Wth Cat Peeing On Dog Bed
One of my cats will NOT stop peeing on the dogs bed. I have to wash it 2xa week, and alternate with a blanket .
GOt home from work today, nothing on the bed. Took the dog out, and BOOM. He peed on her bed.
Cant deal with this AT ALL. Im ready to get rid of the cat-my house reaks of cat piss and its ready to make me vomit.He does this periodicallysome times hell do it in a corner , then nothing for months, but the dog bed thing seems to be defiance or some kind of dominance thing?
Im pregnant and cannot deal with my own house right now. I feel really bad, but I cannot deal with the smell and if the cat pees in the babies anything when he/she comes, I will definitely choke the cat .
Getting a little nervy and hormonal over this. Help me not kill the cat.
Take the cat to the vet. Inappropriate urination is a HUGE warning sign for urinary issues: infection, crystals, stones or cystitis.
Vet check is in order. Cats do not do this type of thing to be spiteful. They do this to alert you that there is a problem. Its a request for help. And the odds of rehoming a cat with untreated pee problems are nil.
Usually a sign of a urinary tract infection or crystals in the urine. Have you ever had a bladder infection or UTI? It is very painful. Please take the poor fellow to the vet.
Yes, they DO do it to be spitefulor at least mark territory.
Despite the fact they were both vet checked , had 3 clean litter boxes, none of the other cats were beating up on them, etc.
Why Is My Cat Peeing On The Bed
Discovering you’re lying on sheets soaked in cat pee may be the only time you’ve been awake in bed and wished you were having a nightmare. But, alas, cat urination on your mattress is one of those dilemmas that some pet parents deal with.
As you might expect, a cat micturating on your bed is sometimes due to a medical problem.
“If a cat is urinating out of the litter box, problems like bladder stones and a bladder infection, both of which cause severe inflammation and an urge to urinate, should be ruled out,” says Adam Eatroff, DVM, DACVIM, staff internist and nephrologist and the director of the hemodialysis unit at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals, based in Los Angeles.
But while it might be a biological problem, says Dr. Eatroff, cats usually pee on a bed due to an issue that is rooted in anxiety and stress, which can affect several hormonal and chemical balances in the body. This is commonly referred to as idiopathic cystitis that is, inflammation of the bladder with an unknown cause.
“Idiopathic cystitis is likely caused by hormonal imbalances and is best prevented by reducing stress in the environment,” said Dr. Eatroff.
First, see your vet to make sure your cat is not suffering from an infection of the bladder or urinary tract. If your cat gets a clean bill of health and is still peeing on the bed, here are five possible reasons why your cat is using your bed as a litter box.
Finding Comfort On Your Comforter
Some cats urinate on their owners beds if the owners work long hours or travel. Sometimes the inappropriate episodes occur either when an owner is out of the house or out of town, or the cat may wait until the owner returns home. It is a cat’s way of communicating how unhappy or stressed he has been over your absence. Sometimes a cat may urinate on the side of the bed of the person with whom the cat has a conflict. I have seen this occur when an owner brings home a new partner or a housemate moves in and the cat is not immediately accepting of the new person in his life. Sometimes a move may be a catalyst for urinating on the bed. These various scenarios may be stressful for the cat, and the cat may want to intermingle his own scent with the owners scent on the bed. It is important to remember that the cat is not being spiteful if this happens it is simply that the intermingling of these odors may prove comforting to the cat. Because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing the cat’s anxiety, it’s important to work with a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist to identify the cause and determine the correct steps to help remedy the situation.
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Preventing The Cat From Peeing On The Dog Bed
When you are trying to find ways how to stop your cat from peeing on the dog bed, you might realize that dog beds and litter boxes are actually somewhat similar, especially to a cat that doesnt know any better. They are both rectangular, sit on the floor, and are usually close to the same size . In the eyes of a human, the difference is obvious but this is less so for cats.
Consider moving the dogs bed to a place where the cat is not going to think that it is a litter box, such as on the bed or elevated. Also, consider getting a bed that is a different shape or style than a traditional dog bed.
