Guide | Call of PEE PEE: Warzone (Without Losing Your Mind)
Is your cat peeing outside the litter box, and you are cleaning up those mystery messes you didn’t sign up for? Don’t panic! Most owners are in the same boat as you; it will all be fine. With the right strategy, patience, and the right guide, you will get a clean floor again without their daily puddle surprise.
1. Over-stimulated?
Did you recently switch their food bowl to a new location or suddenly introduce them to too many guests? Cats are easily startled by literally anything. If they are stressed and insecure, house-soiling behaviour might increase. It is ideal to eliminate the stressor early to eliminate chronic stress. A pheromone spray/diffuser and some kitty catnip would help them get back to zen mode.
2. Remove the trigger
It is hard to clean up after them all the time because sometimes no one witnesses the crime. They were able to create a great alibi as a defence. However, cleaning frequently and removing their trace evidence and smell will be better to eliminate future re-soiling problems due to their sensitive olfactory senses. Any cat urine odour remover (acid-base & enzyme-based) is best to neutralize the scents to avoid revisiting the crime scene. Remember to stay away from ammonia-based cleaning products because it is the same as urine.
3. Sign to be neutered
Speaking of any urine marking behaviour is related to their “in heat” season, whether it is a boy or a girl. Marking is a territory security issue where they are motivated by natural mating behaviour. If this marking behaviour is in your way, neuter procedure is something to consider. Fun fact: The pee from a spayed cat will be less stinky, trust me.
4. Make sure it is not a medical condition
House-soiling maybe something related to their illness. They are masters of hiding their deepest secrets. Yet, their bladders do not hide UTI, or kidney trouble, tend to be really common in the cat field. Also, arthritis or other joint issues might not help them climb into their litter box.
5. Changing the preference of the litter box
Speaking of preference, they can be a bit picky about their toilets as well. A study shows that lower opening and rectangle-shaped litter boxes are more welcome. Also, an open litter box vs a covered one would be influenced by the smell of the environment. You can try out any sizes and preferences for them so that they can free their pee in an appropriate area.
Cats are creatures of habit with a flair for the dramatic, and when they start peeing outside the litter box, they’re usually trying to tell you something. Stress from sudden changes. Sometimes it’s a hormonal message—marking their territory during mating season, which is a great sign that it might be time for a neuter. But don’t rule out health issues either, and don’t forget—they’re also picky when their litter box doesn’t meet their luxury standards in size, shape, or scent, they’ll absolutely protest.
Content: Phoebe Leung
Design: Phoebe Leung
References:
https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/supporting-clients-with-cats-soiling
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems-house-soiling