Why is My Cat Peeing in the House and How Can I Stop Them?

A question many cat owners have at some point is, “Why is my cat peeing outside the litterbox?” Unfortunately, there are several possible answers to this question, and it may take some time to figure out the right one.

Once cat owners discover the underlying reason for their cats peeing in their houses, though, fixing the issue should be simple since there are a few different ways to stop this behavior. Here are some of the most common reasons for a cat peeing in the house, and how to stop it.

Common Behavioral Reasons for a Cat to Pee in the House

In most cases, the reason the cat is peeing in the house is that he or she is reacting to a situation. For example, moving to a new house or getting a new pet can change the cat’s behavior for the worse. Plus, cats often mark their territory when they think they’re being threatened by another animal, so this could be the reason.

Cats who have not been neutered or spayed yet mark their territory, as well. Once they have peed in the same spot a few times, they’re likely to return to do it again and again because it’s become a habit. As long as the spot smells like urine, they’ll continue to think it’s the right place to pee.

Medical Reasons That May Explain a Cat Peeing in the House

If the cat is peeing in the house despite no new changes in the living situation, it’s a good idea to take him or her to the vet. That’s because certain medical conditions can lead to the cat peeing outside the litter box. For instance, a UTI can make cats pee small amounts at a time, often wherever they are in the house.

Feline interstitial cystitis is another medical problem that can cause cats to not be able to make it to the little box in time to pee.

Additionally, bladder stones may be the reason for the cat peeing in the house, especially if he or she seems to be in pain and has a tender belly.

How to Stop a Cat from Peeing on the Carpet

In most cases, if the issue is related to the cat’s health, just getting him or her medical treatment will stop the cat from peeing on the carpet or elsewhere in the house. If this habit is related to behavior, addressing the issue will help. For instance, if the cat is peeing in the house due to a new pet or new home, the issue should stop over time once he or she gets used to the changes.

Ensuring that each pet has his or her own separate place to pee–such as different litter boxes–should help. Make sure the litter box is in a convenient location near where the cat spends the most time, and clean it frequently so the cat feels comfortable getting in it to pee.

Meanwhile, cat owners can make sure their cat stops peeing in the same spot by cleaning the area thoroughly. Once the cat can no longer smell the pee from before, he or she should stop urinating there. Finding an enzymatic cleaning solution for the carpet will help get rid of the smell for good. It may be necessary to block off the spot for a few weeks to ensure the cleaning solution has time to work without the cat continuing to pee there. For instance, if the cat is peeing in bed, don’t let the feline near your bedroom.

Following these tips should help any cat owner stop wondering, “Why is my cat peeing on everything?” Instead, they can reap the benefits of having a cat without having to constantly clean up after him or her!