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How to Stop a Cat From Urinating on the Floor

| Updated September 26, 2017

For several different reasons, it is not uncommon for a cat to occasionally urinate where it shouldn't. An indoor cat may suddenly begin to urinate on the carpeting in a home, or elsewhere in the home such as on or behind furniture. This is a habit that you have to eliminate as soon as possible, otherwise it is likely going to become worse with time.

Rule out any physiological causes for the behavior. There are a number of health reasons that may cause urinating outside of the litter box, including urinary tract infections and urinary blockages. Consult a veterinarian to make sure that there is not an underlying cause for this behavior.

Ensure that the litter box is clean and inviting. Some cats may stop using the litter box properly if they are dissatisfied with the state of the litter box. If the litter box needs to be cleaned, replace the litter completely and check to see if the problem resolves itself.

Apply an odor remover to the spots where the cat is urinating. This will prevent it from returning to and using the same spot to urinate in the future. Nature's Miracle is a natural product for this purpose that uses natural enzymes to remove the urine and the urine odor from the carpeting or upholstery, which should prevent the cat from using the same spot again.

Spay or neuter the cat if it is not already altered. Both male and female cats are capable of marking territory, and this may be the underlying cause for the urinating. The spaying or neutering process will remove the hormonal need to mark territory, which will prevent the cat from urinating on the floor again.

Address any behavioral issues that may be at play. Some cats mark or spray as a response to a behavioral issue such as stress or anxiety. If there is something at play that is affecting the cat's mood or behavior, address it to resolve the marking problem.