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Atlas | Apr 10

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? (And What to Do About It)

Few things frustrate cat owners faster than finding an accident outside the litter box. It feels random, maybe even a little personal—but in most cases, it’s actually your cat trying to communicate that something isn’t right.

The important thing to know upfront: cats don’t do this out of spite. When litter box habits change, there’s usually a reason behind it, and it’s often fixable once you narrow it down.

First things first: rule out medical issues

If this behavior started suddenly, especially in a cat that was previously reliable, the first step is always a vet check.

Urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, or kidney issues are more common than people think—and they can make using the litter box uncomfortable or even painful.

A cat that associates the litter box with discomfort may start avoiding it altogether.

The litter box itself might be the problem

Cats are picky about their bathroom setup. Sometimes very picky.

A few common issues:

• The box isn’t clean enough (cats notice quickly)

• The litter has a strong scent or texture they don’t like

• The box is in a noisy or high-traffic area

• The box is too small or hard to access

One rule that helps a lot:

You should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

So if you have two cats, you should ideally have three boxes.

Stress is a bigger factor than most people realize

Cats don’t always show stress the way dogs do. Instead, it comes out in behavior changes—like litter box problems.

Things that can trigger stress:

• A new pet or new person in the home

• Moving furniture or changing routines

• Loud noises or construction

• Even changes in your schedule

What seems small to us can feel like a big disruption to a cat.

How to clean it matters more than people think

If your cat has an accident, how you clean it can actually affect whether it happens again.

Regular cleaners often aren’t enough. Cats can still smell traces of urine even when we can’t.

Enzyme-based cleaners are usually the best option because they break down the scent completely instead of just covering it.

If the smell remains, your cat may return to the same spot.

How to fix the behavior without making it worse

Once medical issues are ruled out, focus on making the litter box situation as easy and stress-free as possible.

Start simple:

• Keep litter boxes very clean

• Try a different litter type if needed

• Add another box in a quiet location

• Reduce stress triggers where possible

Sometimes it’s not one big fix—it’s a few small adjustments that add up.

One thing not to do

Don’t punish your cat.

It doesn’t solve the problem, and it usually adds more stress, which can make the behavior worse. Cats don’t connect punishment with the accident the way people expect them to.

The bottom line

Litter box issues are almost always a sign of something change-related—health, environment, or stress.

The good news is that once you figure out the cause, most cats go back to normal pretty quickly.

It’s less about “bad behavior” and more about figuring out what changed.

Related help

• Best litter types for odor control and sensitive cats

• Calming products for stressed cats

Flea and Tick Season in Minnesota: How to Protect Your Dog This Summer

Summer in Minnesota means more time outdoors with your dog—whether you're hiking local trails, spending weekends at the cabin, visiting parks, or simply enjoying your backyard. Unfortunately, warmer weather also brings an increase in fleas and ticks, which can pose serious health risks for dogs and their families.

Understanding when flea and tick season starts, where pests are most commonly found, and how to prevent infestations can help keep your dog healthy all summer long.

Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs: How to Help Your Dog Get Through July 4th

If your dog hates fireworks, you’re definitely not alone. For a lot of dogs, the Fourth of July (and honestly the whole stretch of summer nights with fireworks) can be one of the most stressful times of the year.

What feels like celebration to us can feel loud, unpredictable, and honestly overwhelming to them. The good news is there are a lot of simple things you can do to make it easier on them.

Fish Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Aquarium Fish Care

Keeping fish can be one of the most rewarding hobbies for pet owners of all experience levels. From colorful freshwater community tanks to specialized aquarium setups, fish bring beauty, relaxation, and fascination into any home.

Whether you're setting up your first aquarium or looking to improve your current tank, understanding the basics of fish care is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. This guide covers aquarium setup, water quality, fish nutrition, maintenance, and common fishkeeping best practices.

Self-Serve Pet Wash in Minnesota: The Easiest Way to Keep Your Pet Clean (Without the Mess at Home)

Bathing your dog at home sounds simple—until you’re crouched in the tub, soaked clothes, fur everywhere, and your dog plotting their escape.

That’s why more pet owners in Spring Lake Park are switching to a faster, cleaner, and less stressful option: self-serve pet wash stations right here in-store.

If you’ve been searching for an easier way to keep your dog clean, our in-store pet wash is built for exactly that.

Dog Heat Safety in Minnesota: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather

Minnesota summers can be dangerous for dogs, especially during high humidity and pavement heat spikes. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat efficiently, which makes overheating a serious risk.

Bringing Home a New Dog: What You Need to Be Ready

Bringing home a new dog is exciting—but it can also feel a little overwhelming once reality sets in. Between the excitement of picking them up and the first night at home, there’s a lot happening at once.

Most people focus on the obvious things like food and a bed. But the dogs that settle in the easiest usually have a few more basics covered from the start—comfort, routine, and a calm environment.

This guide walks through what you actually need before and after bringing your new dog home so the transition is smoother for both of you.

Reptile Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Reptiles

Reptiles have become increasingly popular pets thanks to their fascinating behaviors, unique appearances, and wide variety of species. From bearded dragons and leopard geckos to ball pythons, tortoises, and aquatic turtles, reptiles can make rewarding companions when their specialized care needs are properly met.

Unlike dogs and cats, reptiles rely heavily on their environment to regulate body temperature, digestion, and overall health. Understanding habitat setup, heating, lighting, nutrition, and maintenance is essential for long-term success.

This reptile care guide covers the fundamentals of reptile ownership and provides an overview of the key factors that help reptiles thrive.

Small Animal Care Guide: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Ferrets, Chinchillas & More

Small animals make excellent pets for a wide range of households. From playful rabbits and social guinea pigs to curious ferrets and delicate chinchillas, these pets can bring a lot of personality and joy into your home—especially when their care needs are properly understood.

Even though they’re small in size, many of these animals have very specific requirements for housing, diet, enrichment, and handling. This guide covers the essentials so you can set your pet up for a healthy, comfortable life.

Cat Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your Cat

Cats are among the most popular pets in the world, known for their independence, playful personalities, and ability to fit into a wide variety of households. Whether you've recently adopted a kitten or you're caring for a senior cat, understanding the basics of cat care is essential for helping your feline companion live a long, healthy, and happy life.

This cat care guide covers the fundamentals of nutrition, litter box setup, enrichment, grooming, and health so you can feel confident providing the best care for your cat.