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Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?
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Cat Spray Stop
A guide for owners whose cat is spraying or toileting outside the tray, according to the vendor. Use it after your vet has ruled out medical causes.
Peeing or spraying?
Peeing outside the tray is usually a puddle on a flat surface. Spraying is a small amount sprayed backwards onto a vertical surface, often near doors and windows, and is about marking territory or stress.
A litter tray checklist
- One tray per cat, plus one extra.
- Trays at least 1.5 times your cat’s length, uncovered if your cat prefers.
- Unscented, fine-grained litter about 3–5 cm deep.
- Scooped at least daily, fully cleaned weekly.
- In quiet spots away from food, water and noisy appliances.
- Low sides for older or arthritic cats.
Cat Spray Stop
A guide for owners whose cat is spraying or toileting outside the tray, according to the vendor. Use it after your vet has ruled out medical causes.
Reducing stress
New pets, new people, building work and neighbourhood cats seen through windows are common triggers. Give each cat its own resources (food, water, trays, beds) in separate places, add high resting spots, and block views of outside cats if needed.
Cleaning up properly
Use an enzymatic cleaner. Ammonia-based cleaners smell like urine to a cat and can draw them back to the same spot.
Common questions
Is a cat peeing outside the box an emergency?
It can be. A cat, especially a male, straining with little or no urine needs a vet the same day.
Why does my neutered cat spray?
Neutered cats can still spray, usually because of stress or other cats. Neutering does greatly reduce it.
Do cats pee outside the box out of spite?
No. It’s a sign of a medical problem, stress, or a tray your cat doesn’t like.
What we’d look at next
Cat Spray Stop
A guide for owners whose cat is spraying or toileting outside the tray, according to the vendor. Use it after your vet has ruled out medical causes.
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Get the free PDF
A short PDF: seven short, reward-based training sessions to build focus, a reliable sit, settling on a mat and loose-lead basics, plus a cat litter-tray checklist.