Cats pee on things for several reasons, generally related to medical issues, behavioral causes, or litter box problems. Medical reasons include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney disease, diabetes, or inflammation causing pain and urgency. These conditions can lead cats to urinate outside their litter boxes because they may associate pain with the box or have increased frequency and urgency to urinate.
Behaviorally, cats may urinate on things due to stress, anxiety, or territorial marking. Changes in their environment, new people or pets, or conflicts with other cats can trigger this behavior. Male cats, especially unneutered ones, may spray urine to mark their territory more frequently.
Litter box issues also contribute, as cats are sensitive to cleanliness, location, and litter type. If the box is dirty, hard to access, or placed in an uncomfortable spot, a cat may choose to pee elsewhere.
In summary, cats pee on things mainly due to medical problems, stress or territorial needs, and dissatisfaction with their litter box setup. Identification and treatment of underlying causes usually help resolve the behavior.