This will reduce the chances that your cat will still confuse it with a litter box. There are many dog beds that have a similar appearance to cots that are also heated. You can also get blankets for your dog if you worry about the comfort of the bed.
However, if you have a relatively old dog that cannot move properly, you will need to consider your options again. Sometimes cats might use the dog bed as a litter box because dog beds are often in a secluded area. Your cat might be looking for a place where it feels more comfortable relieving itself. This might be due to the fact that it does not like its litter box. There are a few different things that your cat might not like about its litter box.
Why Does My Cat Urinate On The Dogs Bed
Cats tend to mark their territory outside the litter box, be it on the carpet, in hidden corners or indeed on the dogs bed. Adding to the stench are the powerful hormones that cats eliminate when they pee. Unless male cats are neutered, their urine signals other males to stay away and lets females know theyre around.
Also Check: How To Keep Cats Off Outdoor Furniture
The Final Word On A Cat Peeing On The Bed Couch Or Other Elevated Surfaces
With a cat peeing on the bed or other similar surfaces, the cat is sending a clear message that there is a potentially serious problem. Although frustrating, never punish the cat for the behavior. Instead, identify the reasons for the behavior and address them. If you cant resolve the problem, then get help from a qualified expert certified in behavior.
Thumbnail: Photography Rommel Canlas / Shutterstock.
This piece was originally published in 2016.
Make The Litter Box Likeable
Help your cat to like their litter box. If your cat does not like where the litter box is located, the size of said box, the type of litter inside of it, or its state of cleanliness, they are more likely to find an alternate place to go.
If you are too busy to scoop daily, I would suggest the use of a good automatic scooping litter pan, like the PetSafe Simply Clean Automatic Litter Box. Its also important to put the box in a quiet place away from where Fido sleeps or the kids play. If your cat is still reluctant to use it, a sprinkling of Dr. Elseys Precious Cat Ultra Litter Attractant might do the trick.
Once you help your cat to become the cool cat they used to be, before started peeing on your bed, you two will once again be snuggling together high and dry at bedtime!
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Fighting Like Cat And Dog
If anxiety is at the root of the issue, there are a number of steps you can take. Things are trickier if the dog and cat were not introduced properly , but you can still improve the situation. Some cats really struggle to cope with dogs. My British Shorthair and American Shorthair get on famously with my friends pooches when they visit, but my poor little rescue kitty runs off and hides.
One of my friends solved her pet incompatibility problems by making sure that the cat had several bolt-holes where the dog couldnt go. She installed a cat-flap in the bathroom door, so the cat could get in and the dog could not. She also set up several high cat perches that were inaccessible to the dog. Being able to get out of the dogs range made the cat much less nervous and gave back a sense of control.
Keep an eye on the dog when hes around your cat. Dogs can be aggressive towards smaller animals. More amiable dogs can be a bit full-on and over-friendly for the more reserved feline, who can rapidly become a bundle of nerves.
In general, make sure your cat has plenty of spots where he can feel safe and in control. High perches, cat habitats that the dog cant access, rooms that are dog-free zones all of these can help.
Why Do Cats Pee On Your Pillow
It might not make you feel better at the moment you find cat pee on your pillow, but when you have calmed down and can step away for a moment, think of this: one of the reasons your cat has chosen your pillow as a toilet is that it smells like you. When she is hurt or scared, she may be seeking your scent for comfort.
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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?
Understanding Your Cat’s Basic Needs
Cats are creatures of comfort, and if their routine suddenly changes or they find themselves under an unusual amount of stress, this can result in that nervous energy showing up on your sheets. “Cats have three essential needs: safety, security and stimulation,” K.C. Theisen, former director of pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States, told The Dodo. “Safety is that they are not threatened or harassed, and have easy access to fresh food, clean water and shelter.”
“Security means they can get away from people or things they don’t like, can get to elevated hiding places and have a routine they can count on in the home,” she added. Stimulation reflects a cats need to be a predator, and chase and hunt toys in the home. A cat who cannot express their natural behaviors or is bored may act out inappropriately.
