One of the more mystifying things that cats can do, is pee in all the wrong places. The reasons are never straightforward and can take some time to solve.
We’re here to talk to you about an important issue: the cat peeing on the dog’s bed. This is a problem that many pet owners face, and it can be frustrating and costly.
Let’s look at some of the reasons that the cat is peeing on the dog bed.
Why Would A Cat Pee On The Dog Bed?
The Cat Is Marking Its Territory
The cat may feel that the dog is encroaching on its territory, and urinating on the bed is a way of marking its territory.
When cats urine mark, they often do so on objects that are associated with another animal’s scent. By urinating on the dog’s bed, the cat may be trying to claim his territory and assert dominance over the dog.
The Cat Is Stressed Or Anxious
The cat may be feeling stressed or anxious, and urinating on the bed is a way of releasing that stress.
Cats are creatures of habit and routine. Any changes to their environment, no matter how small, can be a source of anxiety.
Some common reasons for cat anxiety include:
- Changes at home, a new pet or baby, renovations, or a move to a different property
- Changes in the daily routine of the family, such as a new job or school routine
- Changes in the cat’s routine, such as a change in diet or litter type. The pets, including the cat, are being cared for temporarily by someone different
- The death of a loved one.
Cats are also highly sensitive to environmental stimuli, so things like loud noises, strange smells, or even a change in the weather can cause anxiety and unusual behavior.
The Cat Has Medical or Health Problems
There are a few medical reasons for a cat peeing on dog beds or even on your bed.
A urinary tract infection, for example, can be extremely painful, and cats may associate the litter box with the pain they are feeling.
Kidney disease can also lead to changes in urine output, and cats may begin urinating in unusual places as their condition progresses.
Another possibility is that the cat has arthritis or another condition that makes it difficult to get in and out of the litter box. If the cat is elderly, cognitive decline may be a factor, as well.
If your cat is peeing on the dog bed, it’s important to get veterinary guidance to rule out any medical reasons.
The Cat Has A Problem With The Litter Box
In some cases, a cat may also urinate on a dog’s bed if the cat’s litter box is not clean enough. Cats are very clean animals, and they like a clean litter box.
If the litter box is dirty, a cat may avoid it altogether and urinate elsewhere and this could be anywhere including the dog bed.
Another reason for the cat peeing on the dog bed instead of the litter box is that the litter box may be located in an area that is too noisy or busy for the cat’s liking. A dirty litter box or one that is located in a stressful area (like next to the washing machine) can be a major turnoff for cats.
The cat may feel like it is being disturbed when it tries to use the litter box and so they look for a more private place to go. Hey presto, the dog’s bed looks like a good option.
Another point to consider is how many cats you have and how many litter boxes. Ideally, the number of litter boxes should match the number of cats.
If multiple cats are using the one litter box it may be difficult to keep the box clean enough. An additional litter box may solve the problem.
Have you changed the litter recently? A new or different type of litter can sometimes be the reason for litter box avoidance. A litter attractant may be helpful to lure your cat back to the litter box. The attractant can be sprinkled over any type of litter.
Other Reasons The Cat Pees On the Dog’s Bed
The cat may not have a designated bathroom area, so it may see the dog bed as an appropriate place to relieve itself.
Cats also tend to urinate in places where they have already relieved themselves. If the dog bed is located in an area where the cat typically uses the litter box, the cat may simply be confused about where it should go.
Peeing on the dog bed may be only part of the problem. Your cat may pee and poop in other unsatisfactory places, for example your bed, or the floor.
Stop Cat Peeing On My Dog’s Bed
Some cats prefer urinating on soft surfaces like beds. The warmth and comfort of a bed may make it irresistible to a cat looking for a place to relieve itself.
Things A Pet Owner Can Do!
Clean The Dog Bed Thoroughly To Remove The Smell Of Cat Urine
To clean the dog bed, you’ll need to remove all of the bedding and wash it in hot water with detergent. If the bedding is dry clean only, you can take it to a local dry cleaner.
Once the bedding is clean, you’ll need to treat the actual dog bed. If the dogs bed is made of fabric, you can soak it in a vinegar solution.
Clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. This will discourage your cat from revisiting that spot.
If the dog bed is made of wood or plastic, you’ll need to scrub it with a non-toxic cleaner. Make sure to rinse the bed thoroughly afterward.
Once it’s clean, let it air dry completely before putting fresh bedding on it.
Check The location of the cat bed
First, make sure that the cat bed is in a location where the cat feels safe. If the cat’s bed is in a busy area of the house, your cat may feel threatened and use urine to mark its territory. Try moving the cat’s bed to a quiet corner or another room altogether.
Cat Tree or cat perch
Provide an alternate place for your cat to sleep that is off-limits to dogs. This could be a cat tree, perch, or even a separate cat bed in another room.
If possible, give your cat more vertical space in the home by adding shelves or a climbing structure. Cats feel safer and more secure when they’re up high, so this may help to reduce stress levels and reduce the urge to mark their territory.
Consider using a spray
A deterrent spray may discourage your cat from urinating on the dog bed. These sprays contain unpleasant scents that will deter your cat from returning to the area. Of course, the last thing you want to do is make the dog bed an unpleasant place for the dog so this may take some experimenting.
You should also ensure that the dog bed is clean and free of any debris that could attract your cat’s attention.
Do Cats Pee On The Bed Out Of Spite?
The answer to whether cats pee out of spite is no, they do not. While our feline friends are often capable of giving us a cool stare or turning their backs when they’re unhappy, they aren’t doing these things to deliberately make us mad.
Peeing and pooping outside the litter box is usually a sign that something is wrong, such as stress, medical problems, or a change in routine as described in more detail above.
Cats are creatures of habit, and any deviation from their normal routine can be cause for stress.
Have your veterinarian rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing or contributing to bad peeing habits. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other health issues can sometimes lead to inappropriate elimination outside of the litter box.
