Litter Box Woes? What to Do If Your Cat Pees Over the Edge
Cat peeing over the edge of their litter box? Let's get them comfortable and back on track.
When a cat misses its litter box and urinates over the side, it leaves more than just a puddle for you to clean up. It can smell foul and damage your floors, carpets, and furniture, especially if it happens regularly. So, what's going on here? This problem can arise due to health issues, an aversion to the litter box, or behavioral issues. Many cat owners face this problem, but you can solve it with these tips and some patience and understanding. Let's discuss five reasons your cat pees over the edge of its litter box and what you can do about it.
1. Litter Box Cleanliness and Odor
The most important factor to consider first is this: how clean is the litter box? We must remember that cats are well-groomed animals and prefer a spotlessly fresh, odor-free space to go to the bathroom. Meticulous grooming is primarily why cat fur smells so good!
If you don't scoop out and dispose of the litter regularly, or if the litter isn't changed frequently enough, your cat may find it unappealing and try to avoid stepping on it. They may also try to find a clean corner to urinate in, which could result in peeing over the edge.
And really, who can blame them? Most of us can relate to visiting a public restroom that could have been more pleasant and sitting on as little of the toilet seat as possible.
How to Clean the Litter Box and Keep It Odor-Free
Ideally, you should scoop out the clumped waste at least once daily and change the entire contents every week or two, depending on how many cats you have and what type of litter you use. Here are some tips on how to do this right:
- Use a metal or plastic scoop to remove the clumps and solid waste. Some prefer using a sifting scoop or a self-cleaning litter box to make this task easier. Be sure to dispose of the waste in a sealed bag or bin and wash your hands afterward.
- When changing the litter completely, dump the old stuff into a trash bag or bin, wipe the inside of the box with paper towels or disposable cloth, then wash with mild soap and water.
- A mild disinfectant or baking soda removes any stains or odors but helps rinse and dry it thoroughly before refilling. You could also apply some vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize any smell, but please avoid using harsh chemicals or strong scents that might irritate your cat's nose or lungs.
- Fill with fresh litter, about 2 to 3 inches deep. Sprinkling some baking soda or activated charcoal on the bottom of the litter box helps to absorb odors. Be careful not to overfill; your cat might kick out some litter or pee over the side.
- Place in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Using a fan or placing it beside an open window can improve air circulation and reduce odors. I suggest using a litter box cover or a mat to contain the contents and prevent tracking.
Cats are meticulous about cleanliness and hygiene. Prevent litter box problems by cleaning and sanitizing it regularly.
2. Litter Box Size and Shape
Next up is size. Cats need enough space to turn around, dig, and cover their waste comfortably. A litter box that is too tiny or cramped can force a cat to pee over the edge of it.
Imagine if you had to use a tiny bathroom that barely fit your body. You would likely feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic, right? Well, your cat feels the same way. When I bought my cat's first litter box, I didn't take this into account. I assumed she would simply climb in and squat in the middle—a lesson learned.
How to Choose a Correctly Sized Litter Box
First, consider your cat's weight and height. The general recommendation is that a litter box should measure at least 1.5 times your cat's length.
A larger litter box can give your cat more room to maneuver and use their bathroom comfortably. To better accommodate their size, you could use a storage bin or a plastic tub as an alternative, as long as you cut an entrance hole large enough and low enough to enter and exit quickly.
3. Litter Type and Preference
We all know cats can be fussy. This personality trait extends to having particular preferences regarding litter texture, scent, and clumping ability. If the product is too rough, sticky, scented, or dusty, it can make your cat reject it or pee outside the box instead.
- Some like fine-grained clumping litter that feels soft on their paws and forms solid clumps that are easy to remove.
- Others like coarse-grained, non-clumping litter that doesn't stick to their fur or paws.
- Some are sensitive to scented or dusty litter that can irritate their nose or lungs.
