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Why is my cat peeing near the litter box? What medical symptoms?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 1 month old

I have a 2 year old cat who keeps randomly peeing right at the front of her litter box. Her litter box is clean. I can't figure out why. I've heard it could be because medical issues. What other symptoms should I look for? I'm very worried and can't get her to a vet because she used to be a barn car so she's not very social and is pretty mean to people she doesn't know.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

If you can at least get urine, that is a good place to start. Get Nosorb from your vet so you can collect urine in the litterbox (assuming she goes in there at least sometimes) and take this sample to your vet for urinalysis. She may be stressed, has diabetes, or a bladder infection, or behavioral issues. The place to start is with a urine sample. Don't be worried because she is not social--your vet can always sedate her in order to get urine and blood for bloodwork if need be. Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2017

    This can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or it may be due to the litter being dirty or behavioral if the other cat just used the box. I recommend making sure the litter is cleaned daily and changed weekly. Clean the box itself with a mild soap, no strong chemicals as cats don't like the odor and often won't use the box. I recommend using a white pee pad under and around the box. That way if one urinates outside the box you can see if the urine is normal yellow or if it is pinkish or greenish which could be a sign of infection. Also it will make the clean up easier. Having at least one litter box per cat also helps if this is a behavioral problem. Next routine vet visit I would have them check a urinalysis to rule out a urinary infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

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