Why does my cat pee on my bed?

Answer 1

Hi Joey...if this is something that recently developed, first consider all the possibilities such as:
- changes with litter brands
- location of the litter box isn't private enough
- some cats like to have one box to defecate and another to urinate
- cleanliness (some cats are very finicky and prefer a super clean box)
- as a general rule there should be one litter box for each cat plus one extra as a back up
- kittens who are over 5-7 months can become sexually mature and urine spray as well as defecate inappropriately to mark territory.
- senior cats develop age-related disorders such as chronic renal failure (CRF), hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.

If all these have been ruled out, there's a chance that your cat may have developed another underlying medical problem such as something as simple as a lower urinary tract disorder: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_feline_lower_urinary_tract_dis.html which can contribute to accidents outside of the box. Cats will associate pain while using box and change their habits as a result.

Here's an article about why cats inappropriately soil outside their litter box by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/Housesoiling.html

House soiling is the most common behavior problem reported by cat owners. It includes urination and/or defecation outside the litter box, as well as urine spraying.

Why do cats eliminate outside of the litter box?
One common misconception is that cats soil in inappropriate places for revenge. It is tempting to conclude, "He defecated on the living room carpet to punish me for leaving him for the weekend." But this kind of calculation requires sophisticated cognitive abilities that cats aren't believed to possess. Furthermore, this conclusion assumes that cats view their urine and feces as distasteful, when in fact they do not. It is only we humans who view it that way.

Medical Problems
So why do cats urinate or defecate on your bed or carpet? Medical problems are one possibility. Inflammation of the urinary tract may cause painful or frequent urination, inability to urinate, bloody urine, and crying during urination. An affected cat is likely to eliminate outside the litter box if he comes to associate the box with painful urination, or if he has an increased urgency to urinate. In addition, kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases often lead to increased drinking and urination. Inflammation of the colon or rectum, intestinal tract tumors, intestinal parasites, and other gastrointestinal conditions may cause painful defecation, increased frequency or urgency to defecate, and decreased control of defecation. Age-related diseases that interfere with a cat's mobility (for example, arthritis, nervous system disorders, or muscular diseases), or with his cognitive functions can also influence his ability to get to the litter box in time. In short, any medical condition that interferes with a cat's normal elimination behavior can lead to house soiling.

Litter Box Aversions
Behavioral problems, such as litter box aversions, inappropriate site preferences, or urine spraying can also lead to house soiling. An aversion implies that there is something about the litter box that your cat finds unsavory. It could be the box, the litter, the location of the box, or all three.

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Answer 2

One of my cats used to do that. It was VERY frustrating to deal with, but with a little patience, it can be solved. An important note: No matter how frustrated you may get with your cat for doing this, DO NOT punish or yell at your cat, or it will only increase the cat's stress level and make the problem more likely to continue.

Your first step should be to take it to the veterinarian to get a urine sample & make sure your cat is healthy. Behavioral remedies are useless if the cat has a urinary health issue.

In addition to the great suggestions by Seattle and others above, what solved the problem for my cat was a combination of these tactics:

1) Treat your mattress with an enzyme cleaner specifically formulated for cat urine. They are available at most pet stores. Make sure to THOROUGHLY soak the affected areas - it will take several days for the mattress to dry afterward. Or, you can replace your mattress.

2) Once your mattress is thoroughly dry, buy a waterproof mattress cover to protect it in case of future lapses.

3) Place a waterproof tarp over your made-up bed when it is not in use. If your cat tries to pee on that it will not only protect your bedding, but it will pool where the cat pees & will discourage the cat from going there again.

4) Get an extra litterbox, and keep both immaculate. Make sure the boxes are large enough for the cat to move around in comfortably. Many store-bought litterboxes are too small - go for a jumbo box, or buy an 18-gallon plastic tote to use instead, and cut a hole in the side for the cat to step in. Try using Dr. Elsey's 'Cat Attract' cat litter in the box. Don't use scented products to clean it, or scented air fresheners in the vicinity of the box. http://www.catinfo.org/litterbox.htm

5) Try using a Feliway Comfort Zone diffuser to calm your cat if it is urinating because of stress (which is what I think motivated my cat to pee on the bed). http://www.comfortzoneforpets.com/

6) Set aside a scheduled time every day to interact with your cat and play with it - if you have mulitple cats, put the others somewhere else during this time - this is special one-on-one time for your cat. Here's an article on the importance of play therapy: http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=playtherapyforcats

With time and patience, the cat should calm down and become trustworthy again, and you can remove the tarp from your bed. But remember that since your cat has this tendency, any time your routine is disrupted or things around the house become stressful, you should put the tarp back on or restrict the cat's access to the bedroom to prevent problems from reoccurring.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Previous poster listed a lot of good information, but remember one important thing.

Once a cat (or dog for that matter) has urinated in the house then that place smells like its toilet and it will urinate their again unless you get rid of the smell and that can be really tricky particularly on a bed where the urine can seap into the bedding or mattress.

You'll need to launder the bedding thoroughly and maybe even change the mattress.. then stop your cat going in the bedroom and make sure it learns that it's toilet is some where else... the litter box or out in the garden.

Answer 4

Hi there! Well, it could be a number of different reasons. One could be that the littebox isn't clean enough. Cats are very picky when it comes to this. Scoop out the box twice a day and once a week empty it out completely, wash it, and put all new litter in it. Did you change brands of litter? If you did, that could be it too. If your cat doesn't like where the box is, he may not use it. For example, if you have the box close to your washing machine, it may be scared to go in it if you have your machine running and it's making alot of noise. Another thing could be if your cat has a urinary tract infection. If that's the case, things could get bad for your cat. You might want to take him to the vet to get him checked out.

Answer 5

Maybe your bed smells, Have you ever thought of getting a new bed?

Answer 6

I had that happen once, the litter was full...
My cousin's cat did that contantly at one point and she had to have it put down. It wouldnt quit. Vet says he was sick...and not happy.

Answer 7

If u havent had your cat fixed then it is more than likely sprayin on the bed.. sometimes its a behavioral problem.. i

Answer 8

bc it does not know how to use a cat box! u should do somthing about it..

Answer 9

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

Answer 10

what did the vet say?