This behavior is typically used by the cat to delineate its territory. It often occurs when the pet perceives its domain has been invaded, or during stressful situations. Other reasons that may abruptly cause a cat to stop using a litter box may be the accumulation of waste, strong disinfectant odors or an unacceptable litter. The box may have been moved to an area with high traffic or the cat may have been disciplined, medicated or frightened near the box. Harsh punishments for any reason might cause the cat to eliminate in secluded areas in order to avoid family members.
Most owners use punishment in an attempt to change the pet's behavior.
This approach is rarely effective and often makes the situation worse. This is especially true if it is harsh or delayed, or when anxiety is an important factor in the development of the problem. No matter what the circumstances might be, the cat should never be swatted or physically punished. The owner should be cautioned against rubbing the cat's nose in the mess or roughly handling it and placing it in the litter box. If the pet is caught eliminating in an inappropriate area, the owner can squirt it with a water gun or make a noise just loud enough to gently interrupt it.