I bought the wrong litter :(

First of all, welcome to TCS. What is your cat's name?

How many litter boxes do you have? If it's only one, it would be a good idea to get a second one. A general rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra, so two boxes for one cat. Some cats don't like to pee and poop in the same box.

If you're using a covered box, try one that is open.

You could also try Cat Attract litter. I've never needed it, but I've read from others here that it is very effective.

Clean any spot where he pees with a good enzyme cleaner. If he can still smell the pee, he'll keep going back to the same place.

I'm sure others will be along with more suggestions.

I would also get him to a vet to rule out a UTI(they can appear out of nowhere) since he still won't pee in the box.

You do need to add a second box though, my 2 have 4 boxes. I would also make sure there are no bags laying around to 'tempt' him and if he has a favorite 'spot' to go I'd put a litterbox there. Cat Attract might work but since he is so committed to one litter that might not work. I would keep a boxes with one of each. Also be sure to clean everything up with an enzyme based cleaner otherwise he smells it and thinks that is where he's supposed to go.

Taryn

One of my vets has a cat that loves to pee on plastic bags - apparently, it's not that uncommon - but she's sure never to leave a plastic bag out!

I'd suggest getting at least one more box, and maybe placing it in a different location from the original box - at least a few feet away. I've read that when boxes are right next to each other, kitty thinks it's just one big box and if, for any reason, he didn't like the original box, he won't like the new one.

I agree, use an enzyme cleaner on the accident spots, and, if a new box and/or cat attract litter doesn't immediately correct the issue, race, and I do mean, race, for a vet appointment. If the cat has an UTI or the beginning of any irritation, he may be showing it by peeing outside the box, and it's an issue you want to address immediately. I speak from experience. And, any decent vet, IMO, will get you in same day with a urinary issue, especially with a male. Make sure you tell the front desk that's what the problem is.

Maybe even get a third box, and try that one with Cat Attract litter, also found at Petsmart, but with the other two using his preferred litter. And, I think most people have tried different litters and found out that kitty really only likes one type, so you're not alone. And, whichever litter kitty likes is the best litter - even if another type looks better to us!

Who would guess litter could be such an issue - but, believe me, I'm at Petsmart stocking up on my litter to make sure I always have a fresh bag on hand - because my boy is definitely picky. And they have so few ways of telling us that the bathroom is just not up to snuff for them!

Good luck,