Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have three cats and one of them is peeing inside, but I'm not too sure which one. How do I find out? It is peeing on the walls, kitchen bench, and dishes. It's peeing on everything and the house smells. Thanks!
By Kelly from Napier
If it is peeing on the walls and other upright surfaces, it is likely a male. Does that narrow it down? Sometimes neutering helps. However, if this is an already neutered or mature cat, and you don't have a female in heat, suddenly peeing in the house may be a sign of ill health, and it may be time for a trip to the vet.
I had this problem. The offender was even peeing on top of my microwave. I have 9 cats, as I take in rescues. I had to become a "pet detective". After I had fed all the cats in the morning they all did their usual thing and found a soft place to sleep. I wrote down where each of them was sleeping and watched to see who moved and noted down times.
Can you confine them to different rooms in the house for enough of a period of time for them to urinate? I have one cat who did that. She is 22 years old and I discovered that she couldn't get into the litter box. I put a tray in front of the litter box and put newspaper in and under it. Problem reasonable solved.
So we've been having a problem with my son's cat peeing all over my house. I have changed out his litter boxes and found a litter he will poo in, and added a box on every floor. I have bought pet enzyme sprays. I used vinegar and even bought Skunk Eeze. All of these items did get rid of the smell in my house, but they do not deter him at all. The minute a pair of shoes, bag, or any item really is left on the floor he will pee on it.
If he can't find anything to pee on he does it right in the middle of the floor. I have had to remove all of my rugs and mats and lock up our shoes. He's even gone as far as peeing on my bed. I need a permanent solution that will deter his peeing. I am having him neutered next week, but I want to be clear he is not spraying items he is urinating on them.Your cat is marking its territory continually.
From felway: Clean the affected area with Urine-AWAY. This removes the odor which can continue to draw the cat back to area to mark. Urine-AWAY is an odor and stain remover.
It sounds like maybe he got mad. Make sure you use the enzyme cleaner in all the spaces. Clean well all the litter boxes. Place them in the spots he has been using.
Our cat, Puffy, has been driving the entire family crazy with his peeing everywhere. We bought de-scenting sprays and special cleaners, which he ignored and re-marked all over the house. Some advice? I refuse neuter my cat.
Puffy may have a medical problem, (diabetes re peeing problem?) and need medical help now to help. However, if Puffy does not have a medical problem and you refuse to neuter him, you may have to live with his very natural peeing/marking behavior.
I had a cat that was rescued from our roof..one littermate was dead and 2 survivors..we raised them on a bottle. We gave one to a local community newspaper editor;s granddaughter and kept the other one. She lived 11 years...but before she died she began to pee outside the litterbox...and even stop to pee as she was hurrying to one of us that called her....as if she was unaware of just peeing in the carpet!
We brought in a stray kitten a few days ago and initially he seemed to have taken to the litter box well, he only attempted to poo outside of it once and we set him inside as he was going and the problem never reoccurred. However he never pees in the litter box, and he always seems to find a different spot to pee on, and it's always somewhere my boyfriend and I spend the most time (bed, in between the couch cushions). He even peed on my feet while I was sleeping the other night.
I know this is likely him marking, but is there anything (besides the old mouthwash and tinfoil trick) that can get him to finally start peeing in the litter box. We keep the one we have in the main bathroom downstairs, we're buying another today, but aren't sure where to put it. I'd like to keep a stinky litter box out of the kitchen, but our apartment is so small. Both bedrooms are upstairs. Thanks.
I would go for the litterbox in the kitchen. I pick mine twice a day and there is no odor. Get a good quality litter that is unscented. Perfume is a turn off for cats used to the outdoors. Search this site for ideas. There are a lot. I have heard of folks who restrict pets to a bathroom (Part of the day or at night) with their litterbox.
We had a male stray doing the same thing, even on our bed while we were in it.. We tried all the tricks, multiple litter boxes, changing food, interactive toys, sprays, everything! We finally assumed he needed to be neutered and took him to the vet, turns out he had a UTI. The vet informed us cats will pee in places where you spend the most time i.e. Bed, couch, kitchen in an attempt to try to get your attention and let you know something is wrong. You may want to take him to the vet and get him checked out just in case.
I have a 6 month old male cat who recently just started peeing on my daughter's bed, just outta the blue. I don't know what to do. Nothing has changed in the household and he also tries to escape outside all the time. I can't have him outside as I live in a campground and I can't afford to have him just peeing in places other then his litter box. I live in a small enclosed camper. Please help. Any information will be great. Thank you.
