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Why is my cat peeing outside litter box since changing food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 18 lbs

My cat is 11 years old and is peeing outside the litter box on our hardwood floor. He has done this a few times now. He doesn't seem to be straining or in pain, and no blood is in the urine. He is eating well and not taking in more water than usual. We changed his food two months ago to a weight loss food because he is very big and we were hoping to get him to healthy weight. He originally had no problems but I am wondering if the food could be why he is doing this.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on September 22nd, 2020

The only way to definitively determine if the food is responsible is to switch him, gradually, back to his old diet and see if his litterbox habits return to normal. If so, you have the option of keeping him on his old food, just feed less of it and increase his activity to facilitate weight loss. Survey the area around the home for any negative stimuli that may be causing stress. This may include recent changes in the home (furniture rearranged, new flooring, etc.), high traffic, loud noises or even feral cats outdoors that he can see through a window. A pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffusers, may help decrease any stress or anxiety. Additional litterboxes may also be of benefit. Use an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle, to thoroughly clean soiled areas. If the behavior persists or worsens (bloody urine, straining to urinate, change in thirst/urination), then Azazel should be physically examining by your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying medical causes.

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2017

    The best way to de-stress is cat is to use Feliway diffusers in the house. This is basically "happy cat" pheromones that will calm him. You can buy these products at Petco, other pet stores or online. https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected The second thing you should do is enrich his environment. Here are some links to articles about how to do this: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/what-is-environmental-enrichment-and-why-does-your-cat-need-it/ https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/10/20/your-cats-life-in-captivity-how-to-simulate-conditions-of-the-wild.aspx http://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2016/04/enrichment-tips-for-cats-that-many.html Finally, be sure you have plenty of litter boxes available in different parts of the house and try a few different types of litter. Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again.

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