Do you have two or more litter boxes strategically placed around your home that are collecting dust because your cat seems to just love that floor corner by the TV or the upstairs bathroom rug? If so, check out these top six reasons why your cat is peeing all over the house except the litter box!
Table of Contents
- Introduction – Why Is My Cat Peeing All Over The House?
- Broken Routine
- Environmental Changes
- Resource Competition
- Litter Box Woes
- Urine Marking
- Health Issues
- Summary – Why Is My Cat Peeing All Over The House?
- Related Posts
Introduction – Why Is My Cat Peeing All Over The House?

Cat pee is not the nicest thing at the best of times. However, it’s manageable as long as kitty goes to the toilet where she should.
If your dog is peeing all over your house, what follows might explain why and what you can do about it.
Broken Routine
Our feline friends adore routines and thrive on consistency. Regular meals, play sessions, and cuddle moments make them feel secure and happy. If that routine is questionable or non-existent, stress might overtake your cat’s habits, leading to peeing around the house.
Urinating in different places around the house is basically how your cat is gaining back control over her routine. To solve this issue, try sticking to a strict routine with her. If the problem persists, one of the other reasons below may be causing the unwanted peeing.
Environmental Changes
Did you just welcome a baby into the home? What about a new family member, roommate, or pet? Did you move to a new place? Well, that could be the source of the house-wide urination. The stress or anxiety of dealing with new people, animals, or locations can cause your cat to pee outside her litter box. It’s a way for her to cope and make her space feel more like home.
It’s always best to introduce changes gradually, so your kitty can get used to them. Over time, your feline friend should get used to the new environment, and the unwanted urination will end.
Resource Competition
Scratching posts, cat toys, space, and food are all valuable feline resources. If your cat feels she needs to defend any of them, it could cause bad habits like peeing around the house. So, if there’s a rivalry among feline roommates, peeing outside the litter box is your kitty’s way of saying, “This is mine, and I’m here to stay!”
No one wants to live in a home where resources seem scarce. It causes stress, at the very least. So, as a pet parent, it’s your duty to address resource competition issues. Give each cat in the household her own set of resources. This strategy works best when each kitty’s resources are in a place where the other cat can’t easily see them being used.
Your kitty may also feel resource threats if she sees neighborhood cats prowling outside the window. Of course, you want your kitty to enjoy her neighborhood watch duty, but it could be causing the urination issue. Test this by keeping the blinds closed for a while. If the problem stops, you know that was it!
Litter Box Woes
Your fur baby might not be a fan of their litter box, the type of litter, or the location if she’s not using it properly. Plus, if you haven’t cleaned the litter box, she might turn her nose up at it.
There are a few things you can do so your cat responds better to litter boxes. First, put the litter trays in places your cat will love. They prefer privacy when doing their business, so you should find a quiet spot away from noise and commotion.

Next, consider the size and type of litter box. Does your cat have a disability, or is she elderly? If so, ensure the litter box is easy enough for her to climb into. Ensure the box is big enough for her to dig, turn, and squat comfortably.
When your kitty digs away in her litter tray, it’s a sign that she’s enjoying it. But if you notice her scratching the box walls or sides, she might be unsure about it. In that case, try making changes to the box to help your fluffball feel more at ease.
Experiment with different brands and types of cat litter to find your cat’s favorite. Some kitties prefer sandy or clay-based litter, while others like wood pellets or crystals. Unscented litter is best since potent smells can be a turn-off.
Urine Marking
Marking is how kitties make their world smell comfy and familiar. When our feline friends “mark” their territory, they usually back up to a vertical or horizontal surface, wiggle their tails, and sprinkle a tiny stream of pee behind them. Urine marking is instinctual for many animals, not just cats. While it’s useful for animals to keep social order and navigate territory, it’s not so pleasant for humans who wish to keep a clean household.
Unneutered tomcats are most likely to leave their scents behind, but even neutered male and female kitties can join the marking club. If another cat has left their scent around, thoroughly cleaning that area could prevent your kitty from feeling the urge to mark. Just make sure the cleaners you use are kitty-safe, so your companion stays happy and healthy!
Health Issues
When our little furballs have urinary tract issues, it can lead to peeing around the house. Things like bladder stones, ouchie infections, and inflammation can make it hurt to pee or create an urgent need to go. Kidney and liver problems might make them drink more, so they’ll need to urinate more often. Sometimes, the urge may be too strong to make it to the box.
If your kitty is older, she might experience brain function changes or hormonal imbalances (like diabetes). All of those issues may affect her potty routine. Plus, if she’s feeling stiff or sore from nerve, muscle, or joint problems, climbing in the litter box may be too big a struggle.
So, if your whiskered friend is having trouble with her bathroom habits, it’s essential to keep an eye on her health and consult a vet for any concerns.
Find out more about common Ragdoll cat health issues.
Summary – Why Is My Cat Peeing All Over The House?
To sum it up, several factors could play into your cat’s new peeing habits. From the stress of a broken routine to concerning health issues, it’s the pet parent’s duty to identify and solve that issue while keeping the cat’s best interest in mind. As always, talk to your trusted veterinarian professional to diagnose behavioral problems and quickly address health concerns.
Is your cat peeing all over the house? Or perhaps you’ve experienced this unpleasant scenario? Please tell me of your experiences or ask a question in the comment section at the bottom of this page?
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