Cats have a strong survival instinct to mask pain, making it difficult for owners to recognize when something is wrong. They may tolerate discomfort for long periods, and by the time obvious signs appear, the condition can be advanced. Unlike dogs, cats rarely vocalize; instead, pain is revealed through subtle changes—such as altered posture, hiding, reduced appetite, or lower activity levels.

It’s never pleasant to discover that your cat has started peeing outside their litter box. Once you've ruled out medical reasons with a vet, there are still several potential causes for this behavior. It could be stress, a dirty litter box, or changes in the environment. Sometimes, cats may also mark their territory. Understanding these factors will help you address the issue and guide your cat back to proper litter box habits. ​