Cat Urinating Outside Litter Box

by Donna
(Australia )

My Cat is Urinating in My Room

Hello, my Maine Coon cat, Ferdinand, is a male desexed cat about 10 months old.

He's started to make a habit of peeing everywhere in my room but not the rest of the house.

We don't know if it could be because he’s anxious or if its because he’s asserting his dominance. Please respond with your ideas, it would be greatly appreciated.

He's also pooping on the tiles next to the litter boxes not in either of them.

Love from Donna and Ferdinand.

Cat Urinating Outside Litter Box Reply:

Hi Donna,
How frustrating! Usually, a cat peeing outside the litter box means something. The puzzle is, what are they trying to tell us?

Some of the things that come to mind you've already mentioned. Although it's quite unlike a Maine Coon to trying to assert dominance, it may look that way if there is a new pet in the house, or even if he's the new pet and growing into an age where he's more of an equal with other pets. Now he has to figure out his place.

Anxiety is a good guess, but again it's a question of what is the cause. He could be anxious about a new pet, a pet who has passed, a new person, or an absent person. He could be anxious about being at home alone more often if that's a change, or of stress in the household.

And, of course, he could very possibly be feeling unwell. I'd recommend a vet check. Any number of medical or physical problems could cause him to do this to ask for attention.

For a cat, urinating outside litter box behavior is usually a call for help. My cats did this on only a few occasions. Once when we had a fleas for a short time (another story!), again when we went on vacation (they were well tended, but missed us and were "off"), and also Alice did this when she was elderly and the litter box was upstairs.

Litter box location and type of litter are important factors, too. If he can't get to the box for a variety of reasons he may go elsewhere.

You mentioned multiple boxes. If there are multiple cats, he may be blocked by another cat when he needs to go, or he may be intimidated by using a box another used - as it's already the other cat's "territory."

Since he urinates in your room, I’d put a box in there right away. Maybe that room is his home base.

Pooping outside but near the litter box makes me wonder if he doesn't like his litter. Have you tried a different litter, such as Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter? This litter is helpful for attracting cats back to the box. (Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying Purchases.)

Ultimately, with a cat urinating outside the litter box, it's best to first rule out any medical reasons then do your best to see life from their vantage point, get in their head, and try to find what works for them.

I'm looking forward to what others have to say, and wish you and Ferdinand the best!

comments:

Nov 13, 2021
Litterbox problems
by: Jane

My girl started to poo outside her litter box which was out of character. Problem was solved my moving it to another place in her room. I hope it's that simple for you.