Why Is My Cat Weeing on My Bed?
Why is my cat weeing on my bed instead of using their litter tray?
If you've ever woken up to a wet (and pongy) spot on your sheets, you know that it's proper frustrating — but you're not the only one.
Your cat might be poorly, stressed, or just fussy about their litter tray.
The good news?
You can sort it!
Let's suss out what's going on and help your cat (and your bed) stay clean and happy.
Table of Contents
Why Is My Cat Weeing on My Bed? Understanding the Common Reasons
Cats are usually clean animals who like to use their litter tray.
When they start weeing in the wrong places, like your bed, it's their way of telling you something's not right.
Your cat isn't being naughty - they need your help!
1. Medical Issues That Might Be Causing Problems
Sometimes, cats wee on beds because they don't feel well.
Just like when you're under the weather, cats can have medical problems, too!
- Urinary Tract Infections:
These make it hurt when cats wee, so they might avoid their litter box because they reckon that's what's causing the pain.
- Kidney Disease or Kidney Problems:
Your older feline mate often has kidney issues that make them need to wee more often or suddenly.
- Bladder Stones:
These tiny stones can form in your cat's bladder and cause pain or make it hard to control when they need to go.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:
This is a group of health issues that affect how cats wee and can make them proper uncomfortable.
The good news is that a vet can find these health problems with a physical exam and wee sample.
If your cat keeps weeing on your bed, the first step should be checking your cat's health with a vet.
2. Stress and Anxiety Can Make Your Cat Wee in Strange Places
Cats are sensitive creatures who like things to stay the same.
They are creatures of habit!
When things change, they can get stressed and start weeing in different spots.
Common things that might stress your cat:
- A new cat or new kitten in the home
- A new baby or new family members
- New people popping round
- New pet like a dog
- Moving to a new gaff
- New job with different hours
- Noisy DIY or washing machine racket
- Major changes in your daily routine
- A loss in the family (like a pet)
When cats feel stressed, sometimes the only way they show it is by weeing on your own bed or other soft spots where they feel safe.
3. Litter Tray Problems Are a Big Deal to Cats
Your cat might be having litter tray issues if:
- They have a mucky litter tray (cats are clean animals!)
- You don't have enough litter trays (you need one tray per cat plus one extra in a multi-cat household)
- They don't fancy the type of litter you're using
- The litter tray is in a busy area without privacy
- The spot where you've put the tray is hard to reach or near food bowls or water bowls
- The litter box is too small or has a cover they don't like (yes, this happens!)
- Another cat is blocking access to the shared litter tray
Remember, the best way to have a happy cat is to make sure they have the right litter tray in a quiet spot where they feel safe.
4. Territorial Marking Happens Sometimes
Cats sometimes wee on things to mark them as their territory.
This happens more with cats who haven't been spayed or neutered.
If you have multiple household cats, they might be having territory issues, and your bed might be caught in the middle!
5. Older Cats Have Special Needs
Senior cats may have a hard time getting to their litter tray because:
- They have joint pain that makes climbing into the tray difficult
- They might have cognitive dysfunction (like confusion in older cats)
- They can't hold their wee as long as they used to
- Closed doors might be blocking their path to the loo
6. Routine Changes Can Throw Your Cat Off
Cats love routines.
When something changes, like your work schedule or bedtime, it can confuse them.
They might not feel safe or know when to expect grub, cuddles, or playtime.
This stress or confusion might lead them to wee on your bed to cope or get your attention.
Even small changes like moving the furniture or shifting their litter tray can upset their rhythm.
Related: Why Does My Cat Drool? We're Revealing the Truth!
How to Stop Your Cat From Weeing on Your Bed
1. See Your Vet First Thing
Before trying anything else, take your cat to the vet.
Many cat owners discover that health issues like bladder infection or kidney failure are behind the inappropriate weeing.
Female cats and male cats can both get medical conditions that make them wee outside the tray.
2. Make the Litter Tray the Best Place to Go
- Clean the litter tray every day - cats hate mucky bathrooms!
- Try different types of litter to see what your cat prefers
- Make sure you have enough cat litter trays (again, one per cat plus one extra)
- Put litter trays in different spots around your home
- Keep the litter tray away from loud noises and busy spots
3. Reduce Stress for Your Sensitive Cat
- Give your cat hiding spots and high places to chill out
- Use pheromone products that help calm cats
- Keep a regular routine for feeding and playtime
- Consider an anxiety relieving pet bed that helps your cat feel secure
- Use positive reinforcement when your cat uses their litter tray properly
4. Clean Cat Wee Properly
When your cat wees on your bed, clean the soiled area really well with an enzymatic cleaner made for pet accidents.
Regular detergent won't remove the cat wee smell completely.
This means that cats will keep going back to a spot if they can still smell their wee there.
5. Keep Your Bedroom Door Closed
Sometimes, the best thing to do while sorting the problem is to keep your cat out of your bedroom.
This keeps your bed a clean spot and helps break the habit of weeing there.
Related: Why Do Cats Knead and Purr: The Simple Reasons
Helpful Products for Cat Parents
An anxiety relieving pet bed can be a game-changer for stressed cats!
These special beds often have:
- Soft, cosy materials that feel safe
- High sides for security
- Designs that reduce anxiety
These beds give your cat their own special place to kip instead of your bed.
Pet parents who provide these beds often see fewer unwanted behaviours.
Related: 10 Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Cat
You and Your Cat Can Get Through This!
Remember, when your cat wees on your bed, they're trying to tell you something.
They aren't being naughty on purpose!
With patience, veterinary help for any medical reason, and some changes to your cat's environment, you can crack this problem.
Humane societies remind us that cats are wonderful companions who sometimes need extra understanding.
By sussing out why your cat is having behavioural problems or health problems, you're being the best cat parent you can be!
With a bit of detective work and lots of love, you and your feline friend will have the right place for weeing (the litter tray!) and the right place for snuggling (a clean, dry bed!) before you know it.
Still stuck?
Have a word with your vet or explore more helpful tips on our blog!
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