There is a place and a function for everything. While litter boxes function as feline restrooms, sofas and beds are supposed to be for relaxing, sleeping and (if we’re lucky) cuddling cats. We expect to find cat urine in the litter boxes, not where we unwind and nap. But what about a cat peeing on the bed or couch?
Related: Keep It Clean: How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Stink and Stains
A cat peeing on the bed or couch isn’t purposely being naughty, nor is she seeking revenge. Cats urinating in the wrong places should never be punished — there are legitimate reasons for this behavior problem. A cat peeing on the bed sends a message to everyone in the household that there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my cat peeing on the bed?” or, “Why is my cat peeing on the couch?” we’ve found a few reasons and ways to help you alleviate the issues!
A cat peeing on the bed may have medical issues. Photo by Africa Studio / Shutterstock.
1. Your cat peeing on the bed or couch is a sign of a medical problem
Whenever your cat has a behavior challenge or exhibits a change in behavior, have her examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian. There are no exceptions to this rule, and this includes a cat peeing on the bed.
Many serious medical problems can cause cats to avoid using litter boxes. A short list includes urinary tract infections, diabetes and arthritis, as well as a host of other painful and serious conditions.
Elevated places, like beds, feel safer to cats. Photography ©Aksenovko | Thinkstock.
2. Urinating in high places feels safe to your cat
What do sofas, beds, chairs and counters have in common? They have surfaces that are higher than the floor and have good views. The elevation is perfect for kitties to identify and escape potential threats and stressors. Survival is a priority — it’s instinctual, cats naturally don’t want to be ambushed.
Sometimes, your cat peeing on the bed or the couch is telling you that these places feel safer than his litter box. It’s harder for other animals to corner and trap cats on elevated areas because the perpetrators are easily seen.
Some cats don’t like enclosed litter boxes. Photography ©amstockphoto | Thinkstock.
3. A cat peeing on the bed or couch indicates issues with the litter box itself
Sometimes, a cat peeing on the bed or couch is the cat parent’s fault. The cats just don’t feel safe using their litter boxes. From the feline point of view, the locations and types of boxes can be setups for other animals to corner and possibly trap them.
Depending on the stressors, people can help their kitties feel more secure as well as stop or prevent unwelcome behaviors like a cat peeing on the bed or couch by making a few simple changes to the litter boxes. Cats need choices — if one litter box doesn’t feel right, there needs to be others located throughout the home.
The litter box rule is one per cat and one for the household. If you have three cats, then your special felines need four litter boxes. The locations will make the difference between usage and avoidance. Place them in areas with good views where it would be challenging for other household animals to trap them. Avoid places such as closets, cabinets and small rooms.
The box itself makes a difference as well. Litter boxes need to be uncovered. Kitties can be trapped and ambushed in covered litter boxes. Other faux pas that can cause cats to avoid their boxes include providing them with litter boxes that are too small and not cleaning the litter boxes regularly.
Vertical territory helps cats feel safe. Photography © marima-design | Thinkstock.
4. Inappropriate urination might signal relationship issues
Mild as well as serious disputes with the other resident animals can cause issues like a cat peeing on the bed, couch or other inappropriate places. Cat fights often occur over status, territory and resources, and can occur when other animals are introduced too quickly into the household. Dogs can be a source of stress as well — some are serious threats, others chase or play too rough. The end result is often the same — a cat peeing on the bed, couch or other areas with good views that she can quickly vacate.
The situation needs to be evaluated — new cats should be separated and reintroduced gradually to the other resident animals. Most likely you will have to add more vertical territory — cat trees, shelves and other tall pieces of furniture that the cats can use.
One way kitties show their status is by where they sit in relationship to each other. These high places are also refuges from dogs and other threats. They should be at least five feet high. In addition to vertical territory, add scratching posts and horizontal scratchers. One way cats mark their territory is by scratching.
Separation anxiety can cause cats to pee on inappropriate objects like beds or couches. Photography ©skyblue16 | Thinkstock.
5. 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 human’s scent. They’re mingling their own scents with that of their beloved.
Although separation anxiety can be heartbreaking, 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 hasn’t 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 you’ll be away. Your cat sitter needs to put one new scented item out every day for your cat.
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 can’t 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.