Why is my cat scratching furniture and peeing outside the litter box?

Question

What makes a cat start scratching things like the wall and couchs? Also what makes a cat start peeing and pooping in odd places but not so much in the litter box? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

Ana M, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gizmoe. Scratching is a completely normal behavior in a cat, just generally an undesirable one when it is your furniture. Be sure to have plenty of scratching posts and cat friendly items for him to scratch. You can add catnip to them to entice him as well. When you catch him scratching in the wrong place, tell him no and redirect him the appropriate scratching place. Then praise him if he scratches there. As far as the litter box issues, the first step is to see his veterinarian to rule out a medical problem causing the problem. If he is found to be healthy, then it is a behavioral issue. Stress is a likely trigger. You need to have adequate litter boxes (one for every cat in the house plus one) and they are in quiet locations. Most cats do not like covered boxes. You can try a different litter substrate to see if that helps. This is a complicated issue so I happy to do a consultation if you have further questions. I hope this helps!

Why is my cat scratching furniture and peeing outside the litter box?

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