Finding a New Litter Product That Works
Imagine if you had to use toilet paper that wasn't soft enough on your body. You'd probably hate it and go out and buy a new brand tomorrow. Since your cat can't shop for what they like, it's up to us as cat owners to recognize this and help them.
So, consider changing the litter type to one that your cat finds luxurious. Try different types, such as clumping or non-clumping, fine-grained or coarse-grained, scented or unscented, until you find one they love and use consistently.
Boxiecat formula is an excellent product to try. It's like offering your cat pampering toilet tissue that's fine and soft on their sensitive paws, creating an optimum, pleasant, stress-free litter box experience. Veterinarians recommend this product highly because of its fantastic odor control.
It's worth investing a couple of extra dollars for our pets' well-being and peace of mind. Besides avoiding the hassle of cleaning up their mess from peeing over the edge of the box, you can protect your floor or carpet from further damage. And ultimately, you save more because Boxiecat lasts twice as long and outperforms most other brands.
Top Tip!
Gradually introduce the new litter by mixing it with the old one in increasing proportions until you switch entirely. Doing this can help your cat adjust to the new product without rejecting it.
Cats adore comfort and luxury! Why not make their litter box more comfortable, too?
4. Litter Box Location and Privacy
Consider where the litter box is located, too. Cats need a quiet, private, and accessible place to do their business, where they feel safe and comfortable.
- If the box is in a noisy, busy, or inconvenient area of your home, a cat may feel stressed or disturbed while using it.
- They may also feel trapped or threatened if there is no escape route from excited kids or other household pets.
Think about how you would feel if you used a bathroom with no door, people, or noises constantly surrounding it. You would probably feel anxious and exposed, wouldn't you? Perhaps your cat feels this way, too.
The result? Peeing quickly and carelessly, over the edge.
What About Privacy Concerns?
Individual cats need enough litter boxes to avoid competition or conflict with other cats in your home. When we don't have space to do our business privately, we might feel intimidated or rush to get in and out of the restroom quickly.
It's the same for cats: insufficient litter boxes may be a good reason to avoid using them altogether. Who likes sharing their bathroom, really?
What to Do
Try relocating the box somewhere that better suits your cat. Choose a quiet, private, accessible spot away from loud noises, high-traffic areas, or potential threats.
If you have more than one cat or a large home, you must provide multiple litter boxes and spread them out in different rooms or floors. Doing this can give your pet more options and reduce competition or conflict over the litter boxes.
5. Health Problems That Affect Urination
Lastly, cats sometimes pee in the wrong place because they feel very stressed or anxious about other things going on, like pain or illness. They may have a health problem that affects body chemistry or urination, such as:
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- bladder stones
- cystitis
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- arthritis
These conditions explain why a cat would need to pee more often, more urgently, or in a different posture. Health issues such as these also trigger significant discomfort when using the box, so they avoid using it properly.
What to Do
How can we tell if health problems are to blame? Watch out for signs like:
- blood in the urine
- difficulty urinating
- frequent licking of the genital area
- crying while urinating
- hiding due to anxiety
If you notice any of these symptoms, please take your cat to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and proper care.
Final Thoughts
This article has helped you understand why your cat might be peeing over the edge of the litter box and how to solve this common problem. I know how frustrating it can be when cats act this way, but these tips can help you find a solution.
Remember that their behavior isn't deliberately to annoy you or ruin your carpet. Your cat is trying to tell you something, whether it is a health, a litter box, or a behavioral concern. By listening to your pet and addressing their needs, you can help them feel more comfortable, overcome this issue, and enjoy a clean and happy home.
Sources and Further Reading
- Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? | Oklahoma City Vet
Our Oklahoma City vets discuss what you should do if your cat is routinely peeing outside the litter box. - Cat Behavior Problems - House Soiling | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
Learn about cat behavior problems like house soiling. VCA Animal Hospital offers professional guidance to help you ensure the health and happiness of your pet.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2023 Louise Fiolek
