The Truth:

This is SO untrue! Every year, thousands of cats are given away, abandoned at shelters, or put to sleep because they urinated “inappropriately.”

People. When a cat goes to the bathroom outside the litter box, there is a reason. They are telling you something. It is your job to find out what.

Many cats who previously used the litter box will stop because of bladder/kidney/urinary tract infections. When a cat goes outside its box, listen. It may be in pain.

Other causes include diabetes, obesity, diet, dirty litter box (how would YOU like to step in feces inside an Port-a-Potty to go to the bathroom?)

Others may have open cuts or sores on their paws, and the litter hurts. Check their feet. Try a new litter.

Male cats, even neutered cats, may feel the need to spray. These cats are doing what comes naturally to them–they are marking their territory. They are cats–it’s what they do. To punish them for it makes about as much sense as punishing your baby for pooping in his diaper. Effective treatments include the use of products such as Feliway, and medications such as Prozac and Elavil, the latter of which we have found great success with when our male starts spraying in the springtime.

Cats, both male and female, may also spray or urinate when they are stressed. My neutered male sprays ON ME when the other cat, a diabetic, is sick. He’s simply trying to communicate. Granted, it’s gross, but he’s doing what comes naturally to him.

Most improper urination problems CAN be fixed. You simply need to identify the cause. For more information, try these links:

Max’s House

Vetinfo/urinary problems