Cats are great companions. They can lower your blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. However, your furry friend is likely to cause some mess around the house such as peeing outside the litter box. In this sense, this article will provide you with the guidance you need to stop your cat from peeing in the house.
1- Reasons Why Cats Pee Outside of Their Litter Box
Before you try to change this unpleasant behavior, you need first to understand why your cat pees outside their litter box. The following are some reasons that answer this question:
– Suffering from Particular Health Problems
Not peeing in the litter box may indicate a certain health issue. Once your cat stops feeling well, it will change its normal behavior. Some health problems that stop your cat from reaching the litter box are kidney disease, metabolic disease, arthritis, Urinary tract infection (UTI), and others. In this case, you must take your cat to the vet and never blame them for their behavior.
– Marking Their Territory
It is known that cats are territorial animals. They draw their boundaries and carefully choose their territory to survive. One way of doing so is peeing in the palaces they choose around the house to leave their scent and colonize it saying “it is my place”. Your cat is likely to behave in this way when other animals stress them.
– Changing their Routine
Cats tend to live by following a given routine, they are creatures of habits. Any small changes in their routine will cause changes in their behaviors. These include moving to a new house, adopting another pet, trying out a new type of litter, etc.
– A Hard to Reach Litter
You want the litter box to be in an out-of-traffic area, but at the same time, you need to place it in an easy-to-find area such as near the hallway or the bathroom. You need to choose a private and peaceful area that your cat can easily find.
– Choose The Right Type of the Litter to Stop Your Cat from Peeing in the House
Your cat will prefer a given litter type over the other. To know their preferences, you need to try different types until you find the one that is appropriate for your feline friend.
2- Tips to Stop Your Cat from Peeing in the House
Now you know why your cat is peeing outside of the litter box, you need to take a few actions to stop this behavior from occurring. To do so, consider applying the following:
– Know the Reason
The first step you should take while trying to change this action is to identify the specific reason that pushes your cat to pee. Once you know the reason, the path you need to take will be clear and the method you have to apply will be evident.
– Seek Professional Help
As we mentioned earlier in this article, the reason behind your cat’s unwanted behavior may be some serious health issues. Therefore, you need to seek the help of a professional vet to pinpoint the issue. This is especially important if you notice other signs that accompany your cat’s inappropriate urination such as blood in urine, lethargy, aggression, and other unusual signs.
– Choose the Right Type of Litter Box to Stop Your Cat from Peeing in the House
You may like enclosed litter boxes, but your cat can have a different opinion. Small, dark, enclosed litter boxes are not what the majority of cats want. Instead, they find large and open litter boxes more appropriate and comfortable. Make sure that the box has a low side so that your cat can easily enter.
– Clean the Litter Box to Stop Your Cat from Peeing in the House
By nature, cats are very clean creatures. If they find the box uncleaned, they will look for another place to pee. Knowing that you must clean the litter box at least once daily. For deep cleaning, it has to be done every 1-2 weeks, and wash the container has.
– Consider Territory Issues
To address the problem, you need to make your cat feels more secure in his territory. If you own more than one cat, it is a good idea to separate their areas so that they will not feel that their place is about to be taken by another cat.
– Mental and Physical Simulation
You can correct bad behaviors by keeping your cat physically and mentally active. Give your cat space to play and express energy. Otherwise, they will develop other behavioral problems.
– Give Your Cat Some Privacy
Your cat needs a quiet and private place when they need to pee. Do not put the litter box in the living room, for example. Place it in a more private yet slightly active area.
– Reduce Your Cat’s Stress to Stop Your Cat from Peeing in the House?
As said above, cats are creatures of habit. Anything out of the normal routine will cause them stress and make them pee everywhere in the house. Make your cat feel safe and put several boxes around the house in some safe areas with clean litter.
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Last Words
Cats’ behavioral problems can be fully addressed and managed if you understand the reasons for these behaviors and master the ways needed to tackle them. By loving your cat, being patient, and offering them their basic needs, their behavior will be corrected.