The good news, Theisen said, is once you attend to these needs, unwanted behaviors often go away.
What this means is that if youre able to pinpoint the need that isnt being met for your cat, youll be able to make the change that can help your cat feel like himself again.
Here are some of the most common:
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Insufficient Number Of Litter Boxes
In the case that you have several cats, one of them may choose the dog bed because there aren’t enough litter boxes to go around. The rule of thumb is to always keep the number of litter box larger the number of cats by one. Clean the boxes on a daily basis since if they got too dirty, there is a good chance that your cat would not use them. Similar to human, most cats prioritize privacy and prefer to take care of their business in a relatively secluded location. Remember that when it comes to placing the litter boxes for your cats, you probably have to experiment a bit while finding the perfect location.
Do Cats Pee On Bed Out Of Spite
Cats begin urinating outside the box as a response to something that is wrong, either with them or their environment. It is not just them u201cbehaving badlyu201d and cats don’t urinate inappropriately out of u201cspiteu201d. Some cats can also have microscopic crystals in their bladders that can cause irritation.
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My Cat Peed In Her New Bed
However, what if your well house-trained cat pees on the cat bed youve just bought for her. How ungrateful after you went to all that time and effort. But, just think for a moment. Are you sure she even knows its a bed?
Perhaps she actually thinks that it is a new toilet. Its the best toilet ever because it is so soft and comfortable underfoot. How delightful! In our human minds, we know the difference between a litter box and a cat bed! In a cats mind, things are different. She cant read the label, after all!
Its actually pretty logical when you think about it. Many traditional cat beds are roughly the same size and shape as a litter box. Like litter trays, they may be enclosed or semi-enclosed.
If she pees or poops in it once, and the bed remains in the same place, she will see it as an extension to her existing toilet facilities. In other words, she will continue to use it. Really, the only way to change that is washing the bed and moving it. We will give you some great advice on getting rid of the smell later. Now, lets look at the dog bed. What did the poor old pooch do to deserve cat pee in his bed?
How To Get Rid Of Cat Wee On Your Dog Bed
It is a question we are quite often asked here at Tuffies. Our cat has urinated on the dog bed, how do we get rid of the smell!
The problem with cat urine is that it only really gives a bad smell when it is left unnoticed. Cats tend to mark their territory outside the litter box, be it on the carpet, in hidden corners or indeed on the dogs bed. After a while, the bacteria in the urine decomposes and gives off an ammonia-like odor. Older animals have kidneys that have lost some of their efficiency and, as a consequence, older animals tend to have the worst smelling urine. Adding to the stench are the powerful hormones that cats eliminate when they pee. Unless male cats are neutered, their urine signals other males to stay away and lets females know theyre around.
So here we have the Tuffies top tip guide to eliminating cat wee!
Heres a good homemade solution: mix a water and vinegar solution. Vinegar is great for killing bacteria. This mixture is perfect for both old and new stains. Try 1 of warm water and a 1 cup of vinegar. Pour this concoction over the stain on the dog bed and soak for about 3 to 5 minutes. Theres nothing like good all-purpose baking soda. After the water and vinegar solution is dry, sprinkle the area with baking soda. How much is enough? A lot. Once the spots good and dry, vacuum the excess baking soda. If the stain is extremely tough, repeat the entire process again.
What not to use on cat wee.
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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.
Your Cat Might Have Separation Anxiety
Kitties are not socially solitary they often form close attachments with people and other animals. Sensitive kitties can become anxious when their favorite person is away from them for an extended period of time. These cats might respond to the absence by peeing on the bed or the couch that is saturated with their humans scent. Theyre mingling their own scents with that of their beloved.
Although , there are steps you can take that will help your cat feel more secure when left alone. These include enlisting someone to either stay with your cat or visit at least twice a day. During their visits they should interact with her, doing activities she enjoys, such as play and maybe grooming. Your scent can help your kitty feel like she hasnt been abandoned. Before leaving, place small towels and other articles of clothing that have your scent on them in sealable plastic bags one for each day youll be away. Your cat sitter needs to put one new scented item out every day for your cat.
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