How do I stop my cat from going to the bathroom on my bed?

Question

My cat is one year old (not neutered). He has peed on my bed three times already in the past four months (and some other places too). His litter box is always clean, but now he's not allowed in my bedroom at all. I can't figure out why he does this and I have no idea how to make him stop. Is it stress? Jealousy? Loneliness? Please help! I really want to keep him!

Answer 1

First, get him neutered. It's kind of late, and it probably won't fix the issue because he already has testosterone in his system, but it's better in the long run regardless if it fixes this problem.

Next, make sure he doesn't have any urinary tract problems. This is something your vet has to test for. Urinary infections, especially in male cats, can be life threatening. The reason cats with urinary infections pee in inappropriate places is because it hurts when they pee, and they start associating that pain with the litterbox, so they go elsewhere.

Cats urinating in inappropriate places is the number one reason people get rid of them. I hope you're committed to this cat, because it's a lot of work to change this behavior. Believe me, I have a cat who does the same thing, and it's a constant battle.

First, think about where he pees. On the bed (made or unmade?), in the dirty clothes, on a chair, maybe? Not to be gross, but is there any chance he smells human urine in any of these places? The laundry is obvious, but the other places are also possible (ever sit on the bed when you're getting dressed?).

Once he pees someplace, unless you COMPLETELY remove the smell (so HE can't smell it, and he has a much stronger sense of smell than you do), he will continue to pee there. It's been identified as an elimination spot. In order to clean it completely, you need to use a removal product that contains enzymes that will break down the odor. Some come with a black light so you can find them (just like on CSI). Clean every spot you can find, and wash the bedding using the enzyme cleaner. The stuff isn't cheap, but it's worth it.

Now that it's clean, start with the bed. My cat peed here, too, so I went out and got a cheap plastic mattress cover (like a fitted sheet). I put this over the bed first thing every morning, so even if he does pee on it, it's easier to clean up. Next, and THIS IS IMPORTANT, keep a small bag of cat food or treats that he really likes in your bedroom. Every morning, let him into your room and put some food on the bed. He will associate the bed with a place to eat, and he will not pee where he eats.

If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litterbox. In fact, even with one cat it's a good idea to have two litterboxes. The rule of thumb is a box for each cat, plus one. Clean it every day, without exception.

In extreme cases, medications can be used to change the cat's behavior, but I'd exhaust all other possibilities first.

Answer 2

you need to wash the bedding and your mattress with something that breaks down enzymmes like a product call O. or zero odor
You can find them at your local pet stores or online. Use a black light to find all the spots because if you miss even one, you will defeat the whole purpose. Then get ground up chili powder and sprinkle it in the few major spots where he goes ... what does this do? when he goes to that spot to pee, he will sniff it and the chili powder will burn his nose but not harm him. Warning when using this, you may want to test it on a small area and don't use it on white carpet because the red from the chili powder can leave a red tint, but I have three kitties and this worked for them. I also had my cats fixed.

Answer 3

The problem is that hes not fixed. Male cats spray their teritory. Also, for male and female cats--if their urine has soaked into your carpet or bedding, then they will continue to use the same spots over and over again. Dont waste your money on special cleaning products because they wont work. Get your cat fixed, and do what you can to replace what he has sprayed.

Answer 4

Yes, get him neutered and then wash everything. You can also try a product called Odoban. This can now be found at Wal~mart as well as Sam's Club.

Answer 5

Hi Yeh, I think if you get him neutered this will stop.Male cats just like dogs like to mark their territory.Have him neutered as soon as possible.then he will beable to sleep with you again.

Clowmy

Answer 6

Neutering might help.

This might help too:

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/Housesoiling.html

Answer 7

i read they do this if they have a urinary tract infection or there was a disruption in their routine, like a bath or change of some kind.