Inappropriate elimination is the most common behavioral problem in cats. Urinating outside the litter box maybe due to a variety causes. Often, particularly in neutered male cats, the problem is medical. Feline urologic syndrome (FUS) or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) accounts for many cases of inappropriate urination. Before attributing inappropriate urination to a behavioral problem, a cat should be examined by a veterinarian.

A dirty litter box can cause a cat to urinate in an inappropriate location. Often, this location is just beside the litter box. Some cats require their litter box to be exceptionally clean. These cats must have fresh litter each day. Other cats appear to be less concerned about the cleanliness of the litter. For these cats, replacing the litter once or twice a week is generally sufficient.

Often, elimination problems occur in multi-cat households. In their natural habitat, cats are solitary animals. In nature, there is generally little interaction between adult cats. In a multi-cat household, one cat may not want to urinate in a litter that is used by other cats. Territorial problems and conflicts may prevent some cats from using a community litter box. Cats often attack housemates by waiting at the litter box. A cat that is harassed at the litter box often avoids using the box in the future.

One litter box for each cat in the household is recommended. The litter boxes should be placed in quiet areas throughout the house. Insufficient quantity of litter in a box, the overuse of scented litter, and litter boxes that are not frequently cleaned are some of the major causes for inappropriate urination.

Cats are creatures of habit. Often, if their routine is disturbed, they urinate in inappropriate locations. Changing the location of food, water, and bed can cause urine marking. Changing the location of familiar objects should be done gradually in order to avoid anxiety attacks. When changing the location of the litter box, it should be done gradually. Each day, the box should be moved only a few inches. If the box is moved too quickly, the cat may urinate in the original location.

Certain cats will not tolerate scented litters. Plain clay litter should be used in litter boxes for these cats.

A sexually intact tom or female that has begun to spray should be neutered immediately. Spraying is urine marking in the standing position. Cats that have been spraying for only a short period of time are more likely to return to normal than cats that have been spraying for a long period of time. The sooner these animals are neutered, the less likely they are to continue spraying urine.