Your Cats Litter Box Is Dirty
Cats are fastidious animals, and they dont like having to use a dirty litter box. If youve been away all day and only have one litter box, your cat may decide to pee or poop somewhere else rather than use a dirty box.
Using an automatic and self-cleaning box can help solve this problem, as can having multiple litter trays for your cat to choose from.
Your Cat Doesn’t Like The Type Of Litter Box You Have
Time to give the feline facilities another look.
“Maybe its got a cover that traps odors or constricts her movement so she cant get into a comfortable position to eliminate without pressing part of her body against the inside of the cover, something many cats dislike,” Garber says.
Or it could be a medical issue combined with an ill-fitted cat litter box. Garber says that if your cat has arthritis, perhaps the box’s sides are too high, making it difficult to get in and out of.
Time For Your Cat To Visit The Veterinarian
No matter where your cat has begun eliminating, if the location is not in the litter box itself, then the first step is have him checked by the veterinarian. A physical exam, including a urinalysis and any other appropriate diagnostic tests need to be performed to make sure there isnt an underlying cause for the behavior. Even if youre convinced its behavioral, dont skip the important first step of ruling out medical issues because you certainly wouldnt want your cat suffering. Additionally, its very common for a cat with a medical issue such as lower urinary tract disease, to avoid the box.
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How Can I Stop My Cat From Peeing On The Carpet And Get Them Peeing In Their Litterbox Again
Make sure that the litterbox is appealing to your cat. Store it somewhere close to social areas but not right in the middle. I.e., they have their privacy but dont feeling smothered by people.
The litterbox should be kept clean at all times. Clean it out thoroughly and do so every day if you can. If you have two or more cats, its a good idea to have a separate litterbox for each pet, plus an additional one if one cat is shyer than the others or if theyre often bullied, store their litterbox in an area that the other cats cant access.
Studies have shown that kittens make up their minds about their preferred litter type at a very young age. Once you have established your cats favourite, try to stick to it as best you can. If there is any change in their environment, whether its the litter or other incidents occurring in the house, its important to realise that this is most likely the reason for your cat peeing outside their litterbox, and that they should revert to normal once the situation resolves itself.
If you have tried all of these, your house is as calm as a five-star island resort and your cat continues to pee everywhere but their litterbox, take them to the vet. They will be able to test for the health problems listed above and will also be able to advise if you need the help of a behaviourist.
Cats Are Always Calm Cool And Collected Wrong Cats Can Experience Stress And Anxiety Youll Know Because Wellyou Will Find The Evidence On Your Bed Im No Oprah Whisker But Think Of It As A Cry For Help
How do you feel when you walk into your home when its messy and dirty? Most likely overwhelmed. Your kitty may be desiring a clean place for relief. Poor litter box conditions are the usual culprit of inappropriate urination. If you dont clean the cat box regularly, you may find yourself sniffing around trying to pinpoint what smell is saturating the room only to find yourself wearing cat pee socks. Spare yourself the potential smelly embarrassment. A box that isn’t kept clean enough, in a spot that doesn’t feel safe to the kitty, or that contains litter that is objectionable to the cat are all stress-triggering reasons your cat may be looking for more pleasant surroundings. Here are some great cat litter box rules to live by:
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Be sure you are scooping the litter box multiple times daily, emptying it out and washing the box with warm water and soap weekly, and replacing the box every six months.
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Keep as many litter boxes as you have cats plus one. Cats don’t like to urinate in dirty litter boxes, and if you don’t have enough boxes, they’re sure to get dirty fast.
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Keep at least one litter box on every floor of your home. Cats might not want or be able to travel too far in search of a box when they have to go.
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Don’t put the litter box in an area with loud noises- laundry room, heavy traffic- hallway, or where a cat might get “trapped” by a dog or other feline housemates.
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Social And Environmental Stressors
Both social and environmental stressors can produce chemical and hormonal imbalances resulting in anxiety, distress including urination on items. Peeing on our bed may function as a self-soothing behaviour that eases anxiety by simply trying to combine their scent with ours.
New furniture, carpet or curtains may contribute to peeing outside the latrine on beds and couches, the straightforward reason is new smells of any kind can act as a stressor or stimulant, likewise the lack of the individual cats scent can do the identical.
Other contributing causes include addition of a brand-new pet, house relocation, major renovations and a new person or toddler within the home. Increase positive association with new people by way of treat-giving and playtime.
Frightened Cats Pee On Beds Resolving Litter Box Issues
As we saw, if your cat thinks that there is something wrong with the litter box, they will seek alternative sites. Its almost like they have a mental checklist they work through when they want a suitable toilet.
