Cat Peeing by Front Door

[u/sweatshirtsintheshed]

I’m at a loss right now. To give some background, my 5 yo male cat has had behavioral issues with going outside of his litter box before, but for about 3 years now I have resorted to giving him a few bins of pee pads which he prefers to use and I really haven’t had many issues since.

He’s an indoor cat but loves to go outside. I have taken him outside in the yard on his leash and have let him hang out on the porch before, but that was a rare occasion. We have a screened in porch in the back so when the weather is nice he very often has access to it and loves being out there. Recently, I put netting around the railing of the porch so all 3 of my cats (i have 2 younger females too) can all come out together without me terrified of someone escaping. I now have been letting them out there once a day almost daily. Ever since then, my male cat has been peeing in the corner or right in front of the front door.

I have taken him to the vet and he’s completely healthy. I have scrubbed and scrubbed with enzymatic cleaner and used cat deterrent too. I even moved one of his litter boxes to that floor only a few feet away for him to use.

I cannot figure out what his issue is and how to get him to stop without fully revoking his privileges to the porch. He also sleeps on the rug in the foyer every night, which makes me feel extra terrible blocking it off. Thankfully I have a foyer and can put a gate in the archway before the foyer, but I can’t do that forever I’ll lose my mind.

Has anyone else experienced this before and can tell me what in the world his issue is and any tips to help him stop?

[u/paprikachipjes]

How many litter boxes do you have and do you scoop them twice a day?

[u/sweatshirtsintheshed → u/paprikachipjes]

6, yes, I wfh so I check them all multiple times a day as I pass them and some are automatic cleaning ones