My cat is peeing everywhere – help!
This behavior can be incredibly frustrating, but it's important to identify the root cause in order to solve the issue properly.
On your couch, on furniture, in your bed or even in your plants – your cat may spare no corner of your home. Don’t worry – it’s a common problem that can often be resolved with a few simple tips.
Why is my cat peeing all over the house – except in the litter box?
Cats are known for being very clean animals. Still, sometimes your furry friend might start urinating all over your home.
Before looking for a solution, let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
1: “My cat is doing it out of revenge”
Revenge is a human concept – cats don’t act this way out of spite. If your cat is peeing outside the litter box, it’s not your fault.
2: “Repellents help with cat pee”
Cats have a very strong sense of smell and like environments that smell familiar. Spraying essential oils, bleach, vinegar or other repellents will likely cause your cat to pee there again – trying to restore their scent.
3: “The litter box must always be super clean”
Cats are picky – and each cat is different. A dirty litter box can certainly discourage use. Scoop out urine and feces regularly. A full cleaning once a week is usually enough.
You can find more advice on choosing the right litter box in our full guide.
4: “My cat needs privacy”
We often anthropomorphize our pets – but cats don’t have a concept of “privacy.” Their litter box doesn’t need to be hidden, just easily accessible.
Before assuming it’s a behavioral issue, consult your vet to rule out any medical problems. Urinary tract infections or other illnesses could explain a sudden loss of bladder control.
If the problem isn’t medical, it’s likely behavioral.
Litter box issues vs. urine marking
Litter box issues
Your cat urinates on horizontal surfaces like the floor, bed, or couch.
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Check the litter box – is it clean enough?
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Clean and remove all traces of urine from the affected areas. Cats may return to spots that smell like their own scent.
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Avoid cleaning with bleach – the smell actually attracts cats! Use white vinegar instead.
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You can clean the litter box itself with bleach – it can help encourage use.
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In multi-cat households, each cat should have their own litter box. The scent of another cat may be a deterrent.
If your cat continues peeing outside the box despite being neutered, stress might be the cause.
Ask yourself: Has anything changed recently? A new baby? A new pet? A move? New furniture? Identifying the source of stress will help you resolve the issue.
Urine marking
Litter issues and urine marking are two distinct behaviors.
If your cat is not spayed or neutered, and is peeing on vertical surfaces like walls, table legs, or chairs, it’s most likely marking behavior. In that case, spaying or neutering is often the best solution.
Finally, don’t punish your cat for urine marking. For them, it’s completely natural and has nothing to do with defiance or revenge.
The sooner you understand the root cause, the easier it’ll be to resolve – and bring harmony back to your home.
Did you enjoy this article? Then check out our post: 10 signs that you have a cat at home.
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