Why Is My Cat Urinating Outside the Litter Box?
If your cat has started urinating outside the litter box, it’s understandably worrying.
The first and most important step is always to rule out medical issues. Conditions such as lower urinary tract disease, bladder stones or infections can cause pain when urinating, leading cats to avoid the litter tray altogether. If this behaviour appears suddenly, a vet visit is essential.
However, if your cat is otherwise healthy, the cause is often environmental or behavioural.
Below are eight common non-medical reasons why cats may refuse to use their litter box.
Environmental Factors
1. The Path to the Litter Box Isn’t Clear
What seems like a minor inconvenience to humans can feel like a serious obstacle to a cat.
Examples include:
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A door that’s sometimes closed or blown shut by wind
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Another pet blocking the way
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Loud household appliances nearby
Cats need to feel safe and relaxed when heading to the litter box. Any stress along the way can lead them to choose another spot.
2. The Litter Box Is in the Wrong Location
Cats value privacy.
A litter box placed:
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In noisy or high-traffic areas
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Near food bowls, beds or scratching posts
may be ignored altogether.
Tip:
Place litter boxes in quiet, low-disturbance areas. In apartments or multi-storey homes, consider having boxes in different rooms.
For senior cats or cats with joint issues:
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Choose a litter box with a low entry or side opening
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Adjust litter depth to suit their mobility
Litter Box Setup
3. The Litter Box Design Doesn’t Feel Safe
Cats have individual preferences.
Some prefer:
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Open trays (better visibility)
Others prefer:
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Covered boxes (more privacy)
If possible, offering different styles allows your cat to choose what feels safest.
4. The Litter Box Is Too Small
Size matters more than many owners realise.
A litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat’s body, with enough headroom for turning and digging comfortably.
A cramped box can make cats feel trapped — and lead to avoidance.
5. There Aren’t Enough Litter Boxes
The general rule is:
Number of cats + 1 litter box
Even in single-cat households, two boxes are often recommended — especially if you can’t scoop multiple times a day.
More options reduce stress and competition.
6. The Litter Box Isn’t Clean Enough (By Cat Standards)
Cats have an extremely strong sense of smell — around 40 times more sensitive than humans.
Even if a box smells “fine” to you, your cat may strongly disagree.
Best practice:
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Scoop at least twice daily
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Wash the litter tray weekly
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Choose litter that:
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Clumps well
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Absorbs moisture efficiently
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Controls odour naturally without strong fragrance
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Good clumping also reduces tracking and lingering smells.
The Litter Itself
7. The Litter Layer Is Too Thin
Litter depth affects both comfort and hygiene.
A depth of at least 5cm is recommended so:
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Urine clumps properly
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Waste doesn’t stick to the tray bottom
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Cats can dig and cover naturally
8. Your Cat Doesn’t Like the Feel of the Litter
Texture matters.
Most cats prefer litter that is:
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Soft underfoot
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Fine-grained
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Gentle on paws
Hard, sharp or large granules can be uncomfortable.
If you’re unsure, try placing different litter types in separate trays and observe which one your cat consistently chooses.
So, What’s the Cause?
If medical issues have been ruled out and your cat:
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Avoids the litter box
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Hesitates before using it
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Has accidents around the home
the problem is often linked to litter box setup or litter quality.
Choosing litter that:
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Clumps effectively
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Controls odour naturally
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Is low-dust and soft on paws
can make a noticeable difference in your cat’s behaviour.
At Tofu Cat Litter Australia, we believe litter should work with your cat’s instincts — not against them.
Tip for Best Results
When using tofu litter, fill the tray to at least 5cm deep. This improves clumping, makes cleaning easier, and provides the best odour control — while being more economical over time.