You pull back the duvet and find a wet patch. Your cat has peed on the bed, again. It is upsetting and it is easy to take personally. But cat researchers and vets agree on one thing: your cat is not doing it to punish you. Peeing on a bed is usually a sign of a medical problem or stress, and the bed is chosen for a reason.
First: when it is an emergency
Why cats pee on beds
Medical problems
Veterinarian Dr Hannah Hart, writing for PetMD, lists urinary stones and crystals, urinary tract infections, incontinence, kidney disease, diabetes (diabetic cats need to pee more often and may use the bed if it is urgent), arthritis, cognitive dysfunction in older cats, and rarely bladder tumours. The Conversation article adds that feline idiopathic cystitis affects about 2 to 4% of cats worldwide, and stress increases the risk.
Stress
Moving house, a new or lost household member, building work, loud noises, a new cat nearby, or a visiting dog can all trigger it, according to both sources. Chronic stress in multi-cat homes or homes with a dog also plays a part.
The litter tray
The Conversation authors list litter that hurts the paws or is too deep, a tray that is too small or too covered, or one placed where the cat is easily disturbed. Dr Hart adds a box too close to food and water, or in a noisy spot.
Why the bed?
The Conversation authors explain that a cat in discomfort may pee somewhere it feels safe, such as your bed, clothes or rug, possibly because it smells like you. Dr Hart notes that a bed is soft, quiet and open, and that cats with bladder pain may seek out a soft surface.
What to do
- Book a vet visit. The Conversation authors say your first instinct when a cat pees somewhere odd should be to contact your vet, and Dr Hart notes medical causes are handled with your vet’s help.
- Clean with an enzymatic cleaner. Dr Hart advises spraying the area with an enzymatic product before washing the bedding, so the smell does not draw your cat back.
- Close the bedroom door for now. Making the bed unavailable, as Dr Hart suggests, breaks the habit while you fix the cause.
- Fix the trays. One per cat plus one extra, unscented litter, scooped regularly, in quiet private spots away from food and water. Try a bigger tray, a different litter, or removing the cover. Older cats with arthritis need low sides. Our guides on covered vs uncovered litter boxes and a cat that stopped using the box after a litter change go into detail.
- Keep a log. The Conversation authors suggest noting each accident and what happened that day, to find patterns.
- Reduce stress. Dr Hart mentions calming products and, for some cats, medication your vet may discuss.
- Do not take it personally. Both sources stress that your cat is not peeing out of anger or to punish you.
If your cat has also started lying in the litter tray, read why a cat sleeps in the litter box. For older cats with other changes, see why old cats yowl at night.
FAQ
Why is my cat peeing on my bed?
Usually because of a medical problem, such as cystitis, a urinary infection, kidney disease, diabetes or arthritis, or because of stress or a litter tray problem. Cats choose beds because they are soft, quiet and smell of you.
Is my cat peeing on my bed out of spite?
No. Vets and cat researchers agree cats do not pee to punish their owners.
When is it an emergency?
If your cat is straining in the tray and producing little or no urine. See a vet straight away.
How do I get the smell out?
Use an enzymatic cleaner before washing the bedding, so the smell does not attract your cat back.
How many litter trays do I need?
One per cat plus one extra, in quiet private places.
Sources
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