By Jordan
You do not state whether your cat is neutered. He is now six months old and, if not neutered, may be approaching the "looking for females" stage and wants to go outside. Neutering should significantly reduce his need to go outside.
Regarding his (or your!) urination problem. He may have a medical problem that hurts him when using the litter box-it may be too high for him to climb over without pain. Please take him to your vet immediately to clarify any possible medical problem and needed treatment. If he is healthy, your vet can help you help change your cat's pee habit.
First, neutering will probably help. Besides that, the problem may be stress related. Cats were not meant to live in very small, enclosed spaces all the time.
I have a female and male kitten, which are 6 month old. They pee everywhere, from my bed, to my couch, to the floor. Please help. I have an older female and I never had this much trouble with her. How can I stop this happening? They are indoor/outdoor cats and they now poop outside, but pee everywhere inside.
By Cath K.
Does anyone have any suggestions to help? We have 3 cats. The 2 youngest are brothers. The one has been peeing everywhere. We had him neutered, pay him extra attention, bought tons of cat toys and keep litter box clean. Is there anything else I can try?
By Marge M
I would try a trip to the Vet. You need to rule out a bladder infection. Another thing to consider is whether your cat feels threatened by other cats in the neighborhood. This can set off territorial marking.
In addition to Lizzy's excellent suggestions, are any of the other cats female? Even if the male(s) are neutered and the female(s) spayed, occasionally a neutered male will respond to the presence of even a spayed female by marking territory - which is what I'm thinking is happening from your description of his behaviours.
My 10 year old cat seems to be in pretty good health. For a while she was eating heaps and losing weight, after I wormed her, her eating returned to normal. About 3.5 years ago I had a baby. I noticed she peed on some towels I had on the laundry floor sorted to be washed. I put this down to behavioural issues. From then on it seemed to be only occasionally that she would pee on things on the floor.
By Sharona from Australia
My cat's over 6 years old and I have recently moved her with me to a new house with 2 other cats and she refuses to pee in the litter box. She will poop in it, but won't pee. She uses other places around the house, such as slippers and carpet. Anyone know of natural stuff I can put down that will discourage her from peeing there?
By Brandon P
The easiest thing and first line of defense is to put a box were she pees. She might use it. If she does, then over the next few months move it to a more convenient location. You need 2 boxes for 1 cat anyway.
You need to have one litter box for each cat and then one extra. This may help. It takes awhile for them to work out their territory arrangement. As for cleaning up, I use Natures Miracle an enzyme soak. You can get it at Petco. I also use Fizzion, which works extremely well on odor.
We have an older indoor cat. She usually uses the litter box. She seems to keep peeing in the same area on a rug in the dining room. I keep smelling that urine odor and have to treat that carpet area. Any ideas on how to break her of peeing there?
By ANNETTE from Cocoa Beach, FL
You probably still have cat urine in the carpet or the underpadding that isn't coming out. Cat urine is strong and the odor lingers too.
I had a cat that was peeing outside the box. I found a cat litter called "Attract", you can get it at pet stores, comes in a red bag, a little pricey, but it did the trick. The cat never peed outside the box again. I also used Walmart's "Out" products (in the pet department) for getting rid of the smell. So far so good.
Hope this helps.
My cat will poop in the litter box, but won't pee in it. What could be the matter?
By Lisa from San Antonio, TX
Usually this is an indication of a urinary tract infection. They think the litter particles are causing the pain they feel when they pee so they avoid it. You need to take kitty to the vet!
Yes, a trip to the vet is most likely warranted! I have seen this behavior in my cat, and I equate it to "a cry for help" to get your attention that something is wrong. It may be something as simple as needing a course of antibiotics.
My cats are 6 and 7 months old. They began peeing on stuff only when my boyfriend's daughter comes for the weekend. She has cats at her place as well. Please help, their litter is clean and everything. It's only when she is here.
I would suggest getting them both fixed. Otherwise when your daughter is there keep them in another room with their litter box. They must be smelling her cats and marking their territory. I have always fixed my cats right around 5 months. I've never had an issue like this before.
My cat is 4 years old and got neutered before he was 1. He has had 2 UTIs and 2 kidney stones in the past. His diet has been changed and he's so much better. Here's the thing, we moved into our new house last night. I showed him where his clean litterbox is and everything. Also, all of the flooring is brand new. But he keeps peeing everywhere, even on the tile flooring.
