Inappropriate urination and/or defecation by cats is the number one reason that cats are surrendered to shelters or in the worst case just dumped by owners. There can be several reasons that the cat is not using the litter box and the earlier a cause can be determined the more effectively the problem can be addressed. Once the behavior has become habit, it is more difficult to fix. The first step is always a thorough physical exam, including lab work, to find out if there is a medical reason for the behavior. Medical reasons can include urinary tract infection, incontinence or mobility issues. Then a detailed history of the behavior is needed: when did the problem start, where is the elimination taking place, have there been changes in the home environment, has the litterbox or litter or location of the box changed, etc. While determining the cause and solutions for the behaviors, it is important to not punish the cat for the behaviors. Punishment is more likely to escalate the problems and harm the relationship you have with your cat.

Inappropriate Urination versus Spraying
Inappropriate urination and/or defecation occur when the cat eliminates on horizontal surfaces. This usually occurs when there is a problem with the litterbox or the cat finds some other surface is more preferable than the litter. In order to try and find a reason for not using the box, it is important to determine when the behavior started and what may have changed or what events were occurring at that time. A change in the litter or litterbox, moving the litterbox, a negative experience while in the litter box or a not clean enough litterbox can be reasons for the cat not using the litterbox.

If the cat backs up to a vertical surface and directs a stream of urine onto the surface, the cat is spraying which is a marking behavior. (Some cats also mark horizontal surfaces.) This most often occurs in intact males and females, but also in neutered males (10%) and spayed females (5%). If the cat feels like its territory is being invaded or if the cat is stressed by something in its environment, it may begin spraying. The targeted area often has the owner’s scent. Seeing cats outside the window or a disruption in the social hierarchy among cats in the household can trigger this behavior. Changes in the household, such as, a new pet, a new person, moving, remodeling, new schedules affecting interaction with the cat or inappropriate punishment can all stress a cat. Targeted areas commonly include walls by doors and windows, new objects in the home and furniture.

Treating Inappropriate Urination/Defecation
First, treat for medical conditions that may be contributing to the problem. Urinary tract infections, cystitis or bladder stones can cause cramping and a sudden urge to urinate. These conditions cause pain when urinating and a painful experience in the box can lead to litterbox avoidance. Constipation or colitis or anal sac pain may cause the cat to defecate outside the litter box while still using the box for urination. Arthritis or other conditions that affect mobility may require a new type of litterbox that is easier to enter and exit. Diseases, such as, diabetes or kidney disease, may cause increased frequency and volume of urination.

After any medical problems have been addressed, it is time to look for other reasons for the behavior.

• Some cats are very fastidious and if the box is not kept clean (to the cat’s standard) they will not use it. (Covered litter boxes trap odors inside.) Clean the box frequently. Totally change clay litter every 3 to 5 days and clumping litters weekly while still scooping box daily. Provide more than one box. In multi-cat households, the rule of thumb is to provide one box per cat plus one extra box.
• Some cats like covered litter boxes because they give the cat privacy. Other cats may feel trapped by covered litter boxes. Try switching to the other type of litter box to see if the type of box is causing elimination problems. Place different styles of litter boxes side by side with the same litter to see if the cat prefers one over the other.
• Cats often have a distinct preference for the type of litter used. Scented litter can drive some cats away. Try litter with different consistencies in the same type of boxes side by side to determine if there is a preference. The majority of cats seem to prefer finely granulated clay litter.
• Cats develop surface preferences for elimination. Surface preference is indicated by where the cat is eliminating. If the cat is eliminating on soft surfaces, such as carpeting, try fine grain scoopable litter. If the cat is eliminating on slick surfaces, such as, tile, bathtubs, concrete, etc., try putting a thin layer of litter in one end of the box while leaving the other end bare and place the box on a hard floor.
• If the cat has been an outdoor cat, litter may not feel right for eliminating. Try putting a small amount of soil or sod in the box with the litter and gradually switch to just litter.
• Cats like privacy. Is the litterbox in an area where the cat is likely to be disturbed by people or other pets? Find a quiet place where the cat will not be disturbed while using the box.
• In a multi-cat household, watch to see if access to the box is being controlled by one or more of the cats. Provide litterboxes in different areas of the home.
• If a cat associates the box with pain when urinating or defecating, the cat may avoid using the box. Treat the cause of pain.
• If a cat associates the box with something negative, such as, being startled while using the box, being punished while using the box or being given medication while using the box, the cat may avoid using the box. Do not disturb cats while they are using the litterbox. Do not place litter boxes in high traffic areas or around appliances that go on and off which may startle the cat.
• Avoid all physical or harsh punishment. If the cat approaches a previously soiled area, interrupt the cat and when the cat is briefly startled, distract the cat with a toy or treat, etc. It is important that the method used to interrupt the cat is just enough to stop the cat but not cause a fearful response. A spray of water, a pillow or beanbag tossed in the cat’s direction, or the hiss from a compressed air can (if no other cat is around) can be used. It is important that the cat does not associate the action with any humans who are present.