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Why does my cat still pee outside the box after a bladder infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 2 months old | 10 lbs

I have three cats. Everything was fine until a year ago when one cat got a bladder infection and started urinating all over the house, on furniture, etc. and he has continued to do this even though the bladder infection is gone. I have four frequently cleaned cat boxes. But with the inappropriate urination my house has become a reeking sewer. Help!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 23rd, 2017

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. Cats have weird brains, and often after a traumatic time trying to urinate, they start to think it is the litter box's fault and decide to pee elsewhere. First, you need to clean all urine with an enzymatic pet cleaner - this will break down the pheromones that you can't smell but he can. Second, even though he is cleared of the UTI, it is still possible that his bladder is inflamed. This syndrome in cats goes by many different names, including FLUTD or FIC. There are many different things you can try to help him out, including environmental enrichment, calming supplements, changing the litter and/or box to a completely different type, prescription anti-anxiety medications or anti-inflammatories. I will include a bunch of information for you to look at below. If you still have more questions, please post another on PetCoach, or choose a consultation to discuss this further in a one-on-one conversation with an Expert.

Inappropriate Urination:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=633

Supplements for stress:
Zylkene and Comfort Zone Feliway Diffuser

Special Diet:
Hill's® Prescription Diet® c/d® Multicare Feline Stress

Environmental Enrichment:
https://indoorpet.osu.edu//cats

FIC/FLUTD:
https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/feline-idiopathic-cystitis-fic

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=612

Litter Box Care:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3638
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 9th, 2018

    I do not see any bladder stones on this X-ray either, so that is likely not the problem.

    I think neutering your cat would definitely be helpful but it may not fully fix the problem. Your cat likely has Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. With this disease cats have all the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (peeing outside the box, peeing frequently, blood in urine) but no infection is present. The bladder wall becomes irritated and inflamed and it is very uncomfortable for the cat. Stress and nutrition play large roles in triggering this disease.

    If a urinary tract infection has been ruled out by a urinalysis and culture then FIC is most likely. I would recommend neutering Gordon, adding extra litter boxes to the home, consider switching him to a urinary health diet (like Hill’s c/d multicare or Royal Canin Urinary Calm) and discussing with your vet putting your cat on an anxiety medication.

    This is a frustrating condition and there is no one perfect solution. You may have to try many different things until you find what works best for your cat.

    Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my 9-year-old cat still peeing outside the box with a UTI?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Blackie. Urinary tract infections are not all that common in cats. I recommend that she has a urine culture performed to ensure there is an infection present and the correct antibiotic is prescribed. If there is not an infection or if it has resolved, then she should have x-rays to look for bladder stones. If this is not the case, idiopathic cystitis is very common in cats. This may be her problem. I hope this information helps!
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My cat had a urinary blockage. Why is he not using his litter box?
I am sorry to hear about your kitty. It is possible he has a negative association with the litterbox after his blockage. I assume you mean he is urinating outside his box when you say he isn't using it- if he is not urinating at all then he needs to return to the vet right away. I would consider getting several new boxes, the larger the better (a box 1.5 times the length of the cat is recommended, often rubbermaid type sweater boxes are used in these cases). I would recommend getting a Feliway diffuser https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected which can have a calming effect and consider a calming supplement such as Zylkene or Composure, and discuss with your vet whether or not any other medications may be needed, such as pain medication or anti-anxiety medication depending on your cat's history. You can read more at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951508
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Why is my cat still peeing outside box and pawing her mouth?
Cats can have chronic urinary tract infections, stones, bladder cancer, or any number of issues causing them to urinate outside the box even after treatment. Sometimes this is very frustrating to treat. I am concerned that she is pawing at her mouth, as this usually indicates severe dental disease or oral infection (stomatitis), both of which being very painful conditions. If she has not had a full oral examination, she needs this to address whatever is going on in the mouth. She probably needs to have her urine cultured as well if she seems to have an infection that is unresponsive to antibiotics.
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Why is my male cat peeing everywhere after UTI blockage surgery?
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Why is my cat peeing in inappropriate places and not the litter box?
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Cat peeing outside litter box, vet gave shots. What's happening?
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My cat pees outside litter box. How to stop this behavior & clean?
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