Is Your Cat Peeing on the Bed or Couch? Here’s Why

Dealing with a cat peeing on the bed, couch or somewhere similar? Follow these tips to identify and correct the behavioral causes of improper elimination.

Marilyn Krieger  |  Sep 17th 2018

here is a place and a function for everything. While litter boxes function as feline restrooms, sofas and beds are supposed to be for relaxing, sleeping and (if we’re lucky) cuddling cats. We expect to find cat urine in the litter boxes, not where we unwind and nap. But what about a cat peeing on the bed or couch?

A cat peeing on the bed or couch isn’t purposely being naughty, nor is she seeking revenge. Cats urinating in the wrong places should never be punished — there are legitimate reasons for the unwelcome behavior. A cat peeing on the bed sends a message to everyone in the household that there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my cat peeing on the bed?” or, “Why is my cat peeing on the couch?” we’ve found a few reasons and ways to help you alleviate the issues!

1. Your cat peeing on the bed or couch is a sign of a medical problem

A cat peeing on the bed may have medical issues. Photo by Africa Studio / Shutterstock.

Whenever your cat has a behavior challenge or exhibits a change in behavior, have her examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian. There are no exceptions to this rule. Many serious medical problems can cause cats to avoid using litter boxes. A short list includes urinary tract infections, diabetes and arthritis, as well as a host of other painful and serious conditions.

2. Urinating in high places feels safe to your cat

Elevated places, like beds, feel safer to cats. Photography ©Aksenovko | Thinkstock.

What do sofas, beds, chairs and counters have in common? They have surfaces that are higher than the floor and have good views. The elevation is perfect for kitties to identify and escape potential threats and stressors. Survival is a priority — it’s instinctual, cats naturally don’t want to be ambushed. Sometimes, your cat peeing on the bed or the couch means these places feel safer than his litter box. It’s harder for other animals to corner and trap them on elevated areas because the perpetrators are easily seen.

3. A cat peeing on the bed or couch indicates issues with the litter box itself

Some cats don’t like enclosed litter boxes. Photography ©amstockphoto | Thinkstock.

Sometimes, a cat peeing on the bed or couch is the cat parent’s fault. The cats just don’t feel safe using their litter boxes. From the feline point of view, the locations and types of boxes can be setups for other animals to corner and possibly trap them.

Depending on the stressors, people can help their kitties feel more secure as well as stop or prevent unwelcome behaviors like peeing on the bed or couch by making a few simple changes to the litter boxes. Cats need choices — if one litter box doesn’t feel right, there needs to be others located throughout the home. The litter box rule is one per cat and one for the household. If you have three cats, then your special felines need four litter boxes. The locations will make the difference between usage and avoidance. Place them in areas with good views where it would be challenging for other household animals to trap them. Avoid places such as closets, cabinets and small rooms.

The box itself makes a difference as well. Litter boxes need to be uncovered. Kitties can be trapped and ambushed in covered litter boxes. Other faux pas that can cause cats to avoid their boxes include providing them with litter boxes that are too small and not scooping the boxes at least once a day.

4. Inappropriate urination might signal relationship issues

Vertical territory helps cats feel safe. Photography © marima-design | Thinkstock.

Mild as well as serious disputes with the other resident animals can cause issues like a cat peeing on the bed, couch or other inappropriate places. Cat fights often occur over status, territory and resources, and can occur when other animals are introduced too quickly into the household. Dogs can be a source of stress as well — some are serious threats, others chase or play too rough. The end result is often the same — a cat peeing on the bed, couch or other areas with good views that she can quickly vacate.

The situation needs to be evaluated — new cats should be separated and reintroduced gradually to the other resident animals. Most likely you will have to add more vertical territory — cat trees, shelves and other tall pieces of furniture that the cats can use. One way kitties show their status is by where they sit in relationship to each other. These high places are also refuges from dogs and other threats. They should be at least five feet high. In addition to vertical territory, add scratching posts and horizontal scratchers. One way cats mark their territory is by scratching.

5. A cat peeing on the bed or couch might have separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can cause cats to pee on inappropriate objects like beds or couches. Photography ©skyblue16 | Thinkstock.