- Is it in the right place? Check
- Do I like the litter? Check
- Is nobody else around? Check
And so onfail even one of these tests, and they might just pee somewhere they shouldnt!
Luckily, most of your cats criteria are pretty easy to fix. We can resolve her objections to her litter box and look forward to pee free pillows.
First, why dont we take a little diversion and ask why the heck some cats love peeing on the bed.
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Practice Compassion Toward Your Cat
Do not try to punish your cat for peeing on the bed! Your cat most likely does not want to do this, and is feeling sick or uncomfortable in some way. The best reaction to this problem is to seek out a cause, and then to work toward a solution. As smelly and messy as it is to find cat urine on the bed , remember to provide love and support to your cat, and remember that they are not doing this to spite you!
This article is accurate and true to the best of the authorâs knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Soft Beds And Cat Pee
What is it about our bed thats so attractive? How on earth can a clean, freshly made bed suddenly become a toilet? Why do cats pee on beds anyway? We are back to the mind of the cat.
In most cases, beds have a soft and plush yielding surface. This makes them perfect to sleep on, but it also makes them super comfortable underfoot. What a great place to pee! A five star toilet! One other thing about your bed, in the mind of your cat, is that your scent impregnates the bed. For insecure cats, this is wonderfully reassuring and makes them feel safe.
Think about it for a minute sometimes your cat pees on your bed because they love you. You make them feel safe! Thats the main reason why yelling at them can make it worse! Compare your bed to the tiny, shared litter box, next to a noisy washing machine, with uncomfortable litter. As far as your cat is concerned, its a no-brainer! Why not have a luxury pee!
She feel great relief when she can empty her full bladder in such a fantastic place. Pleased with herself, she might just choose the same spot the next time she gets the urge.
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Sometimes Stress Is The Culprit
Sometimes your cat’s e-meow-tional health is the reason why she pees on the bed. Stress or nervousness can lead to the annoying habit because she doesn’t feel secure, and the stress can be caused by a variety of reasons. Maybe you recently had a change in your home, like rearranging furniture, bringing home a baby, moving, or changing your work schedule. Maybe she’s stressed by your other pets or even other cats wandering around your yard at night.
Increasing her confidence can help decrease her stress and, hopefully, her spraying incidents. Start by giving her more “high places” to claim as her own, like cat trees and cat condos. Cats build confidence when they have a taller perspective on their world.
Play with her more so you can build your bond and expend some of her energy. Maybe start taking her outdoors once a day on a cat harness, so she has a new adventure that stimulates her mind. Try , or get out a feather wand and play every day. Keep this bonding time consistent, so she looks forward to it.
Finally, use Comfort Zone products to help reduce stress. The Comfort Zone team is dedicated to helping cats feel safe, happy, and calm using signals cats understand. Try the Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser or the Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Diffuser if you have more than one cat. Plug them into the rooms where your cat spends the most time. If your cat is on-the-go, snap a Comfort Zone Calming Collar on her so she’ll take those calm feelings wherever she roams.
Why Is My Cat Peeing On My Bed
One of the most annoying moments a cat owner might face is waking up to the smell of pee and realizing your cat peed on your bed while you were asleep. In some cases, your cat might even pee on the bed right in front of you! Of course, you immediately wonder why your cat is doing this. Don’t worry your cat isn’t urinating on your bed because he’s mad at you. Your cat might pee on your bed for a variety of reasons, and you’re not powerless to stop this frustrating problem.
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Solutions For Anxiety Stress Or Tension
Its not easy to identify the exact source which is causing your cat stress or anxiety. That is why it is essential to see a veterinarian before the problem worsens. It is not worth trying to be a detective if your cat is under stress.
Other than speaking with a vet or a cat behaviorist, you can try to close your bedroom door/keep your cat out of the bedroom while your gone.
Another option is to cover your comforter with a plastic tarp, which will be less tempting for your cat to pee on, and if the accident continues to occur, at least your comforter will not be soaked with cat urine afterward.
Hopefully, you will be able to target the source of the problem soon, however, until then, here is a great way to remove cat urine odor/stains out of your comforter, sheets, or mattress.
Your Cat Might Be Threatened With New Changes
New changes in your cats routine or environment can threaten your cat and make it feel scared and anxious. The anxiety may prompt your cat to pee in other areas besides the litter box in a way to communicate with you. A move, a new baby, or a new family member could cause your cats world to turn upside down, making your cat feel threatened with new changes.
Your cat might also be jealous of the attention you give to a new cat you recently adopted.
