
When a cat starts urinating outside the litter box, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. While it can sometimes be behavioral, many cases are linked to underlying medical issues—especially those involving the urinary tract.
Because urinary problems in cats can become serious quickly, it’s important to take this change seriously and look for the cause.
There are both medical and behavioral reasons why a cat may stop using the litter box. Common causes include:
In many cases, what seems behavioral may actually be medical.
Certain signs indicate your cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
You should seek care if your cat:
If your cat is unable to urinate, this is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate care.

At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we focus on identifying whether the issue is medical, behavioral, or a combination of both.
Diagnostics may include:
These tests help us determine the cause and guide treatment.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your cat’s symptoms.
Common treatments may include:
Early treatment is key to preventing complications and recurrence.
Changes in litter box behavior are often one of the first signs of a urinary issue. If your cat is peeing outside the litter box, it’s best to have them evaluated promptly.
At L&L Animal Urgent Care, we provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats—helping you get answers and treatment when your pet needs it most.