Urinating outside the litter box

[Rachel D.]

I’m looking for advice regarding the best way to deal with a female spayed two-year-old bunny (Birthday) who is repeatedly urinating outside her litter box. I have a second female spayed bunny in the same room (The Bunny Nook), but the second bunny (Puka) is contained within a large 2′ x 5′ play yard. Over a year ago, Birthday attacked Puka and Puka needed life-saving surgery as a result. Since then, the two bunnies have been kept physically apart. However, I believe that Birthday is urinating outside her litter box as a way of marking her territory. Both bunnies are litter box trained and Birthday will sometimes go weeks without urinating outside her box, but the she starts again. She always goes in the same few spots and they are right up against Puka’s pen. I’m wondering if a visual barrier, which prevents Birthday from seeing Puka, would be enough to stop the marking behavior. Or, if it is smell as much as sight and as long as they are in the same room I will have the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[RabbitPam]

It is likely smell, but sight can apply also and it wouldn’t hurt to try a visual barrier to see if that stops it. You diagnosed the problem already – it’s marking pee around Puka – so blocking her view may be enough. Cardboard sheets are sturdy and can’t been seen through, but to prevent chewing you might try some stacked NIC cubes to prop up, then slip the cardboard sheet behind the squares so it can’t be gripped and shredded. The cardboard/cube may get peed on, too. But at least you can throw it out if it doesn’t work. A sheet draped over the side of the pen might do the trick, just watch for bite marks. (Use 100% cotton to be safe.)

Spraying and wiping the area that gets peed on now with a solution of white vinegar and water may deter Birthday (love the name, btw) from going to that spot. It won’t smell to you, but she will be repelled, and it will clean away the pee scent.

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