I know stress/change of environment could play a part, but I need to stop him from doing this. I did not get any sleep last night, he was coming in the bedroom, jumping on my bed and constantly meowing. But when I would get up, he would be fine. He's feeling okay, acting normal (other than the peeing), eating, etc. I have cleaned with enzymatic cleaner, all that. But he is literally peeing everywhere!
I think you kitty is having a hard time adjusting to the move. You need to eliminate a bladder infection as a cause of the problem, so get him to the Vet soon. It is a very likely possibility. Stress really can bring it on. The stress will diminish with time, and I'm sure he will improve. Some folks keep their cats confined to a room with a litterbox until things settle down a bit. It seems to help some cats. But be sure and get him to the Vet right away to be sure on the bladder infection. Good luck.
My 1 year old cat occasionally will pee in random places like on the couch, on a bed, on a rug, or on the carpet. He still does poop and pee in the litter box. I've tried all kinds of remedies and pheromones like Feliway and already had him checked at the vet clinic. I have no other cats. He's been moved to three different locations within my family and he does the same thing in every house he goes to. Sometimes it is everyday, sometimes just once a week.
What do I do?
My cat is peeing when he doesn't get his attention. He is an 8 year old Siamese, demanding and very routine. He pees on my husband's clothes if they are left on the floor and last night on his pillow that he dropped beside the bed.
When we go on holidays he will miss us very much and pee in the suit case or on something of ours to show us he is mad or upset. We usually keep a good routine, and when it's not that way he will even try to bite me to ask for what he wants. An example is when I don't get up in the morning for feeding at 6am he will scratch my feet, meow at my face, then bite me if my hand is out of the blanket.
I'm at my wits end. What can I do to stop these two problems, peeing and biting for attention?
By Debbie G.
My 1 year old female cat keeps peeing everywhere. We took her to the vet and they found nothing wrong so they put her on Prozac. It started helping, but now she's peeing everywhere again. What should I do?
By Caroline. S
Has she been spayed? If not do that right away. Have her checked for bladder infection or chronic cystitis. Is she disturbed by neighborhood cats she can see through the window or who come visiting? Does she have two litter boxes that are cleaned daily? Are they in places she is comfortable using them (a little privacy). Do you play with her daily? Cats don't get enough exercise by themselves. Is there excess tension in your home. If there is try to fix it. And lastly, have her checked for kidney disease and diabetes. Although these are older cat diseases, they can sometimes happen in younger cats.
My cat, Lilly, and my mom's cat, Chester don't get along very well. The two don't normally fight, unless Lilly gets close to Chester's kittens who are 3 weeks old. They both love our dog, Hunter.
Lilly has been peeing on Hunter's bed since she went into heat. Her first one with us (she was a street rescue and we just haven't gotten around to getting her spayed), was in the beginning of January (it's currently the ending of March), so, her heat schedule is normal. We will be getting her spayed after she is no longer in heat. Her swelling poses a risk. I think is too dangerous to do it now.
My question is, why is she peeing in the house? We have 3 litter boxes for the two cats to use, but Lilly still pees on the dog's bed.
By Cassie S.
This is a female territorial thing that will probably stop when you get the dog spayed.
My boyfriend has recently gotten two kittens. They are different ages. We were told the female is nine weeks old and that the male was six weeks old, but we believe he was about four weeks old. They use the litter box, but have started peeing on the beds, couches, and pulling anything to the ground to pee on it. How do we stop them doing this?
By Charlie
My cat pees in the bathroom sink whenever I shut my bedroom door at night. He is a hyper cat and doesn't really relax at night, so it's hard for me to sleep with him in the room. Whenever I shut my bedroom door for sleep, I will wake up to find that he has peed in the sink overnight. It's not the worst problem, I guess I would just like to know if you have any insight as to why he is doing this, and any suggestions as to how I can make him feel less angsty when I need my space. Thank you for any thoughts!
By Ivy L.
Have him checked out for a bladder infection. Cats with bladder infections often seek out a cool surface to urinate on. They tend to use tile floors and sinks.
What is a good remedy to stop my cat from peeing on my son's bed. I have my 2 boys in the same room and she continually pees on my one son's bed. Very frustrating otherwise she is a great cat. Any home remedy would be greatly appreciated! I had her at the vet this week to see if she had a UTI; all is good there and they said it's behavioral.
