Here are some super cat urine prevention tips that will help you find the source of the problem…
The litter box is the first thing you should check. It should be in a quiet, private area of the house.
Many people put litter boxes in their basements and leave the door open a little as this not only creates a private environment but also keeps urine odor to a minimum in the rest of the house.
Some use a closet but if you do this be sure and keep the litter box clean to reduce the odor and don’t forget to leave the door open!
Another litter box placement possibility is under a table. Many people find a place without carpeting is best from a maintenance point of view as tile or cement is a lot easier to clean urine off of than carpet.
Ask yourself if you changed the litter box in any way:
Has the box been moved to a high traffic area recently?
Does the litter box need cleaning? Maybe you should look into getting a self cleaning litter box.
Is a new brand of litter being used or does it have too heavy a scent (clumping and unscented is best). Cats have very sensitive noses and a scented litter might irritate their sinuses.
Has the depth of the litter in the box changed? Some cats like their litter deep, others shallow.
Your cat may have outgrown their litter box and need a larger one. Once again perhaps a self cleaning cat litter box would be helpful.
The box is too hard to enter and exit. This can be an issue for older felines.
Do not put food and water near the litter box. Cats like these two areas kept separate (don’t you?).
If your cat has picked out a particular room to spray try closing the door to that room if you can or cover the target area with furniture.
Put a bowl of food over the area where the cat has been peeing as cats like to keep their eating area away from their “bathroom”.
Take your cat to the Vet on a regular basis.
If you have more than one cat buy each one of them their own litter box.
Have you recently moved? A cat might smell an area where the previous owner’s cat urinated. If so, you need to get the urine off of this area as soon as possible.
Let the cat alone while it urinates so it can have some privacy.
If it is a new cat in your home it could take from three to eight weeks to get adjusted to the new environment. Be patient!
Was there a recent addition or loss to the family? A new baby, spouse? This is usually temporary until the cat adjusts to the change in their environment.
A change in your schedule can throw off your cat’s schedule as well and cause problems. Try and phase in major lifestyle changes gradually.
NEVER EVER punish the cat by kicking, hitting, chasing, screaming or rubbing their nose in their urine (remember the smell doesn’t bother them). Cats cannot make the cause and effect connection like we can so punishment after the fact is useless and will only make matters worse.
Cats are naturally very clean animals and they know where they are going. It is important to remember this and try and help your cat overcome any stress or anxiety they might be having in a caring and loving manner.
Just follow the easy tips above and you should reduce or eliminate any spraying or urination problems you might be having and remember to use a good cat urine remover product.