My 2 year old (un-neutered (he has an appointment)) male cat has decided the litter box is not his thing and it’s becoming frustrating.
He is currently on meds for a UTI and is confined to my room until the meds are done.
I keep putting him in the litter box the moment he pees outside of it but then he just gets out without going no matter how long I keep him in there.
If anyone can help please do
Brief Answer:
Your current situation involves two distinct and overlapping problems: hormonal spraying due to your cat being un-neutered, and litter box aversion due to a painful Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Your cat associating the litter box with the pain of the UTI is the likely cause of the current “peeing outside” behavior, even while on medication.
The single most important step you can take right now is to stop putting him into the litter box as a corrective measure.
This action is increasing his stress and reinforcing his negative association, teaching him to fear the box rather than use it.
Complete the UTI medication exactly as prescribed by your vet and proceed with his neuter appointment immediately, as neutering is highly effective at eliminating hormonal marking behavior and is a necessary cost-effective step.
While he is confined, you must place at least two large, easily accessible litter boxes in your room, varying the litter type and box style to see if he develops a preference for a more comfortable or neutral-smelling option.
This positive, non-punitive approach is essential for long-term success.
Detailed Answer:
It is critical to recognize that your two year old un-neutered male cat presents with the highest risk factors for spraying and inappropriate urination.
Un-neutered males spray primarily for hormonal and territorial reasons, which neutering can reduce by over 90 percent, making that scheduled appointment a vital, cost-saving step toward a permanent resolution.However, the immediate problem is likely tied to the painful UTI.
When a cat has a UTI, they experience pain and urgency.
They do not understand that the pain comes from the infection; instead, they often form a powerful, negative association between the pain and the location where the pain occurs – the litter box.
This phenomenon is called litter box aversion.By putting him in the litter box right after he eliminates outside of it, you are confirming his fear.
He is learning that the litter box is a place where he is confined, stressed, and perhaps where he felt pain, which is why he immediately jumps out.
This is a form of punishment that will only increase his anxiety and entrench the litter box aversion, potentially leading to a chronic, costly behavioral issue.
You must cease this practice entirely.
Scolding, staring, or confining him to the box will not teach him to use it; it will only teach him to eliminate when you are not watching.For the remainder of his confinement period, implement a strategy focused on making the litter box the most appealing place to go.
Since he is confined to one room, you need to employ the N+1 rule, even if N=1.
Place two (or even three) large, uncovered litter boxes in low-traffic areas of your room, far from his food and water.
Use different substrates in each box – for instance, one with his current litter and another with a completely different, unscented, fine-grained clumping clay litter.
Since he is post-UTI, an unscented litter is crucial as strong smells can irritate his healing urinary tract or simply deter him.
The litter box should also be cleaned immediately every time he uses it.Once the UTI treatment is complete and the neuter appointment is finalized, you can then begin a formal behavioral modification program.
Resources like Cat Spray Stop by Susan Westinghouse can help you structure the return to normal territory after the neutering and recovery period, using positive reinforcement and environmental enrichment to prevent this stressful incident from leading to a permanent behavioral issue, saving you significant emotional and financial stress.
The initial focus must be on comfort, non-punishment, and making his elimination experience painless and stress-free.
About The Author
