How to Make Your Cat Stop Using the Bathroom Outside the Litter Box

It is undoubtedly upsetting to discover that your cat has urinated outside of its litter box after waking up or returning from work. There are several why a cat may quit using the litter box, but there are typically two main ones: either the cat has a health issue or there is a behavioral problem.

Cats with urinary tract infections or constipation may find it difficult to resist the need to urinate and end up pooping on the floor. Older cats with arthritis may experience pain and trouble entering the box; as a result, they may instead relieve themselves on the floor next to it.

But the majority of the time, it's a behavioral problem. One of the most frequent causes of cats peeing or urinating on the floor is a dirty litter box, which is closely followed by switching to a new type of litter that the cat doesn't like.

A cat may refuse to use its litter box and instead exhibit its stress by urinating on the floor in response to changes in the home, such as the addition of a new pet or child, a move to a new location, or a sudden change in the daily schedule of the family.

In the section below, we address the reasons behind cats' urges to poop outside of litter boxes as well as how to prevent your cat from doing so in the future.

What Causes Cats to Urinate Outside the Litter Box?

Litter box troubles are typically brought on by a change in the cat's routine or problems with its litter box. However, if your housebroken cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the doctor to rule out any medical problems. 

Health Issues

When your cat is experiencing diarrhea or constipation, the urge to urinate can occasionally come on suddenly and intensely, preventing it from reaching the litter box in time. 

 However, if your cat doesn't have any underlying health issues, this situation ought to be brief.

Your veterinarian will likely investigate whether your cat has a behavioral issue if she determines that the problem doesn't have a physiological cause.

Issues with behavior and stress

There are many potential causes for a sudden change in your cat's bathroom habits, but many come down to feline stress.

odorous litter box: If a litter box doesn't live up to its strict criteria for odor and cleanliness, cats frequently turn their noses up at it. Even cats trained to use the box for years may reject it if it isn't spotless (usually one that will get your attention).

incorrect box location: Is your cat bothered by where the litter box is located? Consider moving it if it's close to a door, in a high-traffic area of the house, or somewhere the cat can't readily access it. 1 If your cat has dementia, you shouldn't do this because it can make things more confusing.

Alteration in Household: Your cat may just be establishing its territory if another cat, animal, or even a new baby has been welcomed into the home if someone has moved in, moved out, or moved on. This should only last as the cat adjusts to the new environment. But keep in mind that any alteration to a cat's environment or routine might lead to stress, which might trigger abnormal behavior. 

Kitty who was recently adopted: A cat that has just been adopted can need a few weeks or months to settle in and feel secure enough to show its true nature. It's possible that your adopted cat initially felt a little unsure and was open to sharing the litter box but then changed its mind.

How to Make Your Cat Stop Using the Bathroom Outside of the Litter Box

Take action to stop your cat from eliminating outside of the litter box if there are no health concerns.

Purge the Box

First and foremost, deep clean the litter box periodically and scoop out the clumps every day. To do this, remove the old litter, wash the empty container with mild dish detergent and warm water, rinse it with fresh water, allow it to air dry, and then add a new batch of unscented, clean litter (sometimes scented litter is unappealing to finicky cats). 

Always wear rubber gloves and a face mask when handling your cat's litter box to protect yourself from minute bugs and litter dust.

Place-Based Attention

If you notice that your cat prefers to relieve itself in a specific location, such as on a bath mat, try to prevent it from entering the room by installing a baby gate or, if possible, closing and locking the door. 

In addition, make it easier for your pet to use the litter box by placing it far from the animal's water and food bowls in a quiet, private location.

Adding a second litter box

Instead of attempting to make both cats share a box if a second cat has been added, think about putting additional litter boxes. One litter box for every cat, plus one more, is the ideal number of litter boxes. 

This implies that you should offer three litter boxes if you have two cats. Keep in mind that the boxes must be placed entirely differently. Otherwise, one cat might try to "guard" and "own" every toilet, preventing the other cat from using them.

Create obstacles

If your cat has a favorite spot and you can't prevent it from accessing it, try covering the area with aluminum foil or spraying it with a kitty-safe deterrent. Making the improper place as unattractive to the cat as possible is the aim.

Create a new version of the crime scene

Examine the surface that your cat prefers to urinate on and try to replicate it in the litter box. For instance, if your cat prefers tile, leave the litter box's bottom empty. 

If it goes on paper, line the box's bottom with paper; if it goes on carpeting, put a piece of carpet in the container.

Destroy Accidents

If, despite your best efforts, your cat still urinates outside the litter box, thoroughly clean the area using an enzymatic cleanser to prevent your cat from smelling it and decide it's okay to use that location again.