Kitties are not socially solitary — they often form close attachments with people and other animals. Sensitive kitties can become anxious when their favorite person is away from them for an extended period of time. These cats might respond to the absence by peeing on the bed or the couch that is saturated with their human’s scent. They’re mingling their own scents with that of their beloved.

Although separation anxiety can be heartbreaking, there are steps you can take that will help your cat feel more secure when left alone. These include enlisting someone to either stay with your cat or visit at least twice a day. During their visits they should interact with her, doing activities she enjoys, such as play and maybe grooming. Your scent can help your kitty feel like she hasn’t been abandoned. Before leaving, place small towels and other articles of clothing that have your scent on them in sealable plastic bags — one for each day you’ll be away. Your cat sitter needs to put one new scented item out every day for your cat.

The final word on a cat peeing on the bed, couch or other elevated surfaces

With a cat peeing on the bed or other similar surfaces, the cat is sending a clear message that there is a potentially serious problem. Although frustrating, never punish the cat for the behavior. Instead, identify the reasons for the behavior and address them. If you can’t resolve the problem, then get help from a qualified expert certified in behavior.

Thumbnail: Photography Rommel Canlas / Shutterstock.

Read more about cats and peeing on Catster.com:

• The Truth About Cat Pee
• It’s a Pee Thing: Facts About the Feline Bladder
• Keep It Clean: How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Stink and Stains

Plus, read one cat parent’s personal experience with this inappropriate cat urination — and her tips for cleaning it up >>

Cat Talk: 10 Reasons Cats Meow

By: Caroline Golon

According to Arden Moore, author of The Cat Behavior Answer Book, “cats are capable of making at least 30 sounds, including at least 19 variations on the simple meow.”

So why do cats meow? Check out ten possible translations for cat talk:

10) I’m hurt – If your cat suddenly begins to meow excessively, take him to be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Your cat’s meows may indicate that there is something medically wrong, especially if the behavior isn’t typical. “Numerous diseases can cause a cat to feel hunger, thirst, or pain, all of which can lead to excessive meowing,” advises Web MD.

9) I’m just saying hi – Often a cat meows to his human when you come home, says the ASPCA website, or even to greet you when you see each other in the house.

8) I want food – The “I’m hungry” meow is likely one all cat parents know well. “Lots of cats know just how to tell their families that it’s time for dinner,” says pet blogger, Jane Harrell. “My cat Mojo would run around after me, meowing the whole time if she thought dinner was going to be late.”

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7) Pay attention to me – Sometimes cats talk simply because they want your attention – and they learn that meowing gets them just that. “Cats often meow to initiate play, petting or to get you to talk to them,” explains Web MD.

6) Let me in – “If a door is closed, cats might meow to get you to open it for them,” says Harrell. “I have a foster cat who meows every time I close the bedroom door. She doesn’t want to come in – she just doesn’t like having it closed.”

5) I’m in heat – A female cat in heat might yowl incessantly, says Moore. “Another good reason for spaying!” she adds.

4) I’m stressed – According to WebMD, cats who are stressed may become more vocal than normal. You may have experienced this first hand with a cat meowing loudly in the car on the way to the vet, for example.

3) I’m ticked off – “Angry, agitated cats will often erupt into a screaming match if they feel threatened enough to attack,” says Moore. She describes this mad meow sound as more of a yowl.

2) I don’t want to be alone – According to The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Indoor Pet Initiative, when some cats are left alone for lengthy periods of time, they may become anxious and, among other things, meow excessively.

1) I’m getting older – “Increased vocalization is fairly common in senior cats,” says Dr. Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan Cats and veterinary expert to catchannel.com. As cats age, Dr. Plotnick explains, they may display a decrease in cognitive function, demonstrated in a variety of ways, including loud meowing.

Of course, as any cat parent knows, sometimes cats meow for some unknown reason. Perhaps because the sky is blue or he wants you to change the channel on the television. Since cats can make a variety of vocalizations, your cat will likely use distinctive sounds in different occasions with different meanings.  Paying attention to the circumstances in which your cat meows or vocalizes, and the sounds he makes can be fun and help you understand your resident feline a little better.

0 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained!