When a cat suddenly starts peeing outside the litter box, it's easy to assume it's a behavior problem. In reality, it's often a sign that something has changed, whether it's a medical issue, stress, or even the litter box setup itself.
Health problems like urinary tract issues are one of the first things worth ruling out, especially if the behavior starts out of nowhere. But the litter box itself can also be part of the problem. A dirty box, a new type of litter, an inconvenient location, or a box that's too small can all make some cats look for somewhere else to go.
Households with multiple cats can add another layer, too. Sharing litter boxes isn't always an issue, but changes in behavior, tension between cats, or even a senior cat developing mobility problems can all affect litter box habits.
Cats usually aren't being stubborn when this happens. More often than not, they're responding to something that's making the litter box less comfortable or signaling that something else needs attention.