Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat suddenly pees outside the litter box. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year old

Hello! Thank you for all your help and support, you've been life saviours. I found that my cat, Felix, has been peeing in a room in my house, that is somewhat of a storage room. He's always been using his litter box since I got him, and never peed anywhere else in the house. I don't know if he just couldn't hold it, or if it's a behavioural issue! I clean his box a few times a day, whenever I get the chance, but sometimes I get late home, or asleep when he wants to use the box so I ignore him.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2017

Hello, sorry to hear about Felix. This could be a one time accident, however it could be an early sign of FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) which may also be referred to as FIC (Feline idiopathic cystitis). Other causes of abnormal urinations include bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and crystals in the urine. If you note any more of these behavior, it will be beneficial to have Felix examined sooner rather than later. Some cats may develop severe inflammation of their bladder which can lead to an obstruction. In the interim, you should add wet food to his diet and ensure he has readily access to copious amounts of water. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Luna. This could be a sign that she has a medical illness such as feline idiopathic cystitis or bladder stones. Tonight, I would feed her canned food and add water to it to flush her bladder. Have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning, who can determine if she does have a medical illness causing this behavior, and can treat her. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 14th, 2017

    Hi there. There are couple things that could be going on with Felix. He could have an infection which is causing him to be uncomfortable and want to urinate in inappropriate places. It may also be that he's marking his territory because he is not neutered. I would recommend to first take him to your vet to check for infection, getting him neutered and then if the problem still persists it could be FLUTD which can be managed with things to reduce his stress level, extra litter boxes, and behavior supplements. I would start with what is simple first like making sure he doesn't have an infection and getting him neutered and then go from there. Best of luck with Felix.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 19th, 2019

    The #1 cause for peeing outside the litterbox is an underlying UTI. I would recommend getting her urine tested by your vet first to determine if this is the real issue. UTI's cause cats stress and therefore they start to go everywhere! : ( Also their bladder can't hold urine long b/c of inflammation, so they are often seen to squat and only a small amount of urine comes out or they can even strain to urinate. I hope that Bailey's abnormal urinations stop soon! A trip to the vet should be able to get this resolved quickly. Best wishes and take care. : )

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My senior dog has recurring pancreatitis. How can I manage his diet?
Is your 13-year-old dog facing recurring pancreatitis? Get expert vet guidance on managing chronic inflammation, diet, and lifestyle tips for their well-being.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is peeing less than normal. Is it kidney disease?
Is your dog not peeing normally, leading to kidney concerns? A certified veterinarian recommends immediate examination for early detection and successful management. Get expert advice on dog kidney health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored