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Oh, the joys of cat ownership! Fluffy cuddles, adorable purrs, and… surprise puddles outside the litterbox? We’ve all been there! Dealing with a feline who prefers your favorite rug over the litter box can be a daunting task. But fear not, fellow cat parents! We’ve got your back with a purr-fect plan to stop your mischievous little friend from turning your home into a minefield. We will show you how to stop your cat from peeing outside the litter box rather the cat pees on the floor, pees on clothes, or anything else.

Before we dive into our proven strategies, remember that any sudden change in your cat’s litter box habits could indicate a life threatening medical issue, so consult your vet first. And for all the fur-parents of male cats, let’s get them fixed first to avoid spraying surprises! Many people will use this Pretty Litter immediately because it changes color to help pet parents monitor their feline friend’s health and could indicate a health problem.

Here are some strategies we have had success with here at our sanctuary and by talking to hundreds of veterinarians and cat owners. Read to the end for the bunus where we will give you several ways to get rid of the cat pee smell from you floor, clothes, furniture, your bed, and everywhere else. There’s also a much more in depth video and links to all the tools you need.

Let’s get to it!

1. The Purrr-fect Litter – Start by providing the ideal litter for your picky feline. Cats can be particular about textures, so experiment with different types like clumping, non-clumping, or natural alternatives like walnut shells, pine pellets, or recycled paper. We like Dr Esley’s and Dr. Esley’s w/attractant. Some cats may prefer softer textures, while others like the coarser feel. Try a few like the Pine Pellets, Natural wood clumping litter, or Crystal smart litter and see what your cats prefer. Sometimes simply adding something to the litter like shredded grass, dry leafs, catnip, dirt, or even mixing a few together is the missing link. Or try adding the Dr Esley’s cat attractant litter additive. Observe which type your cat prefers and stick with it.

2. Location, Location, Location – Is the litter box tucked away in a remote corner of your home? Cats prefer privacy, but not isolation. Place it in a quiet, accessible area, far from noisy appliances or high-traffic zones. Avoid placing the litterbox near your cat’s food and water bowls, as they prefer separate spaces for eating and bathroom activities. Also be sure the box in a place where cats can’t be ambushed as they do not like going places they cannot easily escape from. Don’t be afraid to use puppy pads where needed.

3. Cleanliness is Key – Who likes using a dirty bathroom? Cats surely don’t! Regularly scoop the litter daily to remove waste and clumps. Doing a full clean-out at least once a week is also essential. Cats are clean animals, and they’ll appreciate a tidy litter box. Be sure to scoop often and/or get some help if you’re overwhelmed. Clean the area they have peed with this pet safe cleaner as cats do no’t like the smell of this stuff. You can also try this cat away spray that many have used. Many have had success with this 2 sided cat training tape or tin foil as well.

4. Multicat Households – If you have multiple cats, ensure you have a litter box for each feline, and maybe even an extra one for good measure. Cats can be territorial, and some may not want to share their bathroom space and they might block other from using “their” box. Pick up a cheap extra litter box or 2 just to be sure you have enough.

5. Cat Comfort – Ensure the litter box sides are low, so cats can hop in easily and feel safe. Remember, kittens are still learning, so be patient with accidents and guide them gently to the litter box when needed. Older cats sometimes can’t get up over the tall walls so try lower for them as well. Try a lower walled litter box option.

6. The Right Box Size- Choose a litter box that matches your cat’s size. Larger cats may feel cramped in smaller boxes, leading to accidents outside the box. Get them a big box with lots of room. Also, consider using a litter box with lower sides for senior cats or cats with mobility issues, as it’s easier for them to access. If you don’t have a place, check out the Terra Cotta style, The side table style, or a bigger bench style. Or go full automatic robot.

7. Stress Management – Cats can get stressed easily, and stress may lead to litter box aversion. Create a calm environment by providing hiding spots and vertical spaces like cat trees. Comfy waterproof cat beds and plenty of room for each cat to have it’s own space. If there are changes in your home, such as moving or introducing a new pet, give your cat extra attention and love to help them adjust. You can also use CBD oil and other natural calming tools.

8. A Touch of Praise – Reward your furry friend with treats and affection every time they use the litterbox correctly. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging desired behavior.

9. Marking Territory – If your cat is spraying, neutering or spaying them can reduce territorial behavior. Unneutered male cats are more prone to spraying as a way of marking their territory. A cat without enough space and hiding places will sometimes spray. Jealousy and loneliness can also cause spraying. If you don’t already have a cat tree, they’re a must have.

10. Avoid Punishments – Don’t scold or punish your cat for litter box accidents; it will only make matters worse. Cats don’t understand punishment and may associate negative experiences with the litter box, making them avoid it altogether. If you have to, put them in a large dog kennel or a bathroom to isolate them and work more closely.

