[Melina]

Hi Kathy

Thank you for reaching out.

Could you please confirm whether he started urinating outside the litter tray before you went on vacation, or if this behavior began while you’ve been away? Additionally, is he squatting to pee or spraying in the house? On what types of surfaces is this occurring?

Have there been any changes in your home routine, such as renovations, visitors, family members diagnosed with any health issues or anything else that may have caused the behavior? Even if something seems insignificant to you, it may have triggered his behavior of eliminating outside the tray.

Can you also fill out the Feline Stress Audit https://www.petnurture.com.au/feline-stress-audit/? This will help me gain a better understanding of what has been happening in his environment.

I look forward to your feedback before making any recommendations.

All the best

Melina

petnurture.com.au

Feline Stress Audit - Pet Nurture

Is your cat stressed? Detecting stress in cats can be tricky. Contact Pet Nurture for the Feline Stress Audit.

[Kathy]

Thank you for replying. Our vet asked us the same questions. Before he was 2 1/2 (Correction: Previously stated 1 1/2 yrs) we went on several vacations, my son took care of them, and there never was a problem. A while later, we noticed a stray cat outside in our backyard and that’s what, we thought, triggered the “once in a great while outside the box” peeing problem. Thus all the tests, etc. since then (1 1/2 yr later) it has increased from “once in a great while” to “regular surprise” peeing. He “squats” and pees outside the box just like he does in the boxes. He even tries to cover it up. He does not “spray” against the walls, etc. They’ve always loved cardboard so we’ve always had <font face=”inherit”>corrugated toys, scratching boxes, boxes, etc. for them. Recently he started peeing on them so I had to throw all of them out. We </font>are<font face=”inherit”> also more careful about where any paper (mail, napkins, etc.) lands for any period of time. Paper/bills on desk, dresser, tables, nite stands, end tables, counters, etc. are subject to his marking. As far as what type of surface he likes to pee on… wood laminate floors, area rugs and ceramic tile, cloth crouches & chairs, makes no difference he likes them all. I started to think it may be his sister triggering him (they have been together since birth). They’re together a lot (sleep, play, eat, etc). They fight once in a while but then the next minute they’re sleeping together. We just got back from a 2 week vacation…he’s still peeing. He found more places to pee and I realize that was maybe more stress on his part since we didn’t come home at night. Any suggestions would be appreciated. </font>

[Melina]

Hi Kathy

Thank you for providing the additional information.

In a spiritual context, cats serve as guardians of the home’s energy and are highly sensitive to emotional shifts, tension, and unseen threats. When a cat urinates outside the litter box due to a perceived threat—such as a stray cat outside—they are attempting to “mark” their territory to regain a sense of safety. Disruptions in the home, like moving furniture, frequent arguments, or changes in routine, being away from home can make a cat feel unsettled, leading them to urinate on various surfaces as a self-soothing behavior.

To address this issue, I recommend blocking visibility to the outdoors with an opaque film, establishing a consistent routine, and creating a calm home environment. It may also help to avoid travel for a while to see if this improves the situation. Additionally, if the cat shows signs of separation anxiety while you’re on vacation, having someone your cat feels comfortable with, like your son, may help alleviate stress.

Designate a quiet area where your cat can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This enclosed space should provide a sense of security. To enhance their privacy, consider adding hiding spots such as cat caves, baskets, and tunnels. You can also drape a blanket over furniture to create a den-like space, ensuring they have safe access to hide under couches and beds.

Moreover, consider introducing fresh and dried herbs through a practice called Zoopharmacognosy. Cats naturally respond to the aromas of fresh and dried herbs, which can have various physical, emotional, and mental benefits. To promote calmness and ease anxiety, take a medium-sized towel or blanket and place dried herbs like valerian root and Rosebuds on it. Observe your cat’s reactions and respect their choices regarding which herbs they are drawn to and their potential medicinal properties. This can be done weekly or monthly to keep your cat calm and stimulated indoors.

Lastly, consider incorporating sound therapy and calming aids to reduce stress. Products like FELIWAY Cystease can support bladder health, while Virbac Anxitane can help with anxiety; please consult your vet before purchasing any supplements.

I hope this brings you some guidance and comfort that things will improve gradually.

All the best

Melina

[devi23devi gh0st]

Thanks for the detailed response, that actually gives me a better idea of what to look at. From what I know, the behavior mainly started while we were away, not before the vacation, and he seems to be squatting rather than spraying.

I’ll also go through the stress audit and send the results back once I’ve completed it. There haven’t been any major renovations or changes at home, but I’ll think carefully about anything that might’ve disrupted his routine.

[Melina]

Most welcome

Melina