Pet Lovers

[HonestLife]

I have 2 grown cats (6 years old). Since I moved, I have nowhere else to put their box but in a spare room. Everything has been going fine up until a few weeks ago. I don't know which cat it is, but one does their business right outside of the box, rather than in it. I keep their box clean daily. Any ideas or thoughts? Thank you. 

[Big Joanie]

The vet told my son .. not to have 2 cats using the same box ...

Did you change litter .. also ... when my son had this problem ..

the vet also said do not clean the box with disinfectant type

cleaner ... as they do not like the smell ...

Good Luck .. I know this can be troublesome .....

[angelicat]

If you have a covered box, remove the cover and leave it off and see if the behavior changes. Also, I have changed to an unscented clumping litter for my cats, they are sensitive to fragrance and that may be a deterrent to your cat to use the box,  if you are using a scented litter.

[jannabelle1]

If you use a regular size litter box - the size generally sold in stores for that purpose - you might think about changing that. I bought an extra large storage box (clear plastic) at Walmart. The height of the box is low, same as the regular size litter boxes. I'm down to 2 cats, but one of them has always seemed to want a lot of "litter room".....DH suggested the extra large box a few years ago and it worked perfectly. I just measured it: 34" long x 14" wide x 6" high.

I still scoop out the soiled litter twice daily, but no more going outside of the box. I agree with the other comments about using unscented litter. My choice of litter brands has been Cats Pride for a number of years.

[moonandthestars]

Sometimes a change like that can indicate a visit to the vet to make sure everything is ok.  It can point to some kind of health issue.

Also, fyi, there is an attracting litter that you could try.  You'd have to google the brands.  Probably a place like chewy or petco, petsmart would sell it.

How long has it been since you moved to your new place?

@HonestLife 

[Porcelain]

I'd get kitty checked for a UTI and an overall checkup. Peeing outside the box is a common sign the little buddy isn't feeling well. Eventually you will probably catch him or her doing it so then you'll know which one to take to the vet.

[on the bay]

@HonestLife,

I agree with those that say to check to see if your kitty has a UTI.

That was what was wrong with ours when she kept going out of the box. 

We thought it was the litter, or the box, or she didn't like the stairs, but it was a UTI. After she got medication for that she started going in the box again.

[ImABoor]

I am lucky to have a basement.  I have 4 litter pans for 2 cats.  You can put some baking soda in the bottom and then add the litter.  It will help neutralize any odors.  You & I will never know what those fur people are thinking. They still could be upset over the move.

It may not hurt to have the vet check for any urinary problems.

[geezerette]

You say their "box".  Does that mean you only have one litter box for two cats?  I've always heard to have at least one more litter box than you have cats.  

I have two cats and three boxes in the house.  One on one side of the house, the other two in the area that they spend the most time.  The two are slightly apart from each other.  They also are extra large in size.  None of my cats have ever liked the standard size litter boxes.

One of my cats will sniff a box and if it's got anything in it from the other cat will immediately check out the other box.  If that's completely clean, he'll go in that.  They do both use each box, but one is particularly fussy.

If this has just happened recently after your move, my first thought would be that at least one cat is still upset about that.  However, as others have suggested, I'd also be concerned about any medical problems.  

Since you don't know which cat is doing this, you need to start watching them both when they go to find out which cat it is.  Or possibly both.

ETA:  I'd also check both cats' feet.  The litter may have become uncomfortable for one or both for a variety of reason.  Best to have a complete checkup if you can't find an easy explanation soon.

[violann]

If this continues, please have a vet visit. 

This was an early sign of Poly's illness.