Why did my cat pee on the floor

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Top 8 Reasons Cats Pee on the Floor:
Additional Tips For Preventing Cats From Peeing on the Floor

Cats are known to be very tidy animals. They’re usually able to groom themselves, and they can quickly learn to use a litter box.

However, there are some instances where cats may not use a litter box. Sometimes, it’s because they never got into the habit when they were kittens, or they may develop this behavior over time. There are also some instances where there are issues with the litter box that discourage cats from using it.

Here are eight possible reasons why cats may pee on the floor.

Top 8 Reasons Cats Pee on the Floor:

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Sometimes, cats can end up peeing outside of the litter box because there aren’t enough litter boxes. An overcrowded litter box can deter cats from using them, especially if you have multiple cats in your home. In such cases, your cats will not want to step on each other’s messes and would rather pee outside of the litter box.

Generally, you should have one litter box per cat plus one extra. For example, if you have one cat, you should have a minimum of two litter boxes. If you have two cats, you should have at least three litter boxes.

Since healthy cats like to keep clean, they won’t use a litter box if it’s too dirty and filled with urine and feces. They may resort to peeing near the litter box but not inside it. If you notice that your cat is peeing around a litter box, try emptying it out more frequently. Clumping litter should be scooped daily or every other day and be completely cleaned out every two to three weeks. If you have clay litter, it should be cleaned out every other day or twice a week.

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Cats can have their preferences and may not use a litter box if it’s too small. This may be because they really don’t want to step on any urine or feces.

Even smaller cat breeds may want to use a litter box that’s designed for larger cat breeds. So, you can always try switching out a small litter box for a larger size and see if your cat decides to use the bigger one.

Litter boxes can be an unpleasant sight to see in a home. However, if its location is too discreet , your cat may not be able to get to it on time and end up peeing on the floor.

Try to relocate the litter box to a place in the home that’s away from too much noise or distraction, but it isn’t in a far corner of the house. If you’re concerned about the sight of the litter box, you can always purchase one that has a cover. There are also special cabinets and drawers that are designed to hide litter boxes.

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If a litter box is located in a spot where there’s a lot of action, your cat may not want to use it. Peeing and pooping put cats in a vulnerable position, so they want to feel as safe as possible when they’re relieving themselves.

The best place to put litter boxes are spots that are quiet and easily accessible. Some cats may even prefer a cover for additional privacy.

Cats can be picky and finicky animals and have been known to be particular about their cat litter. There are different types of textures and scents that can deter cats from using a litter box. Completely litter box-trained cats can end up peeing on the floor if you suddenly switch out their litter, and they don’t like the smell or texture of the new litter. The best way to change out cat litter is to do it slowly and incrementally so that your cat doesn’t notice any drastic changes.

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When cats are territorial, they’ll usually end up engaging in urine marking. This can happen when there are multiple cats in a home, and there isn’t enough space for them to have their own territories. Unneutered cats can also urine mark to establish their territory or signify that they’re ready to mate.

Before bringing home a new cat, make sure that you have plenty of space to house it. It can also take a lot of time for cats to get used to each other, so it’s best to introduce them slowly and allow them to have their own spaces before completely integrating them in the home.

Sometimes, cats can end up peeing on the floor because of a health concern, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). A symptom of UTIs is increased urination. So, if you notice that your cat has been peeing more frequently and is unable to make it to the litter box on time, it may be time to visit the vet. Your vet can conduct a thorough assessment to determine if your cat has a UTI or another urinary tract issue, such as bladder stones.

Additional Tips For Preventing Cats From Peeing on the Floor

Along with trying out the different suggestions we’ve provided, it’s important to properly clean up cat urine. Cats will be attracted to the smell of pee and will pee in the same spots, and cat urine stains can be especially stubborn to clean up. When cleaning up cat urine, try to use an enzymatic cleaning spray. Bio-enzymes help break down the components in cat urine so that they’re easier to wipe up from carpets and hard surfaces. They also help with deodorizing and eliminating smells to discourage cats from revisiting spots outside of the litter box.

