Although cats are known for their cleanliness, urinating everywhere in the room remains the number one complaint of owners. Cats urinating outside the litter box can be due to health reasons or psychological stress, and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two. Generally, cats may urinate in abnormal places to get their owner’s attention when feeling unwell, or to mark their territory to re-establish ownership. The latter case is mostly caused by psychological stress, which in turn can easily lead to disease.

　　Should you see a doctor?

　　One of the symptoms of FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) is urinating outside the litter box. Psychological stress and many other reasons can trigger FLUTD. It is difficult to know if a cat urinating outside the litter box is due to FLUTD. At this time, observe if the cat shows other FLUTD symptoms such as blood in urine, frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, or inability to urinate. Also consider other possible causes. If FLUTD is suspected, immediately take the cat to the hospital.

　　Territory marking / territorial stress

　　Cats use their feces and urine as a form of communication among themselves. When a cat leaves feces or urine somewhere, it is telling other cats "this cat was here on such and such a date and time." Other cats can detect the scent of the excretion and know if another cat has been there or how long the territory’s "owner" has been absent, and react accordingly. This can cause psychological stress. For example, when a new cat arrives, or the owner has been away for a long time, the cat may feel the need to re-mark its territory. Characteristics of urinating everywhere due to territory marking or territorial stress may include one or several of the following:

　　1. Spraying urine on vertical surfaces.

　　2. Sometimes urinating in the litter box, sometimes elsewhere (different from never urinating in the litter box).

　　3. Defecating in the litter box but urinating outside it.

　　4. The cat has not been neutered.

　　5. Something has happened at home that makes the cat feel the need to re-mark its territory (e.g., a new pet added; a new roommate moving in; recently moved to a new home; house renovations; owner returning from vacation; new cats appearing nearby, etc.).

　　6. Urinating or defecating near doors and windows.

　　7. The problem appeared after new furniture was added or rearranged.

　　8. The cat reacts to the punishment of other wrongdoings.

　　9. Urine spots include the owner’s bed and clothes.

　　10. The cat urinates in the same place every time.

　　If the cat's urinating everywhere fits the territory marking or territorial stress pattern, first clean the areas thoroughly and spray scents cats dislike. In the U.S., there are some oral medications to reduce stress in cats, such as AMITRIPTYLINE, BUSPAR, VALIUM, and substances like FELIWAY that can be sprayed indoors to reduce stress. If these are not available, owners can take measures to reduce the cat’s psychological stress based on the possible cause.

　　Litter box "unacceptable"

　　Some cats urinate outside the litter box simply because they find the litter box "unacceptable." They may think the litter box is too dirty, not private enough, has a strange smell, or is uncomfortable. Here are possible signs that indicate a cat finds the litter box unacceptable:

　　1. Not spraying urine on vertical surfaces.

　　2. Both urination and defecation occur outside the litter box.

　　3. Two or more cats share one litter box (the current recommendation is to have as many litter boxes as cats).

　　4. Recently switched to a new brand of litter.

　　5. The litter box has a cover.

　　6. The litter box is not cleaned often enough.

　　7. Negative memories associated with the litter box (e.g., being taken from the box to the vet, or being punished).

　　8. The litter box is placed in a high-traffic area of the house.

　　9. Dogs or other cats disturb the cat while using the litter box.

　　Cats with these issues need to be retrained to use the litter box. First, place a new litter box outside the currently used box. Many cats dislike using a litter box that they feel has been "claimed" by another cat or do not want to intrude on another cat’s territory. Be careful not to place the litter box close to food, as cats dislike eliminating near their eating area.

　　Then, try different kinds of litter to see if the cat prefers one. If nothing works, limit the cat and the litter box to a smaller area initially. If the cat uses the litter box, gradually expand its activity area until it returns to its original roaming space. (Source：PetsZone)