Why is my cat peeing everywhere?

Updated 22/04/2024

It can be a little embarrassing when our furry felines decide to do their business where they shouldn’t. Little wet pee patches can be a pain to get rid of, and finding out the answer to “Why is my cat peeing everywhere?” is a far better solution than scrubbing away at stains once a week. That’s why we’re discussing the reasons why your cat, who was once trained to use the litter box, appears to have reverted to using the floor, and giving you some tips to prevent the problem from the outset.

Why is my cat peeing everywhere?

There are three potential reasons why your furry feline has decided to make your home their litter box. 

• An underlying medical condition 
• Problems with the litter box itself 
• Stress and anxiety

An underlying medical condition

If your cat is peeing everywhere, it may be a sign they’re feeling under the weather. There are a number of medical issues that can cause kitty cats to pee around the home.

Idiopathic cystitis

Cystitis caused by an unknown stressor is extremely common in cats. It causes inflammation around the bladder which means when they need to go, they need to go! Your vet will test your kitty’s urine in order to make a diagnosis, and will likely advise a change of diet and a change to the environment for your furry friend. 

Urinary tract infections

More common in older cats, bacteria in the urine can cause the urinary tract to become inflamed and infected. Again, your cat’s urine will need to be analyzed to diagnose a urinary tract infection. Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics if they find this to be the cause.

Bladder stones

Your kitty may need an x-ray or ultrasound to determine whether they have bladder stones, and if this is the case, the vet may prescribe a special diet to help dissolve smaller stones or they may recommend surgical removal for larger ones. Your feline friend may also develop a UTI as a result of their bladder stones, in which case they’ll be prescribed a course of antibiotics.

Another possible explanation for your furry feline’s questionable bathroom habits is an increase in thirst. Certain medical conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid problems can make your kitty extra thirsty, meaning that they need to pee more often. This can lead to situations where they either cannot reach their litter box in time, or the litter box gets dirty more quickly, meaning they’re less likely to use it. 

Other issues causing pain, discomfort, or difficulty moving around may also lead to your cat peeing on everything. If you’re worried your furry feline might be suffering from a medical condition, it’s important to take them to the vet for a physical examination straight away. Once the medical condition is diagnosed and treatment is given, cats peeing outside the litter box should be a thing of the past.

Problems with the litter box 

This is a common reason for kitties to find another place to pee, but the good news is, it’s super easy to correct. There are a number of reasons why your furry friend might be turning their nose up at their litter box.

It’s dirty

Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, so if their litter box is a bit stinky to you, it’s far too smelly for them. Dirty litter should be removed daily, and the whole litter tray should be cleaned and refilled at least once a week. You may need to clean even more often for some kitties, but trust us, this is much easier than trying to get cat urine out of a carpet! Remember to use pet-safe products when cleaning out the litter box and be sure to get rid of any odors before refilling it.

It’s the wrong style

Some cats prefer uncovered litter boxes - these are easily accessible and mean they can watch out for predators while they’re taking care of their business. Other cats prefer covered boxes where they can do their business in private. Also, make sure the litter box is large enough that your kitty cat has enough space to dig, turn around, and get comfy. 

Location, location, location

Kitties prefer to go potty in a quiet area away from their feeding station and far from the hustle and bustle of the household. Make sure your furry feline can actually reach their litter box - especially if they’re growing older. Finally, if you’ve recently moved their litter box and you’re wondering “Why is my cat peeing everywhere all of a sudden?”, there’s a chance your furry feline’s struggling to find it!

They don’t like the type of litter

Cats typically turn their noses up at scented litter, and they may even dislike the feel of the litter you’ve chosen on their precious paws. They also prefer to have at least two inches of the stuff for digging and burying you know what.

They have negative associations

Your furry feline may recall a negative experience they had in their litter box - perhaps they were in pain or they got spooked. 

There aren’t enough to go round

A single cat ideally needs at least two litter trays in different locations. Multi-cat households should provide at least one litter box for each kitty, plus one extra in case they prefer to pee in one and poop in the other. You wouldn’t want to share with your furry siblings either, would you?! 

Stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be caused by a number of changes in your furry friend’s environment.

• Moving house
• New members of the household such as children and pets
• New smells
• A change of routine
• Home renovations
• Visitors 

If these stressors are making your furry feline feel out of sorts, they may get nervous when using their litter box and decide to go someplace else. Providing them with a safe space to retreat to when things are a bit up in the air can help calm their anxiety. Talk to your cat’s vet about other ways in which you can help to minimize stress.

Underlying health issues, problems with the litter box, and stress and anxiety can all cause kitties to take their business elsewhere. If you do find your furry feline peeing where they shouldn’t, be sure to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.