If you're looking for an enzyme cleaner that does it all, we highly recommend the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray. Yes, it’s our product, but we love it so much, we have to share! Not only does it permanently remove the very worst smells and stains (yes, everything you can imagine!), but we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Click here to get yourself a bottle.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why cats will start to urinate outside of the litter box and on the floor. The best way to stop this is to observe your cat’s behavior and determine if the size of the litter box and its placement is favorable for your cat.

If you ever have any trouble with urine marking, you can always consult with your veterinarian or a reputable cat behaviorist to help you navigate this challenging situation.

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a traveling, board-certified surgeon in Allentown, PA. His website is www.DrPhilZeltzman.com. He is the co-author of “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” (www.WalkaHound.com).

Kelly Serfas, a Certified Veterinary Technician in Bethlehem, PA, contributed to this article.

A friend and cat lover recalls: "My cat, Catnip, peed on the floor! At first, I was so mad at him. I locked him up in the basement with his litter box, food and water. The urine looked a little red, but I was convinced he was fine since he was acting normally otherwise. [He was] Just being a bad boy [and] not using his litter box!"Two days later, my friend woke up and noticed that Catnip had gone in and out of his litter box multiple times. She assumed that he was either getting diarrhea, or that he was constipated--both assumptions are common but wrong. Because she had to go to work, Catnip went back to the basement.

Ten hours later, when she got home from work, there was nothing in the litter box! She looked around the basement for Catnip and found him hiding under an old armchair. When she pulled him out, he wasn't fighting as he usually does. He was clearly in pain. He seemed quite depressed and cried a weaker meow than usual. I told her to rush Catnip to the emergency vet hospital where they confirmed my suspicion: Catnip was "blocked."

Blocked? As the emergency vet explained, male cats can have urine that forms crystals or debris which clumps together and can cause a blockage in the urethra (i.e. the narrow tube that leads urine out of the bladder). This can either partially or completely prevent male cats from urinating. A complete blockage is both painful and dangerous. It can cause a number of life threatening conditions, for example, if a cat (or a dog) cannot pee, their bladder gets very large, and becomes at risk of rupturing. There are also consequences for other organs including the kidneys and the heart. At the clinic, Catnip was immediately given pain medications. Blood work showed abnormal kidney values, as well as an increased potassium level, which is toxic. He then received sedation and was "unblocked" with a tiny urinary catheter. Catnip stayed at the vet hospital overnight on IV fluids and pain medications.When the vet called the next morning, he said Catnip was doing well and his urine was becoming clear (i.e. less bloody). His bloodwork was getting much better along with his mood! Although this was Catnip's first time blocking, the vet was concerned that this could happen again, which is not uncommon. The vet recommended a special canned food and a few other things to try helping the "medical way." But my friend's concern was that should it happen again, she may not realize it for hours as she typically worked "crazy hours." Could it be too late the next time around?Another option for her to consider is a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy or "P/U." The goal of a P/U is to remove the penis in order to reach an area of the urethra that is much wider than the tip. The lining of the urethra is then stitched to the skin. If a stone or debris were to form in the bladder, it would travel down the urethra and would be expelled instead of causing a blockage--and no, male cats are not turned female in the process! Although P/U surgery sounds invasive cats tolerate it very well. My friend gave the go ahead for the procedure. Catnip recovered well and was sent home the day after surgery, along with a plastic cone, antibiotics, pain medications and a special urinary diet. Catnip had to be confined to a small area for two weeks, at which point the sutures were rechecked. Everything has been fine since. Catnip must stay exclusively on his special canned urinary diet for life. He is now one happy kitty, and my friend is relieved.

My only other suggestion was to take a look at www.indoorpet.osu.edu because "blocked" cats are often secretly stressed out kitties that need help beyond special food and surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.