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Why is my older cat peeing outside the litter box and what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 14 years and 8 months old | 8 lbs

I have a cat who seems to be refusing to use the litter boxes. He is older(over 14). I clean the boxes every other day. We have tried attractants, putting a car mat down, cleaning the boxes themselves, using odor/pheromone 'destroyers', and yet he still peed on the mat. I use the Arm & Hammer clump and seal for litter. What more can I do? Should I remove a couple of the doors on the covered boxes? Should I clean the boxes daily? What can I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 22nd, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tobei. First, it is a good idea for him to see his veterinarian to determine there is not a medical cause contributing to his condition. For example, a disease that will increase his thirst will make him urinate more and this can lead to going out of th box. If he does not have an underlying disease, then it is a behavioral problem. In this case, you need a minimum of one litterbox for every cat in the house plus one. Most cats prefer uncovered boxes. The boxes need to be in safe locations away from loud noises such as appliances. Older cats are prone to arthritis and it can be difficult to get in and out of the litterbox. In this case using the lid to a large Sterilite storage container is an option. The very low lip may make it easier for him to access it. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 16th, 2017

    She could have a urinary tract infection that is causing this or a kidney problem. It is best for your vet to do a urine sample and check for an infection and do blood work to check her kidneys and glucose. If those are unremarkable, then it is behavioral. Sometimes this occurs if there is any new stress or change in the environment they do not like. They make Feliway diffusers and sprays to help with stress. You may have to add more litter boxes and move hers closer to where she is going to help her get back on track if it is behavior related.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 23rd, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Inappropriate urination is often a medical issue and possibilities include feline lower urinary tract disease, a urinary tract infection, urinary tract stones, among other possible medical reasons. Another possibility is that this is behavioral in nature. I recommend that you have Boo evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. It may be that now she is having an unrelated issue. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and best wishes!


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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 3rd, 2018

    Hello. It is possible that Cleo has a UTI, but at her age, there may also be some age related changes happening resulting in urinary incontinence. Arthritis may make it difficult to rise & make it to the litter box in time, spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal, may cause a lack of sensitivity to the bladder causing her not to realize she is urinating or the structures that allow her to hold her urine in are weakening. Then, there may be some elements of kitty dementia going on. You definitely want to investigate the possibility of this being a UTI. If not, your veterinarian may have some suggestions for dealing with arthritis, & the urinary incontinence. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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