The peace and tranquility of your home can be shattered in an instant by the unmistakable smell of urine and feces. Especially when it’s coming from your beloved cat, who you thought was properly trained. Finding your cat’s mess on the floor can be frustrating, especially if it happens repeatedly. The question then becomes, “Why is my cat suddenly pooping and peeing on the floor?”
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There are a number of reasons why a cat might start exhibiting this behavior. The most common reasons are medical issues, stress, and improper litter box maintenance. It’s important to understand the reasons behind this behavior so you can properly address it and keep your home clean.
Medical Reasons for Inappropriate Elimination
Medical Issues
The most important thing to remember is that a cat peeing and pooping outside of the litter box is often a sign of an underlying medical condition. When a cat’s normal elimination habits change, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
There are a number of medical reasons why a cat might start peeing and pooping on the floor. These can include:
- Urinary tract infections are common in cats, especially older cats. UTI symptoms include increased urination frequency, straining, blood in the urine, and accidents.
- Kidney disease can cause a cat to urinate more frequently and in larger amounts. Cats with kidney disease may also have difficulty controlling their bladder, leading to accidents.
- Diabetes can also cause a cat to urinate more frequently and in larger amounts. In addition, diabetic cats may have difficulty controlling their bowels, leading to diarrhea or constipation.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a common condition that affects the bladder and urethra. FLUTD can cause a cat to urinate more frequently, have difficulty urinating, or experience pain while urinating.
- Constipation can cause a cat to have difficulty defecating, which can lead to accidents.
- Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract. Inflammatory bowel disease can cause a cat to have diarrhea, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain. They may have difficulty controlling their bowels.
- Parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms can cause a cat to have diarrhea and constipation.
If you notice any changes in your cat’s elimination habits, it is important to take them to the vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your cat’s quality of life.
Behavioral Reasons for Inappropriate Elimination
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Stress
Cats are very sensitive to their environment and can become stressed easily. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a new pet, changes in the household routine, a move, or even a new piece of furniture. If a cat is stressed, they may start exhibiting various signs of anxiety, including inappropriate urination and defecation.
Here are some common sources of stress for cats:
- New pets: Adding a new pet to the household can be stressful for a cat, especially if they are not used to other animals.
- Changes in the household routine: If your usual daily schedule changes, your cat may become stressed. For example, if you start working from home and are around all day, or if you go on vacation, your cat may experience stress as their routine is disrupted.
- A move: Moving to a new house or apartment can be stressful for a cat, even if it is a positive change for the family.
- New furniture: A new couch or bed in your home may mean a loss of a favorite resting spot for your cat. Or, the scent of a new piece of furniture can be overwhelming to a cat.
- Visitors: Your cat may be stressed by people visiting your home. This is particularly true if the visitors are unfamiliar with your cat or if they interact with them in ways that are unpleasant.
- Loud noises: Cats are sensitive to noise, and loud noises like construction, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner can make them anxious. This anxiety can lead to inappropriate elimination.
Litter Boxes
Another reason why a cat might start peeing and pooping on the floor is due to issues with the litter box itself. Cats are very picky about their litter boxes, so if something about the box is not to their liking, they may start using the floor instead.
Here are some reasons why a cat might dislike their litter box:
- The location: The litter box should be in a quiet, private area where the cat feels safe and comfortable. If the litter box is in a high-traffic area or near a noisy appliance, the cat may be hesitant to use it.
- The type of litter: If you’ve recently changed the type of litter, your cat may not like it. Experiment with different types of litter to find one that your cat prefers.
- The litter box’s cleanliness: Cats are clean animals and will avoid using a dirty litter box. You should scoop the box at least once a day, and wash it completely with soap and water once a week.
- The size and type of litter box: Some cats prefer covered litter boxes, while others prefer open ones. Make sure that the litter box itself is large enough for your cat so they have space to move around.
- The number of litter boxes: The general rule is to have one litter box per cat, plus one. So, if you have two cats, you should ideally have three litter boxes in your home.
Tips for Preventing Inappropriate Elimination
If your cat is starting to urinate or defecate outside of their litter box, there are several things you can do to help them get back on track.
Here are some tips:
- Rule out medical issues. The first step is to take your cat to the vet for a check-up. This is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the problem.
- Identify possible stressors in your cat’s environment. Are there any recent changes in your household routine, new pets, or new furniture? Try adjusting anything in your routine that may have caused anxieties.
- Create a safe space for your cat. Provide your cat with a quiet and comfortable place where they can relax and feel safe. This could be a cat tree, a bed, or even a small room with a litter box and food and water bowls.
- Consider using pheromone diffusers. These diffusers release synthetic pheromones that are designed to help cats feel calm and relaxed.
- Clean the areas where your cat has had accidents. Use an enzymatic cleaner that is designed to remove the odor of urine and feces. Cats are highly sensitive to scents, and if they smell traces of their own urine or feces, they may be more likely to have another accident in the same spot.
- Offer your cat multiple litter boxes. This gives your cat more options and is especially important if they have more than one cat in the house.
- Try different types of litter. Some cats might be sensitive to certain types of litter or to the smell of the litter. Experiment with different types to find one that your cat prefers.
- Keep the litter box clean. Scooping the litter box at least once a day and washing it thoroughly once a week will help to keep it clean and attractive to your cat.
- Consider a covered litter box. Some cats feel more secure using a covered litter box.
- Try food puzzles or other enrichment activities. These activities can help cats release their pent-up energy and reduce stress.
With patience and persistence, you can help your cat overcome inappropriate elimination and restore harmony to your home.
FAQs about Cat Elimination Issues
Q: My cat is peeing outside the litter box, right next to it. Why is this happening?
A: It’s possible your cat is simply trying to “tell” you that there is something wrong with the litter box. They may be unhappy with the litter type, cleanliness, or even its location. Start by trying a different type of litter or moving the box to a more private location.
Q: Does my cat know they are doing something wrong or is this purely out of their control?
A: Cats do not have the same understanding of socially acceptable behavior as humans. Much of the time, their behavior is motivated by medical or behavioral reasons that are very difficult for them to control.
Q: How can I find out if my cat is truly stressed?
A: Stressed cats can show a variety of behaviors, such as hiding, overgrooming, anxiety, and changes in appetite. It’s important to notice these symptoms because they may be indicative of a medical or emotional problem.
Q: My vet told me my cat has FLUTD. Does this mean they will always have accidents?
A: No, FLUTD is often manageable with medication, dietary changes, and litter box adjustments. Your veterinarian is your best resource for information regarding this diagnosis.
Q: Why is my cat pooping in the bathtub? Is there anything wrong with them?
A: Cats can be quite unpredictable. It’s possible your cat is drawn to the texture or scent of the bathtub. They may also be seeking a more private and secure place to relieve themselves. If they repeatedly poop in the bathtub, it’s still important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
Cat Keeps Peeing And Pooping On Floor
Conclusion
When your cat suddenly starts peeing and pooping on the floor, it can be frustrating. Remember, this behavior is most often linked to medical or behavioral issues. Be patient with your cat, provide them with a safe and stress-free environment, and rule out any medical conditions with a trip to the veterinarian. If you think your cat’s stress is playing a role, consider how you can make their home environment more enjoyable.
Are you interested in learning more about how to prevent your cat from peeing and pooping on the floor? Share your thoughts in the comments!
