If your cat is soiling the house, it could be caused by one of several problems. It could be the result of a medical problem. Your first step should be to consult with your veterinarian to treat or rule out any medical condition. It is also possible that he doesn’t like using his litterbox

Your cat may have developed preferences, other than her litterbox, for where and on what she likes to relieve herself. Litterbox problems are generally resolvable by creating a cat friendly litterbox that meets your cat’s behavioral needs.  Find out how in our program Helping Kitty Be Good.  Litterbox problems can be a symptom of other behavior problems, such as your cats not getting along.  If that’s the case, our “Helping Kitties Co-Exist” will be helpful along with our online course on feline aggression.

Cats will also deposit urine when they spray.  Spraying is a marking behavior in which a cat backs up to a wall, furniture or other vertical surface, raises her tail, and deposits a small amount of urine. Both males and females can spray. If your male cat isn’t neutered, it is unlikely you will be able to control his spraying behavior. Have him neutered now – there are no behavioral reasons not to.

Cats urine-mark in response to anything they feel is a threat to their territory, including visitors, odors, or other cats. Cats may also spray when they are anxious or fearful. Depositing their own familiar odor seems to have a calming effect on cats.

Urine-marking problems may require both behavior modification and short-term medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Rest assured your cat is not doing this because he is mad at you, is trying to tell you something, or is trying to get back at you. Do not punish your cat, and especially do not show her the “mess” and then put her in the box. This will not solve the problem, will significantly damage your relationship with your cat, and can cause her to dislike the litterbox even more.