🔎 Check these 7 common causes
🩺 Urinary tract problems
💧 Urinating more than normal due to certain diseases
🧹 A dirty litter box
🪣 Disliking the litter box or the litter
😿 Stress from changes at home
📍 Not enough litter boxes, or boxes in the wrong place
🐾 Territorial marking behavior
What should you do when your cat starts peeing outside the litter box?
If your cat used to use the litter box normally but has suddenly started peeing in the wrong places, watch for other symptoms as well.
❌ Don't scold or punish your cat, as this may add to their stress. 💙
✔️ Start with a health check, then look for causes related to the litter box and your cat's stress. 🐱✨
Which signs mean you need to take your cat to a vet right away?
🚨 In particular, if your cat shows any of these signs, take them to a veterinarian right away
⚠️ Straining to pee but nothing comes out
⚠️ Passing only a very small amount of urine
⚠️ Crying in pain
⚠️ Blood in the urine
This may be urethral obstruction (a blocked urethra), which is an emergency.
💙 If your cat strains but can't pee = emergency!
📞 Free Consultation with PETMED+ Veterinarians
Has your cat started peeing outside the litter box, or do you need basic advice on food or urinary care products?
The PETMED+ veterinary team is ready to give you basic advice. 💙
💙 Because there are many reasons a cat may pee outside the litter box, starting with a health check helps you solve the problem at its source.
LINE: @PETMED
About the Author
This article was prepared by the PETMED+ Veterinary Team.
PETMED+ is a pet pharmacy focused on providing accurate information about medicine, nutrition and pet health care, helping pet owners make safe and appropriate decisions for their pets.
Note: The information in this article is for general education only and cannot replace a diagnosis, treatment, or individual advice from the veterinarian in charge of your pet's case.
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