One of the biggest behavior issues with cats involves litter box problems. It’s not uncommon to find your cat urinating everywhere but the litter box. Start by making sure your litter box is appropriate for them to use. Otherwise, they will continue to find their own locations to urinate. After you’ve determined it is appropriate, start discouraging your cat from urinating on the carpet, drapes, furniture or whatever else.
- Take your cat to the vet. Some cats have health issues that mean they are urinating more or having difficulty making it to the litter box in time. Sometimes all that is needed is a dose of antibiotics to stop your cat from urinating everywhere.
- See if there are new changes to your life. Cats can become very stressed by changes such as a move, or an addition to the family, like another pet or a new baby. Encourage your cat to use the litter box, but often once things calm down, your cat’s behavior may improve.
- Make sure you keep the litter box clean.
Cats are very clean creatures and some will not use a litter box that doesn’t have clean litter in it. Use a clumping, unscented litter. In addition, consider adding two litter boxes–some cats will not urinate and defecate in the same place. - Add a litter box for each cat in your house. Some cats will not use a litter box other cats have used.
- Try moving your cat’s litter box. Sometimes location is the problem. If it’s in a room they have problems getting to or have to jump to get in, they may decide it’s easier to find their own spot. If possible, try to move the litter box to the spot they’ve been urinating on.
- Retrain your cat to use the litter box. Lock your cat into a confined space (a bathroom is great) with only a litter box, and food and water. Do not give them a blanket or towel to lie on because they will likely urinate on it. In addition, put a little water in the sinks and bathtubs to discourage your cat from urinating in those locations.
- Clean the area your cat has been using with an enzyme cleaner. You should be able to find this product at your local pet store. It will help eliminate the odor and your cat may stop using that area. Another way to remove cat urine odors is to use 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water to clean up an area.
- Move your cat’s food dish. Try relocating your cat’s food dish to the area they’ve been urinating on. Most cats don’t like urinating near the area they eat.
- Cover the area with sticky sided tape. If your cat is using a drapery or a piece of furniture to urinate on, try covering the area with a sticky sided tape.
To stop your cat from urinating everywhere, you may need to address a variety of behavior problems or simply do some toilet training again.