Why do cats urinate in the house?
Cats are super funny, loving, and sociable. But they are also very difficult to read – cats can do all sorts of things and have issues, concealing them very well. One of the things cats do when something’s wrong is not urinating in the litter box. This immediately raises a red flag for a cat owner because cats are generally very clean and house-trained. But what could be the problem?
Here are four reasons why cats urinate in the house:
Reason 1: Your cat is sick or in pain – a medical cause.
If a cat urinates in the house, there is often a real issue. If you notice your cat has urinated in the house and may have done so repeatedly, it’s time to visit the veterinarian because your cat might be suffering from urinary issues, a bladder infection, or kidney problems.
Reason 2: The litter box is dirty, or you’re using the wrong litter.
Cats love cleanliness. Seriously, cats take their own hygiene very seriously, as well as that of their toilet. Keep the litter box very clean and use clumping cat litter made of pure bentonite. Scoop out your cat’s “gifts” every day and clean the litter box at least once a week with an all-purpose cleaner.
Reason 3: The litter box is in the wrong place or too small.
When a cat is doing its business, it prefers to do so without an audience. After all, you prefer your privacy too, don’t you? Therefore, always place the litter box in a quiet location. Also, check if the litter box isn’t too small. Do you have large cats? Then use an extra-large litter box. Tip: Not every cat likes a covered toilet, so sometimes it’s best to remove the lid.
Reason 4: Your cat is stressed.
Although cats may appear very chill, they can also suffer from stress. This is another reason why cats may urinate in the house. If your cat is urinating in the house, it might be stressed due to the arrival of a baby, new furniture, changes in your home, a recent move, or the presence of a new cat in the area. If it’s the latter – a new cat in the house or neighborhood – your cat might be marking its territory by urinating. If you can’t correct the urination behavior, get in touch with your veterinarian or a cat behavior expert.
Fun fact: Did you know that cats love sitting in high places? So, pamper your stressed cat with a nice tall scratching post.
Alright, you now know why cats sometimes urinate in the house. You’re on the right track. But what’s also important is:
Cleaning Up Cat Urine in 3 Steps
If your cat has urinated in the house, you need to clean it up as soon as possible because cat urine stinks and it gets worse if you don’t clean it up immediately. Don’t know how to do it? Here are some handy and fresh tips!
Step 1: Blot up the urine.
If you see that your cat has urinated and the urine hasn’t dried yet, blot it up with paper towels until it’s dry.
Step 2: Use an enzymatic cleaner.
An enzymatic cleaner is a type of all-purpose cleaner that breaks down odors and stains. This is ideal for neutralizing the foul smell of cat urine. A good example of an enzymatic cleaner is Biotex, which also smells nice. However, read the label first to ensure it’s suitable for your floor.
Step 3: No enzymatic cleaner? Use white vinegar.
White vinegar is truly a wonder solution. It’s a biodegradable cleaning agent (so it’s good for the environment) and it eliminates the smell of cat urine. If you have it on hand, mix 100 milliliters of vinegar with 100 milliliters of water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray generously on the stain and let it sit for a few seconds. Then blot it dry with a microfiber cloth or paper towels. If the odor isn’t completely gone, repeat the previous step.
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Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert. All content, information, and tips on this blog are meant to inspire you and are for informational purposes only. If your cat has health issues or problems, and you’re uncertain about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior expert.
