Usually, cats can learn to use their litter box without much practice. However, sometimes the Pus pee outside the litter box. These habits or problems can be caused by stress, litter box location, litter type, or certain medical conditions. By knowing the cause of the problem and taking appropriate steps, you can overcome the problem of open defecation in Pus.
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Part 1 of 4: Controlling the Cause of the Problem
Step 1. Distinguish between spot marking with urine and urinary problems
Sometimes cats spit urine in certain areas of the house to mark their territory. This habit is known as urine marking. This problem or habit is different from a urination disorder, and if your Pus is marking a specific spot in the house with her urine, it may need to be treated in a different way.
- Cats tend to spit out their urine as a marker on vertical surfaces. Urinary disorders can be detected through the amount of urine that collects in various places in the house. Meanwhile, urine "markers" are usually visible on vertical surfaces such as walls, shelves, and sofas.
- Cats don't excrete a lot of urine to mark their territory. The main purpose of this custom is to leave a smell to mark territory. When your Pus spit out its urine, the amount will be much less than the urine you expel from the litter box.
- Marker urine contains certain chemicals that are used to communicate with other cats. These chemicals make the urine smell pungent.
Step 2. Consider a number of factors
Cats are sensitive animals and can defecate (outside their litter box) for a number of reasons. Consider the recent changes in your home when you want to find out what's causing your Pussy's open defecation problems.
- Do you clean the litter box every day? If you haven't cleaned it for a few days, there's a good chance your Pus would prefer to go somewhere else. Cats are neat animals and don't like to use dirty litter boxes.
- How many cats do you keep? If you have more than one cat and only provide one litter box, your cats may fight and fight over the litter box.
- Can the Pus ever have access to her litter box? Is the box provided too small? Size and location play an important role in the use of the litter box and if your cat is having trouble reaching or getting into the box, there is a good chance he will urinate elsewhere.
- Have there been any recent changes at home? Pus can pee outside the litter box due to stress. If you recently moved house or introduced a new pet or roommate, it could trigger a habit or pattern of open defecation.
Step 3. Observe the Pussy's behavior near the litter box
By observing their behavior, you can find clues to problems or open defecation habits. Try to keep an eye on the area around the box and see if you notice any unusual behavior.
- How old is your cat? Older cats may have trouble getting in and out of the litter box, especially if you're using a closed box with a door. If you notice that your (older) Pus has difficulty getting in and out of the box, this problem could be the cause of your habit of urinating indiscriminately.
- Your cat may be avoiding its litter box because of a negative experience. If your Pus has ever been frightened or intimidated by a box, she may want to get into the box and leave it quickly, or approach the box but refuse to enter it.
- Painful urination can be another cause of out-of-the-box urination. Pus may be afraid of her litter box because she associates it with the pain she is experiencing. If your Pus finds it difficult or cries while urinating, there's a good chance she's in pain. You should contact your veterinarian to discuss this matter.
Part 2 of 4: Replacing the Litter Box
Step 1. Try another box
Sometimes, changing the box can already solve the problem. If the box is too small or difficult to enter, the Pus will probably pee outside the box.
- Some cats don't like closed litter boxes because of their small, dark interior. If you use a box like this, try replacing it with an open litter box.
- The walls of the box may be too high for the Pussy to walk in or out. If you have a small cat or kitten, try using a litter box with short walls.
- Cats may also urinate outside the box if they feel the layer of litter added to the box is too high. Usually, cats prefer a layer of litter that is under 5 centimeters thick. You can try changing the litter used if changing the litter box doesn't work.
Step 2. Prepare another litter box
If you have more than one cat, the struggle for territory can lead to problems or urinating outside the box. If you have more than one cat at home, it's a good idea to prepare a second litter box.
- Place another box in a different location. In a power struggle, one of the cats may have marked a certain area of the house as his territory.
- If you only keep one cat, but your house has several floors, prepare one box on each floor. The Pussy is probably already peeing out of the box because she can't move from floor to floor quickly.
Step 3. Move the box to another place
Your Pussy may not like certain places in the house. If the litter box is placed in an area he doesn't like, he may choose to poop outside his box to avoid that place.
- If the litter box is kept in a certain place (eg in or on top of the cupboard), your Pus may have trouble reaching the box. Move the box to another easily accessible place.
- If there is a certain place that the pussy is always urinating, move the litter box to that place. That way, you can teach him to poop in a box.
- Place bowls of food, water, and toys in the same area, but not next to the litter box. This way, you can create a cat-friendly area in your home, and your Pus will learn to associate her litter box with her territory. This can increase the comfort in using the litter box.
Step 4. Change the litter type
The wrong type of litter can encourage cats to litter. Experiment with different types of litter to solve the problem of excreting habit.
- Litter with a sandy texture is usually preferred. A product like this puts less pressure on the pussy's feet and is easier to dig.
- Cats sometimes don't like scented litter because some cats are very sensitive to smells. While you may like the product because it reduces the smell of the litter box, the Pus actually feels uncomfortable and ultimately chooses to pee outside the litter box. Regular cleaning of the box can prevent the development of odors. Therefore, choose litter that does not have additional fragrance substances or ingredients.
