{"id":586517,"date":"2024-07-29T18:31:42","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T18:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rugdoctor.com\/cleaning-tips\/\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:36:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T00:36:53","slug":"the-science-of-stains-how-to-keep-your-cat-from-urinating-outside-the-litter-box","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rugdoctor.com\/cleaning-tips\/the-science-of-stains-how-to-keep-your-cat-from-urinating-outside-the-litter-box\/","title":{"rendered":"The Science of Stains: How to Keep Your Cat from Urinating Outside the Litterbox"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sharing your heart and home with a feline family member brings you heaps of amusement, comfort, and joy. Of course, sometimes, life with your four-legged friends also brings you a mess. Whether they\u2019re pushing coffee off the counter or digging through the dirt in your houseplants, your curious cat can cause quite the catastrophe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At some point in their lives, 10% of cats will urinate outside of the litter box. It\u2019s concerning when a member of your furry family starts acting differently, and it’s even more frustrating when that new behavior leaves behind both a mess and an odor. Thankfully, cleaning up doesn\u2019t have to be an uphill battle. Armed with information about the science behind the stains and some insight into your furry friend\u2019s behavior, you can bounce back from life\u2019s little messes and focus on what matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Cats Urinate Outside of the Litter Box?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To get to the bottom of Kitty\u2019s new behavior, you\u2019ll need to take a closer look at her actions. Urinating outside of the litter box is not the same as urine marking; while the difference may seem subtle, knowing what each deed looks like can help to identify the cause as well as the solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cat urinating outside litter box<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your cat is urinating outside of the litter box, you will notice that he is not using the litter box at all or is using it infrequently. Instead, he will empty his bladder outside of the box and may defecate outside of the litter box, as well. If you have multiple cats, you may need to keep them separated or observe them for a time to determine which cat is having a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marking outside litter box<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a cat is marking an area with her urine, she will typically continue to use the litter box. Additionally, however, she will mark surfaces with a smaller volume of urine. Marks generally are, but not always, on vertical surfaces and, if you catch your cat in the act, you will notice her raise her tail and back up before spraying. Urine marking isn\u2019t about urination but, rather, about communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Remove Urine Stains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once your cat has urinated outside of his litter box, no matter the reason, he may make it a habit long after the cause is uncovered and resolved. You don\u2019t need to wait to figure out why the behavior began to start preventing its return, however. In fact, the best way to avoid re-soiling is to remove the urine stain and scent as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kind of cleaner should you use for pet stains?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your cat\u2019s sense of smell is more than ten times stronger than yours, and if she can smell the scent of urine, she\u2019s more likely to urinate in that same spot again. Passing your fastidious feline\u2019s sniff test is a breeze, however, when you have the right cleaner for the job.
 
An enzyme-action solution is the best way to help eliminate both stains and odors that all-purpose cleaners can leave behind. The enzymes work hard, so you don\u2019t have to, breaking down or digesting not just the stain itself but the odor-causing molecules, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Remove Fresh Urine Stains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Blot Liquids<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gently blot liquids with paper towels or a clean, absorbent cloth. A light touch is essential to extracting as much of the urine as possible without pushing it further into the fibers and padding.
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Saturate Area with Cleaner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturate the area to be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner. We recommend Urine Eliminator Pre-Treat & Spot Cleaner <\/a>which is designed to tackle even the toughest cat urine stains and odors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Let the product sit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow the product to sit for 5-10 minutes while it penetrates the stain and the enzymes work to break down stains and odors. For best results, cover the area with a damp a moist towel and allow the enzymes to work for up to 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Blot stain with cloth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a clean, color-safe cloth, blot the area again to extract the stain and as much liquid as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stay off the stain until dried<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You and other two- and four-legged members of your family should stay off the treated area until it has dried and been vacuumed. If you\u2019re using a pet stain remover for the first time, test a small spot for colorfastness, observing it after its dry to determine if the color is affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 
It\u2019s always best to clean up pet accidents as soon after they occur as possible. Once a urine stain has set, it may cause a loss of pigment or yellowing of the fabric.
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Prevent Future Marking and Litter Box Mishaps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To prevent future urination outside of the litter box, you\u2019ll need to identify and treat the cause in addition to erasing the stains and odors left by past accidents.
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How to stop your cat from urinating outside of the litter box<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cats may do their business outside of the litter box due to medical or social reasons. Your veterinarian should examine your cat to identify or rule out medical causes, such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, stress, or other issues. If a medical problem doesn\u2019t explain the behavior, it may be a social or environmental issue. Here are a few to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n