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Why is my cat peeing right in front of her clean litter box?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 14 lbs

Kazoo is sweet. But she has this one bad behavior trait that I cannot break for the life of me. She will pee directly in front of the litter box as well as in it. Just depends on her mood and how the planets have aligned. We have 3 boxes. They are clean. She just chooses to pee in front of the box. 1st I thought it was when something was in front of the box as she was peeing on things. Took her to our vet, and she had a mild UTI and was stressed. Fixed that... still the same

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 1st, 2020

Some cats may climb into the box but still "miss" it by sticking their bottoms over the side when they go. Using sides or a lid on the box may help solve this if that is the case. Some cats also do not like stepping in certain types of litter, so changing to a softer litter or scooping it more often may also help. Enzymatic cleaners can also be used to remove any urine stains/odor and discourage going in that spot again.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 16th, 2018

    Lucy could have urinary incontinence if she seems to be leanikg urine on the bed and not realizing it is happening. If she is posturing to urinate a urinary tract infection or inflammation is possible. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Lucy in person - they will probably recommend testing a urine sample as well.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 16th, 2017

    I'm picturing that Lucy was in the box but was peeing over the side? If that is accurate, she probably doesn't realize she's not aiming well. My cats did the same thing so I bought a tall rubbermaid container and cut a hole in it. The cats can't pee over the side or scratch litter out. If she is not in the litter box but peeing around it, then I would recommend to still take her into the vet to have her urine tested for an infection or crystals. You need to rule out medical causes. I hope this helps with Lucy!

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