House-soiling is one of the most frustrating challenges for cat owners—and one of the leading reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. The important thing to remember is that cats don’t urinate or defecate outside the litter box out of spite. Instead, house-soiling is usually a sign that something in their environment, health, or emotional well-being needs attention. Common Causes of House-Soiling Environmental and Social Stressors: Cats value cleanliness and privacy. A dirt