One way to curb this behavior is to give your cat your undivided attention and keep changes to a minimum. Try feeding your cat at the same time every day or cleaning the litter box around the same time daily as well. By keeping the same routine for your cat, you show it that everything is okay and that they can count on their basic needs being met.
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Where To Put Your Cats Litter Box
When looking for the perfect place, choose somewhere thats private and away from busy areas and noisy machines. Avoid placing an open litter box next to a window or cat flap, so that your cat doesnt feel threatened by the presence of other cats.
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If you have more than one box, its best to resist the temptation to place them side by side, as your cat will simply view them as a single latrine.
Finally, make sure the box is well away from your cats food and water. Like humans, cats prefer not to eat food placed next to a toilet!
Weve found the perfect place, so what about the perfect litter box. Is there even such a thing?
Is This A Case For A Cat Behavioural Therapist
Sometimes it requires some intuition to get to the bottom of this unpleasant behaviour. We can easily overlook small changes that are of little importance to us. However, for your cat these could be a trigger for suddenly going to the toilet in your bed. Try to empathise with your cat and pay close attention to the signals it gives off. Your cat needs you during this time and it will greatly appreciate the extra attention. Make relaxation a priority and avoid anything that could make your stressed cat even more unsettled. Sometimes the problem will resolve itself after a while. If your cat continues to use your bed as its toilet and you cant get the problem under control yourself, you should absolutely get advice from an expert. There are cat behavioural therapists who can help you and your cat in this situation. This way you will be able to live together without any worries!
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Why Is Your Cat Peeing On Your Bed
While many believe that the main reason cats pee on the bed is primarily because theyre trying to be their sassy selves, this is usually not the case. There are a plethora of reasons as to why your cat has picked up this unsightly behavior. Whether its related to medical issues or not, it is a serious problem that should be stopped. First, however, you have to get to the root cause of the behavior. Some of the most common causes include:
Reason #: No Sense Of Privacy
Believe it or not, your cat still wants a bit of privacy and quiet when he or she needs to go to the toilet. Putting your cat’s kitty litter box in place in your house where there’s a lot of traffic passing through is a recipe for disaster.
What to do about it:
Put your cats kitty litter box in a place thats quiet and offers your cat some privacy. At the same time, the area should also give your cat easy access in and out of the box.Buying more than one kitty litter box may sound a bit extravagant, but this is another effective way to get your cat to stop pooping on your bed. By giving your cat with many options, your cat will be able to choose where he or she is most comfortable that he or she will forget about your bed.
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Your Cat Might Be Stressed
If your cat is not used to your husband, he could pee on his side of the bed out of stress.
It is a fact that anxiety and stress can make the cat change her peeing habit.
Instead of using the litter box, your cat might opt to pee on the bed.
You can try getting your husband to spend more time with the cat and that might help relieve him of the stress and anxiety.
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Why Is My Cat Suddenly Peeing On My Furniture
Medical evaluation and intercession is required when a cat suddenly eliminates outside the litter box since there may be several medical reasons causing abrupt peeing on fixtures.
Acute stress thanks to unexpected event or threat are often a significant contributing cause while emotional distress or nervousness from seeing an owner pack to travel can trigger unexpected elimination.
Heath, I. R. . Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare. St Louis, MO: Elsevier. Pg 337, 355-358, Retrieved June 24, 2021
Heath, S. . Unacceptable indoor elimination. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21, 199-208. Retrieved June 20, 2021
Moore, A. . Why Cats Mask Their Pain. In A. Moore, Cat Behavior Book . Retrieved June 26, 2021
Workman, M. K. . Feline Inappropriate Elimination Disorder: House-Soiling. USA. Retrieved June 24, 2021
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Make Sure The Litter Box Itself Isnt The Problem
Its time to do a thorough evaluation of the litter box conditions. Lets start with cleanliness. How often is the box getting scooped? It should be checked and scooped at least twice daily. It can be very stressful for a cat to have to deal with a dirty litter box. When I do consultations I come across many clients who are shocked to learn that scooping every other day isnt adequate. Imagine if your toilet only got flushed every other day. It wouldnt be pleasant, would it? For cats, the need for a clean toileting area is also rooted in survival. They eliminate away from their nesting area and then cover their waste so it doesnt attract predators. Indoor cats retain this same instinct. A dirty, smelly litter box becomes a neon sign advertising to predators. The box should be scooped twice daily and then the litter should be completely dumped and the box scrubbed on a monthly basis. If youre not using scoopable litter then the scrubbing schedule will have to be more frequent.