Part 3 of 4: Managing Pussy Stress
Step 1. Develop a predictable routine
Stress can trigger the habit of littering outside the box. Cats love routine, so by setting a schedule for you and your Pussy, you can reduce the stress level she is dealing with.
- Put the food bowl in the same place and make sure fresh drinking water is always available for him. If you let him eat freely, make sure his food bowl is always full. If you feed him within a certain time frame, try to feed him at the same time/hour every day.
- Changes in diet (eg changing food types) need to be gradual. This can trigger urinary tract problems. To introduce a new type of food, mix it with the old food little by little.
- Try to schedule time each night to play and pet the Pus. While they are less dependent on humans than dogs, cats also want attention and will "act up" if ignored. Having scheduled playtime can reduce stress and urinary tract problems.
Step 2. Purchase a pheromone spray product
Pet supply stores and vet clinics usually sell spray products made from synthetic pheromones to promote calm in cats.
- Products like Feliway are one of the pheromone spray product options recommended by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). You can buy them from the internet, vet clinics, or pet supply stores.
- If this product does not produce the desired results, ask your veterinarian for a product recommendation.
Step 3. Manage conflicts between cats
If your Pus has a problem with another cat, the conflict may encourage her to poop outside her litter box. Immediately deal with existing conflicts quickly and effectively to overcome the problem of defecation.
- Separate your cats during fights. Let them both calm down before you reintroduce them, and introduce the two cats gradually. Also, give each cat a chance to interact through the door before meeting in person. Separate your cats for at least an hour after the fight.
- Cats love to have hiding places. Make sure all the cats in your house have their own hiding place. Free up space on shelves and cabinets for the Pus because cats like high places to “perch.” You can also buy equipment such as a “cat condo”. Sufficient private space can prevent or reduce conflict when you have multiple cats.
- Having several bowls of food and drinking water can prevent or reduce cat fights over food/drinks.
Step 4. Never scold the Pussy
Cats don't respond well to yelling. Being cold to the Pus after she's pooped out of the box can actually add to the stress she is dealing with. Not only is scolding him ineffective, it can also make the situation worse.
- Never rub his urine or feces into his nose. This age-old training tactic can actually alienate the Pus from its owner and trigger tension in the home. If you find cat urine or litter, simply clean it up. However, don't use ammonia-based cleaning products. Urine contains ammonia and the use of ammonia-based products can actually encourage the Pus to urinate in the same place again.
- Don't carry the Pus to her litter box to show her where to go to the bathroom after the “incident” open defecation. He could not relate the box to the incident he did. Cats respond to human contact differently than other pets, and prefer when they are not held or touched very often. Therefore, your actions will only frighten him.
- Never yell at the Pussy. He will be afraid if scolded or spoken to rudely. Don't make the situation worse by scaring him. This will increase the stress he experiences and trigger problems or the habit of urinating outside his litter box. Pus can also respond to your anger by urinating in places you do not know / find at home.
Part 4 of 4: Consulting a Veterinarian
Step 1. Make an appointment with the vet
If your Pus' problems don't improve after you make changes to the house and litter box, contact your vet to find out what medical problems may be behind the problem.
- Doctors can perform regular checkups, take the cat's temperature, listen to its heartbeat, and examine its body for signs of illness. In addition, the doctor will also ask you some questions about the behavior of the Pus. Mention any bowel problems that occur and ask questions about things that could potentially cause these problems.
- The doctor may need to do blood tests, x-rays, or try other tests to determine the cause of the problem, depending on your age and medical history.
- If additional tests need to be performed, you won't be able to determine the cause of the problem until the test results come out. It may take a few hours or a few days for the test results to come out. You may also need to revisit the vet if necessary, depending on the results.
Step 2. Understand the things that have the potential to trigger problems
There are various medical conditions that encourage the Pus to urinate outside the litter box. Some conditions may be mild, while others are quite serious.
- Urinary tract infections can be easily treated with antibiotics. If the pus is urinating frequently and in small amounts, there is a possibility that she has a urinary tract infection.
- Feline interstitial cystitis is a neurological disorder that can affect bladder control. This disorder is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine, defecated / constrained bowel movements, and the habit of licking the body after urinating. This problem is very serious (even fatal) and requires prompt medical attention.
- Kidney problems (eg, kidney stones or blockage) can trigger pain when urinating (or frequent urination). The Pus may groan or meow while urinating. Some kidney disorders are serious, but others can be treated easily. Call your vet if you think your Pus's bowel problems are caused by kidney problems.
Step 3. Ask your veterinarian about treatment
Doctors can prescribe certain medications to treat the problem of open defecation in cats. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of administering medication during your visit to the clinic.
- The treatment options given will depend on the cause of the Pus urinating outside the litter box. Conditions such as urinary tract infections require antibiotics, but if your doctor believes the problem is caused by behavioral factors, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.
- Discuss your cat's medical history with your vet, as well as any allergies your Pus has. The doctor will choose the drugs that are best for your cat and will most effectively treat the problem or health condition.
- Be aware of the possible side effects. Ask your veterinarian about the side effects of the medication, and when you need to start worrying or stop giving your cat the medication.
