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Speak to your veterinarian first

Urinating outside the litter box can be a sign of a medical problem, and some urinary conditions are emergencies — particularly in male cats who are straining without producing urine. Contact your veterinarian before treating this as a behavioral issue.

Once medical causes have been ruled out

  • Box count: one per cat plus one spare, in different parts of the home
  • Box size: large enough for the cat to turn around comfortably
  • Cleanliness: scooped daily, fully changed regularly
  • Litter type: many cats prefer a fine, unscented substrate
  • Location: quiet, easy to reach, never beside food or a noisy appliance
  • Household stress: new pets, new people, building work or changed routines

Change one thing at a time

If you change litter, location and box style at once you will never know what worked. Give each change a week before judging it.

Cleaning matters more than you think

Ordinary household cleaners leave scent markers that invite a repeat visit. An enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine is the practical choice.

Sources and references

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  • Add a feline medicine reference here (placeholder)

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