11. Deter with Scent – Use scents like citrus or menthol near the accident spots, as cats dislike these smells. Some pet safe cleaners can also deter them from peeing in certain areas. However, be cautious with strong scents, as they may deter your cat from using the litter box as well.

12. Consult a Professional – If all else fails, seek advice from a feline behaviorist or your veterinarian. They can assess your cat’s behavior and provide personalized guidance and solutions.

But wait, there’s more! If you want more strategies and details or if you’re a visual learner, check out the entertaining and helpful YouTube video on “Catlife247” where we share everything in this article but in more detail because it’s too much to write. Our tips and experiences have helped hundreds of people and might just be the key to success for you and your feline friend! Watch here:

With these strategies and resources at your disposal, you’ll be on your way to a home free from litter box mishaps. Remember, patience and love are the keys to success in taming even the most stubborn litterbox rebels. So, let’s paw-sitively tackle this issue and create a harmonious home for both you and your feline companion! Happy litter training!

Want to help us change the world?

Don’t furrget to support Catlife247 while you’re here because we’re making magic happen for homeless cats in 2024.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Stand Beside Us and Become a Member on Patreon: Show your undying support to end the cats suffering once and for all and become a member of the $1, $2, or $5 per month plan and help us establish the initial foundation and fund our property down payment in January 2024. Click here to help us make history. With enough people boosting our efforts, we can combine everything with our savings and purchase a property large enough to upgrade and drastically upscale our operation and become the world’s largest cat rescue and sanctuary.
2. Subscribe, Like, Comment to our Youtube Channel: By subscribing to our Catlive247 YouTube channel and engaging with our videos by liking and commenting, you’re boosting our visibility and reach. Your interactions signal to others that our mission matters and deserves attention. We have informative video like houseplants and human foods that are poison for cats and also funny cat videos to keep you entertained. Visit the channel by clicking here.
3. Shop Amazon: When you make purchases through our Amazon affiliate links we have on our Amazon page and in our YouTube video comments and descriptions for cat toys and other pawsome cat supplies, we ear a small commission. All of the proceeds go towards supporting our mission to build the word’s largest cat sanctuary in 2024. So, whether you’re buying cat supplies or anything else you need, you’re contributing to our cause and helping solve the homeless cat problem. Click here to shop our Amazon link store.
4. Visit our Zazzle Store: Explore our unique and hilarious cat-themed shirts and gifts on our Zazzle store by clicking here. Your purchases not only make a statement but also directly contribute to funding our initiatives. We have women’s and women’s plus sizes shirts, men’s/unisex shirts, kids tees, and some of the most PAWSOME cat themed gifts and home decor a cat lover could dream of. We also make custom everything so if you dream of seeing your cat on a shirt or something you’ve seen somewhere, we can customize and create one for you.
5. If you shop on Chewy, we have an affiliate partnership with them as well so please use this link when making a purchase and just like with Amazon, the kitties will get a small commission. Bookmark the link or save it so you can help solve the homeless cat problem every time you shop on chewy. https://www.chewy.com/?utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=1100l302709&utm_content=0&clickref=1101lxYiZdv8&utm_term=1101lxYiZdv8
6. Spread the Word about EVERYTHING we’re doing: Share our YouTube videos, our website articles, our Zazzle store, and please share our mission with your friends and family. The more people know about us, the more support we can gather to make a lasting impact on cat rescue and rehabilitation.
7. Engage with us on social media and this Website: Follow us on IG here. Explore our Facebook page here. Check out our entire website for informative articles that can help you become a better cat owner. We know you’re doing great but we can all learn something new. Your likes and engagement not only show your support but also help our mission reach a wider audience. The faster we get the word out, the faster we start solving this homeless cat problem.

Our vision extends beyond rescue – we aim to be a financial resource for cat lovers. With your help, we plan to cover vet bills, preventive care, and emergency treatments. We’re committed to ensuring that no cat’s health is compromised due to financial constraints. Dentals, preventive care, and treatments will be accessible, giving every cat the chance to live a healthy, pain-free life.

If you win the lotto or if you’re currently a generous millionaire and wish to significantly contribute to jumpstart this mission, please feel free to reach out to us directly at leavenonebehind@catlife247.com. Additionally, for those interested in leaving a legacy donation or having a section of the sanctuary named after them or a loved one, we welcome your involvement in shaping the future of our sanctuary.

Join us on this transformative journey. Your support, no matter how big or small, fuels our mission to revolutionize cat rescue and welfare. Together, we can create a world where no cat is left behind and where their well-being and happiness are at the forefront. Thank you for being a part of CatLife247’s extraordinary mission. You’re now part of something magical…something powerful…The Solution 🙂