Whether your cat is old or young, male or female, anxious or placid, he or she may get the idea that urinating anywhere other than the litter box is a good thing. Many frustrated humans in the past and present have tried just about everything to find out why the cat is doing this and of course to solve the problem.

These are the first things to do when your cat insists on stinking up your house. You’ll have to be patient while you work through this list, but soon your kitty will go back to relieving herself in an appropriate spot.

• Your cat needs a complete health check. In many cases, cats urinate in front of you when they are sick. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common health problems your vet can treat. Even if that’s not what’s wrong with your kitty, your vet can track it down and fix the problem.
• Older cats or those with health problems (joint pain, for example), can’t get in and out of the litter box like when they were younger. Make the litter box more accessible so your kitty can get in and out.
• The litter box itself could be a problem. If you have more than one cat, you may need to set up additional litter boxes. The type of sand and the amount you use can be problems. You should also change the cat litter and thoroughly scrub the litter box. Plastic tends to absorb urine odors, which can keep house cats away.
• Sometimes cats misbehave by urinating on your favorite things. This may be a sign that they are unhappy with something. Try to give your cat more (positive) attention. Additional playtime with a favorite toy can cure problem behavior. You can also ask your vet about a product that will help calm your kitty: Feliway is one example.
• Male cats will often spray anything they wish to mark as their own territory. Sterilization can improve this problem.
• Elderly kittens can suffer from feline dementia. Honestly, they don’t realize they’re doing something wrong when they pee on your clean clothes. Buy sanitary pads, the disposable kind that people use on puppies, and place them where your kitty urinates most often. This won’t convince her to use the litter box, but the cleanup will be a lot easier compared to what you’re doing now.

There are a few things you need to do when your kitty decides to mark something in your house.

• Never hit the cat or rub its nose in the mess. Cats are not like human children: they don’t understand that what they do is wrong. You can determine the behavior while the cat is doing it, but trying to teach the cat after the fact doesn’t work very well. Instead of scolding the kitty afterward, catch her in the act and spray her with tap water from a spray bottle.
• Completely clear the marked territory. Even if you can’t smell cat urine, the cat will. That’s your cue to keep peeing in there. Visit the pet store for a product that eliminates all pet odors.
• Give your cat lots of positive attention. Despite the stereotypes surrounding felines, cats bond with their humans. They want our attention and will go to great lengths to get it from us.

Don’t worry, you’ll find and fix the problem soon enough. In the meantime, be as patient as possible. Your solution will come and you will be able to resume the relationship without worries.

Copyright © 2008, Ian White houseitting.com