By Kelly
Can you leave their door closed or keep her out of it at least?
Can you place A second litter box where she is going?
Can you add citrus scent or vinegar scented clothes or scents... cats seem to dislike them both!
Can you leave stuff ON the bed so it doesn't climb onto it?
My cat did this ONCE and it was because she accidentally got closed into the room when we went out for the day...luckily it never happened again!!
I have 2 female cats who are not fixed (I will be rectifying that this Wednesday) who are both approximately 2-3 years old. One has been an indoor cat since she was 5 weeks old and the other has been an only indoor cat for the last 6 months since I have had her. For the last month or so both of them have been peeing on my and my children's beds, blankets, and pillows on the couches, clothing left on the floors, etc.
I have tried just about everything I can and can no longer afford this, the laundry alone is making me go broke! Will getting these two females fixed help this problem? Any other ideas of what I can do? I don't want to have to get rid of my cats. :(By Wolf O.
Hello!
I have 3 female cats and 1 male living indoors. The only cat that sometimes pee anywhere is the female cat that was neutralized when she was already 2 years old. The 2 female cats that were neutralized when just 8 month old are always using the litter box.
Still I think that to have your cat neutralized will help but as you say this happened very suddenly and as they seem to mainly pee on bed or clothes I think you could try to buy another brand of washing powder or softener as some chemical fragrances can be "agressive" from a cat point of view as it can recall them of the marking smells of an intruder cat on their territory.
Bleach or ammonia which is a componant commune to washing products and to urine are the tipical products that will make cats mark their territory but any product with a strong smell can make a cat pee to mark or defend a territory. When they are stressed they will "renew" the markings so it will also help to have the litter box or 2 litter boxes cleaned at least twice a day as the ammonia smell from the litter is also a stress for them.
Also check that the urine marks are not pink from blood traces (use a white litter for an easier checking for awhile) cats can also start peeing everywhere when they have a urinary problem but I am pretty sure that it comes from the washing products smell. This will take awhile as cats will still feel the smell when you will not feel it anymore.
So keep smiling and keep calm. Chasing them around and yelling will not help ( I know ! Done that ! ) as it will only increased the cats stress and they will pee even more. So remember that cats were created for man dream to cuddle a tiger. You would not yell at a tiger or chase it around ? would you ?
Hope this help !
Catherine
I have two 12 year old cats (liter mates). About once a week in the morning, I have found cat urine on the wood floor near the front door. They continue to use the litter box and it's only happening once a week and not the same day. I'm not sure how to stop it from happening. I've tried the peroxide/dish soap/baking soda mixture and will be trying the vingar/water mixture tonight. I know that there is a cat that wanders the neighborhood and walks through my yard a lot. Could he/she be the problem? Any suggestions will be helpful.
By Melissa A.
Assuming yours are neutered, it's probably the stray that's doing it. It's a male, unaltered, that's marking what he considers "his" territory. Try a fragrance cats hate, such as citrus oil, eucalyptus oil, or cinnamon oil.
First, clean it off with a pet urine remover (enzymatic) cleaner.
My cat of 11 years always pees outside of her litter box no matter what I do to keep it clean. She likes to go out and do it in another litter box on my terrace, but at the moment being cold I have to keep the door shut. I even brought her outside litter box inside, but it doesn't change her habit. Can any one let me know if they have the same problem and did they manage to solve it. Thank you in advance.
By Elizabeth
At 11 years old you cat may be having bladder or kidney problems. You should have a Vet check her out. If they are having pain while urinating they begin to associate the litter box with pain so they want to go somewhere else. That's where I would start. Good luck.
I have a 5 month(ish) old girl kitten She is not fixed. She pees/poops in her litter box, but she also pees wherever. And she has pooped once outside of the litterbox. Any suggestions on how to get her to only use the litterbox?
By Guy
Be sure and keep the litter box very clean. I scoop mine twice daily. I keep a small covered trash can next to the litter box. It is lined with plastic bags and I empty it weekly. The tight lid keeps any odors contained.
Some cats are very fastidious and wont use a soiled box. Have your cat spayed pretty soon. Some cats will come into heat at 6 months of age. Surging hormones (male and female) lead them to begin to mark territory.
Do NOT have your cat declawed. The extreme pain causes them avoid touching their paws on the cat litter. Declawed cats will then permanently avoid the litter box.
