What to Do When a Cat Pees Outside the Litter Box After a Litter Change

1 Why It Happens and How to Fix It

I. Why a Cat Pees Outside the Litter Box After a Litter Change

It is normal for a cat to eliminate outside the box after you suddenly change the litter. The main reasons include:

1. Cats are extremely sensitive to smell. With new litter, the cat may not recognize it as his own or know whether it is safe to use, so he eliminates around the house.

2. The new litter pellets may be too hard and uncomfortable on the paws, making every trip to the box painful, so he simply goes elsewhere.

3. Strongly scented or dusty litter can put a cat off, because a cat’s sense of smell is keen—odors and dust we barely notice can be overwhelming to him.

Solutions:

1. If the cat starts eliminating outside the box after a litter change, switch back to the original litter. Unless there is a special reason, it is generally not recommended to change a cat’s litter.

2. If you must change litter for a special reason, use some of the new litter to soak up the cat’s urine, then scoop it back into the box so the cat re-learns through scent that the box is where he should go.

That said, inappropriate elimination is not always caused by a litter change—many issues can lead to it.

II. Other Causes of Inappropriate Elimination

1. Heat. An unneutered male cat marks territory with urine to attract females, leading to spraying and accidents around the house; some females do this too. The behavior usually stops after heat ends. If you worry about recurring heat-related accidents, have the cat neutered at a vet after the heat period.

2. Urinary tract disease. Infections such as urethritis and cystitis can affect normal urination and are often accompanied by frequent urination, small amounts, and obvious pain or crying when urinating. Take the cat to a vet to determine whether it is a simple bacterial infection or something like urinary stones.

3. External stress. Cats are sensitive; a new cat in the home, moving or relocating the litter box, being scolded or hit, or strangers visiting can all raise stress and trigger accidents.

Find the cause and adjust accordingly. Recently you can offer favorite foods, comfort, and companionship to give the cat a sense of security.

Cats rarely eliminate outside the box for no reason, so stay calm and patiently find the cause to solve the problem. If you notice a health issue, take the cat to a vet or consult an online veterinarian promptly.