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My cat is suddenly peeing outside the litter box. What's going on?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 5 lbs

My female cat keeps peeing in the same spot, near the front door. She only started to do it recently. We even got her a second litter box so she has two options on where to go. We are still using the same litter brand and type from before this problem started.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2018

That is always frustrating when a cat starts peeing outside the litter box! It could be that Lily is suffering from feline idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, or another medical problem causing this behavior. I would take her into a vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she does have a medical problem, and can treat her for it. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on January 27th, 2017

    In the majority of cases, accidents outside the litter box like this are due to an underlying medical problem. Some common possibilities in a young cat like Rhea would include FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis), bladder stones, or a bacterial urinary tract infection. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to - he/she can do a urinalysis or other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 4th, 2018

    I would recommend bringing Webster to the vet and having them check his urine. Cats can get urinary tract infection, bladder stones and feline lower urinary tract disease. I would rule out medical prior to saying it is just behavioral. To rule out medical they will most likely obtain a urinalysis and blood work from Webster. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 4th, 2017

    She could have a urinary tract infection, bladder stones/crystals, kidney disease, diabetes, or it could be a behavioral problem. She should be examined by a vet to rule out an infection or other medical cause. Your vet can run blood work and a urinalysis. If everything is normal than it is likely a behavioral problem. You could try Feliway spray and see if that helps. Otherwise, your vet could prescribe an anti-anxiety like Prozac or Trazodone to see if that helps.

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