Sometimes, cats may suddenly pee and poop everywhere except the litter box. This may happen for a few reasons, such as the litter box’s location or type having changed, the cat not liking it, or because of an undiagnosed medical condition. For a cat parent, this can be frustrating. Thus, understanding why the cat refuses to use the litter box and reintroduce it begins. Here are a few tips that can help.

Figure out any health issues
Inappropriate defecating – especially peeing in unusual areas may indicate a health issue. In such cases, if the cat’s urine appears dark, bloody, and in pain while passing it, it could be a urinary tract infection, blockage, or cystitis. If the cat defecates more, it can be a sign of kidney, diabetes, or thyroid problems. When this happens, one must immediately consult a vet. They will diagnose the problem, rule these issues out, and recommend treatments. The vet may run urine or blood tests to ensure the cat is disease-free. Once the cat has recovered, they may use the litter box like before.

Clean up the spots to break the cycle
Sometimes, cats may start peeing in new spots just out of curiosity. However, their instincts then take over, and they become constantly attracted to that spot due to their scent. This could lead to them peeing in that same spot for a couple of days, which could turn into weeks since cats are creatures of habit. In such situations, they may have developed a bad habit of peeing outside their litter box.
It’s best to prevent the habit of a cat peeing outside of their litter box from developing in the early stages. If a cat pees outside their litter box, whether accidentally or intentionally, the area should be cleaned immediately with an enzymatic cleaner and cleaned every day for at least three days. Additionally, restricting the cat’s access to the spot for a couple of weeks, along with thorough cleaning, can also help prevent the behavior from continuing.

Address any stressors or behavioral issues
A cat’s litter box habits often reflect its emotional state. So, if there is something stressful or upsetting for the cat, it may stop using the litter box. Some everyday stressors include new pets or babies in the house, neighborhood cats’ presence, family routine changes, or construction work inside the cat’s comfort spots. Some of these stressors, such as neighborhood cats, are difficult to manage.
A pet owner can manage stress factors other than the litter box for their cat. For instance, they can provide enough space for the cat to feel safe, hide during construction or repair work, and introduce new pets or babies to the cat gradually. By making the cat feel more secure, it becomes easier to introduce them to the litter box.

Make the cat’s litter box more appealing
Sometimes, cats simply hate their litter box and refuse to use it. They may dislike it for various reasons, including the box’s size and shape. An unclean litter box may also prevent a cat from using it. In such situations, a cat parent may want to make the litter box more appealing to the cat so that they start using it again. This can be done by making the litter box easily accessible and using litter the cat finds easy to handle.
Besides this, clear out and clean the litter box regularly. Deep cleaning the box at least once a week and scooping out the litter goes a long way in helping a cat stick to their litter box routine.

Reinforce encouragement to use the litter box
Cats enjoy receiving rewards and positive reinforcement when they behave well. For cat owners who are retraining their cats, it’s crucial to keep this in mind so that they don’t mistakenly punish their pets for not using the litter box. Instead, they should gently pick up their cat and place them in the clean litter box whenever they notice their cat peeing or pooping outside of the box. Sometimes, cats signal that they need to pee; when this happens, pet parents can show them where the litter box is. When their cat successfully uses the litter box, it’s essential to reward them with their favorite treats and some affectionate cuddles.