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My cat pees outside the litter box after moving. How do I stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 8.81 lbs

How do I get my cat to stop peeing everywhere? It rarely happened before we moved to the new apartment. Now, its common. Hes peed on the couch, in the carrier, on his bed, on my things. I dont know how to stop it. Im going crazy. I really dont want to have to give him up. What do I do?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2019

Cats will urinate outside the box for many reasons. Here is a good article to explain the different reasons: https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-top-5-reasons-your-cat-is-avoiding-her-litter-box-and-what-to/ If Bagheera is not neutered, this may help significantly. Intact males spray to mark territory. You also need to do is have Bagheera checked for a bladder infection or other urine abnormality. There may be a medical cause for the behavior. If the veterinarian thinks this is behavioral, there are a few factors to adjust. Cats are sensitive to the type of litter, size of the box and location of the box. If you have more cats, you need 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional box. You should also have a litter box on every floor of the house. This article discusses different types of litter and litter boxes: https://www.petcoach.co/article/cat-litter-finding-the-right-fit-for-your-cat/ In general though, cats prefer large, uncovered litter boxes, clay-based clumping litter that is scoped every day and a private, quiet location. If you have other cats or dogs, if they can access the litter box, it may cause Bagheera to be afraid that he could be trapped in the box. Cats are a prey species in the wild and they still retain those instincts. Clean the soiled areas with a good enzymatic cleanser. This will to get rid of any smells. There are things you can do at home to help to keep Bagheera relaxed and that may help to ensure good litter box habits. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Most cats response best to combination therapy. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with house soiling. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 10th, 2017

    Have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying medical cause such as urinary tract infection. Once medical causes have been ruled out, you can focus on behavioral causes. Provide one litterbox per cat plus have an additional box in a neutral area. Try different types of litter and litterbox attractants to get him back to using the boxes. If there is stress or anxiety in the home, a pheromone product such as Feliway spray or diffuser may decrease it. Use an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle to thoroughly clean soiled areas. Restrict access to certain rooms or areas in which he is urinating if necessary.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on July 10th, 2017

    Try to determine what is triggering her to urinate inside. It is typically due to some form of stress if medical causes have been ruled out. If you have multiple cats,be sure to provide a litterbox for each cat plus an additional litterbox in a neutral area. Provide additional bowls, toys and bedding to prevent resource protection. Check the area outside your house for feral cats that Yoda may be able to see. She could be responding to a strange cat. To get her back into the box, use a litter box attractant. Try different litters as well. Make sure the boxes are clean as some cats will not use a soiled litterbox. Stress or anxiety may be decreased through the use of a pheromone product such as Feliway spray or plug in diffuser. Use an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle to thoroughly clean soiled areas. If the behavior persists, have her examined by your veterinarian. There are medications available to decrease anxiety in cats.

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