Cat pees in bed: possible causes and tips for cat owners
In general, cats are clean animals that do not intentionally soil their home. However, it can happen that cats urinate in the bed or use other unsuitable areas in the house for elimination.
In the following, we will explain the possible causes of your cat's inappropriate elimination and what you can do about it.
Causes of inappropriate elimination in cats
If your cat regularly urinates in the bed, it is not a normal behavior that you should simply accept. Instead, your cat's inappropriate elimination is likely a warning sign that you should take seriously.
In many cases, the behavior is caused by a health problem. However, it can also be due to insecurity or stress that leads the cat to urinate in the bed.
Additionally, unneutered male cats tend to mark their territory with their strong-smelling scent marks. Sometimes, urinating in the owner's bed can be a way for cats to express their displeasure with a dirty litter box.
Some of the possible health-related causes of inappropriate elimination include:
- Kidney insufficiency
- Bladder stones
- Urinary tract infection
- Joint problems
- Dementia
Urinary tract-related diseases in cats are often associated with increased urination and can also cause pain during urination. It is not uncommon for cats with bladder infections or kidney insufficiency to exhibit inappropriate elimination behavior, such as urinating in the bed.
This also applies to cats with arthritis and other joint problems. Although the musculoskeletal system is not directly related to the cat's urinary needs, joint diseases are often associated with significant pain that can make accessing the litter box challenging. Therefore, it is possible for a cat with arthritis to choose urinating in the bed as a way to make elimination easier.
Similar to humans, cats can also develop dementia as they age. Typical symptoms of dementia in cats include increasing disorientation and forgetfulness. Additionally, it is not uncommon for cats with dementia to urinate in the bed as they may no longer find their way to the litter box easily.
Health symptoms require a visit to the veterinarian
If you suspect that your cat is urinating in the bed due to a medical condition, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian.
Undoubtedly, potential cat illnesses often require urgent and proper treatment. Undetected chronic kidney insufficiency, for example, can lead to fatal kidney failure, and untreated bladder stones can block the urethra, which is also life-threatening for affected animals.
Our feeding recommendation for urinary system issues
Problems with the urinary system, such as chronic kidney insufficiency and bladder stones, are widespread in cats. In this case, the occasional urinating in the bed is the least of your concerns.
To prevent severe consequences for your pet's health, it is advisable to take steps to support kidney function and prevent bladder problems from the beginning.
For this purpose, we recommend feeding your cat with our hypoallergenic insect-based cat food. The insect protein derived from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) contained in it is highly digestible and has a high biological value. This helps reduce the burden on your cat's kidneys from metabolic waste products.
In addition, a supplement like I love my cat Kidney Support may be beneficial. This natural product contains selected herbs that can help stimulate the detoxification activity of the kidneys and prevent overloading of this vital filtering organ.
When insecure cats urinate in the bed
As you may know, cats are highly sensitive animals that can react strongly to stress and changes in their environment.
Whether it's a move, a new housemate, or lack of attention, there are numerous factors that can cause insecurity and anxiety in cats.
In many cases, it is not uncommon for nervous or stressed cats to exhibit inappropriate elimination behavior, such as urinating in the bed, as they often feel safest there.
Insecure cats need attention
If your cat feels insecure or stressed and urinates in the bed as a result, it is your responsibility to provide security to your pet.
Try to avoid major changes in their daily routine as much as possible. If unavoidable, ensure that the changes are as comfortable as possible for your cat.
After a move, for example, dedicate extra time to your cat, and during playtime and cuddle sessions, give them your undivided attention. The more comfortable your cat feels, the less likely it is to urinate in the bed due to stress or uncertainty.
Shiimun Calm as support
Sometimes, changes cannot be avoided. In addition to providing ample attention, it may be beneficial to use a suitable supplement.
For this purpose, we recommend using Shiimun Calm. Shiimun Calm is a completely natural product with a carefully balanced composition of ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms and green tea, which can help your cat relax in stressful situations.
Unneutered male cats marking their territory
Unneutered male cats have strong territorial behavior. They perceive their home as their territory and often tend to mark it with their strong-smelling urine. When the cat repeatedly urinates in the owner's bed, this behavior is undoubtedly a significant problem.
In this case, the only likely solution to eliminate your cat's inappropriate elimination behavior is to have the cat neutered. Most males cease marking after the procedure, and in general, they become more amiable.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, there may even be a requirement for mandatory neutering in your municipality.
When cats urinate in the bed as a protest
In most cases, cats do not urinate in the bed to deliberately upset their owners. However, it can sometimes be a form of protest due to an unclean litter box.
By keeping your cat's litter box clean, you can prevent this behavior. Occasionally, that alone is enough to prevent a cat from urinating in the bed.
Cat urinating in the bed: our conclusion
As you can see, there are various reasons why a cat may urinate in the bed. In most cases, either illness or insecurity is responsible.
Regardless of the exact cause, you should never punish your cat for urinating in the bed. If you catch them in the act, you can signal that the behavior is not acceptable.
However, if you start shouting loudly in response, you may further unsettle your cat, and they may soon use the bed as a toilet again.
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