If you can discover the cause, then the remedy can be fairly simple. However, much of the time the cause remains a mystery, known only to the feline mind. If nothing described above solves the problem, consider the following options:

• Thoroughly clean the spots that have been soiled with an enzyme cleaner.
• If necessary, confine your cat while retraining him to use the box.
• Place food and/or water bowls at the spot previously soiled.
• Cover the spot with plastic or foil to make it unattractive for your cat to walk on.
• Provide multiple boxes in multiple locations in multi-cat households. One box per cat is best, but usually you can get by with two for one. However, you may need more than one even for one cat.
• If you think your cat is marking or spraying because he sees another cat outside, try to block his view with blinds or drapes.
• Some cats will urinate or defecate on tile or in the bathtub. These cats may prefer no litter in the box. Try using newspaper on the bottom of the box, or tilt the box using a pad or thin piece of wood. Put some litter in the low end. Your cat will use the end without litter and the urine will run down into the litter to be absorbed.
• Discuss anti-anxiety medication options with your vet. Any behavior altering medication should be combined with a behavior modification program.

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