Expert: Tomay - 9/5/2008

Question
I have a two and half year old Tabby male who is Neutered. We ave recently moved twice in 4 months. He is peeing outside of his litter box and defiantly in front of my fiancee and myself. What can I do? This has not been an issue before now.

Answer
Has he been checked for kidney or bladder infections or problems?  This is the first thing to rule out when a cat changes litter habits like you describe.  Cats will go to different areas to pee, because they associate the pain or discomfort of peeing (when urinary problems are present) with the litter box itself.  Male cats, altered or unaltered, can sometimes develop urinary tract problems with crystals.  Your vet will no doubt check for that as well.  If the medical problems are ruled out, then it becomes a behavioral issue.  He may be showing his distress or disdain for his many environmental changes in the last few months. Perhaps once he feels security and consistency in his space, he may stop the behavior.
Perhaps provide him with an extra litter box.  Some cats will not adapt well to changes in litter brands, and will not use litter box, so if you find one you both like, stick to it!
Hope this will prove helpful, and thank you for your inquiry.