They also begin to shift their weight to avoid the pain and develop permanent arthritis. Try placing several litter boxes in calm private places through the house. Keep in mind some cats do not like covered litter boxes, so you can try different styles.
My cats like the plain old (cheap) open tray boxes best. Be prepared for accidents from time to time. It just goes with the territory. Keep some of the enzyme soak products (Natures Miracle) on hand when accidents cant be picked up or wiped up. It is a great cleaner as well as deodorizer.
I have a 3 year old Siamese and a 1 and a half year old Russian Blue. I have had them together over a year. They both have started to recently pee on the floor. It's random and not in the same place. If one pees there, then the other does also. What can I do to get them to stop?
By KaLee T. from Salt Lake City, UT
I would still have them checked out for UTI. One may have a UTI and the other one is peeing just because the other one has. Most cats with UTIs still use the litter box part of the time.
Are there any new cats in the neighborhood that they may be able to see (or hear) through the windows? That can be enough to set off their territorial behavoirs (marking). Sometimes outside cats will pee on your porch or near the front door and set them off. You may not be aware of it but the cats will smell it.
Those are the two things I thought of, but there are lots of good posts on this site if you do a search. Good luck.
I have an 11 year old cat named Noel. Not too long ago, I got another cat named Mortimer. Noel has since become jealous of Mort and has begun urinating in my daughter's bath tub. Now the plug part of the tub is corroded, and I can't figure out how to get it fixed.
Noel has also stopped using the litter box. She poops right next to it and has started urinating and pooping down the AC vent. When the AC kicks on, all you can smell is cat urine. I've tried to fix the smell with Febreze, etc. but nothing is working. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance!
By Jaci from MO
If you can get into the AC vent to clean it I suggest using Natures Miracle, available at most pet stores. If you can only pour the product into the vent after the "mistakes" that may improve things in time. Make sure you unplug the AC 1st, and are not wetting any electrical wiring or motors. Be sure it is dry before you start the AC up again. Putting the product in a spray bottle may help.
This is territorial behavior and very common in cats. Be sure you have many areas open to the cats so they can "claim" some territory for their own. Be sure they have access to window sills, top of dressers etc, so they can get up off the floor. It makes them feel secure and confident. Some folks attach shelves to the wall so the cats can climb. Cat trees help too. There is a spray product called Feliway that can be sprayed in a spot (daily or more) and a cat will not soil there again. It also calms cats. My male cat once sprayed in my toaster, I expect the AC smells about the same. I got a new toaster and watched him a lot more closely. Just time helps a lot too. Good luck with your kitties.
I have had two lovely Burmese boys just over 12 months now. They were originally inside for 6 months then went outside, but now because of where I live must stay inside. I do have a small outside pen, but can't leave them in there because of the rules in our complex. Anyway, one of them in particular has started peeing inside on the floor every single day now for over a month. I think he is stressed, but so am I. I'm close to letting them both go to a new home. I'm forever cleaning up. Please help.
By LadyRebelSailor from QLD, Australia
Since your cat is use to be outdoors, now he's an indoor cat, maybe the litter box confuses your pet? Wild guess. Call your vet and ask for suggestions. :)
Will removing the soiled carpet and replacing with new carpet stop my cat from urinating in my house?
By Sebrina from Atlanta, GA
No, it wont. That will just cost you money. My cat had the same problem. Take her to the vet she might have a UTI, my cat did. If the vet says nothing is wrong with her, she is doing it out of spite so get her a bigger litter box.
I just moved with my 2 cats (1 female, 1 male) and I want to stop them from marking the house, but I have no idea how. Any suggestions?
By Steph
My cat is well trained to use a human toilet, perfectly, for more than two months now, without any accident. I brought him to the vet who checked his blood 3 months ago, he was all healthy. But recently he started to pee in bed one time a day. After he pees in bed once, if he needs to use the bathroom again he would go to toilet.
By Wenjing
My 2 male cats are 4 years old and have been done, but since I had to move into my BF's mum's they have started peeing on the bed again. Their tray is kept clean as they get fed, watered, and sleep in the bedroom. They do it when you're in bed going to sleep. And when we are out after we cover the bed in plastic sheets they pull them off and pee. There is no UTI, as I keep an eye for that, as my female gets them now and again. Please can you help?
By Emma
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My cat is 3-5 years old and has been neutered. He's lived in a multiple cat household and done fine. Now, I live with two dogs and one other cat and my cat has been peeing on everything.
