While we look forward to cuddling with our cats after a long day’s work, it can be frustrating to see some pee or poop on your bed, and often right at the center of it! But before you turn to your cat, no, they did not do it on purpose. 

Even as they can be quite sassy at times, these are accidents that indicate a thing or two about your cat; from behavioral problems like anxiety to physical conditions such as kidney diseases. 

So, if ever you have encountered going home to a bed peed on by your cat, or having to scoop up some poop right in the middle of your sofa, read on to see and understand why cats do this, how to properly clean after these, and how to avoid it from happening again.

Reasons cat pees and poops on bed 

Cats are sensitive territorial creatures, and many factors can affect why they will avoid their litter boxes and find alternatives spots to pee on. There are plenty of reasons to see why your cat is messing up with your things. 

1.       They are marking territory

Cats mark their territories by urinating or defecating on a spot they meticulously selected. A litter box works to stimulate excretion for when they smell it, however, there may be external factors that may cause the cat to form a negative association with a litter box.

2.       They dislike the litter box

The number, condition, smell, and the location of the litter box also matters. A soiled litter box left unclean, a litter box located at a busy and noisy area, a litter box used by another pets at home, may all be causing why your cat will avoid it. Another case, if a loud noise was heard at the time they are trying to poop on the litter box, the startled cat may find another “safer” place.

3.       They are anxious

Anxiety can increase the frequency of peeing and pooping, and following their instincts, cats will search for another place where they feel more comfortable. Since your bed smells just like you, and your cat feels safe beside you, they may select the bed as a safe place to poop or pee on.

4.       They are sick

Physical factors may also cause cats to pee and poop on inappropriate places. Kidney and bladder problems are common among cats, especially among older ones, so it will be helpful to consult a veterinarian to have medications or diet modifications to address the discomfort. 

So, how do you stop a cat from soiling the bed?

1.       Make sure the conditions of the litter box are favorable for the cat

The litter box should be placed in a quiet corner that feels quiet and safe for the cat. It must be kept clean after each excretion, to make sure the cat chooses it for the next. A general rule for the number of litter boxes is to at least make sure there is one for each cat, while a plus one would be nice. Make sure to observe if the cat likes the litter sand and cleaner used, as any strong and unpleasant smell may cause the cat to stay away from it. 

Also, make the litter box a positive place for the cat. Never yell or scold the cat while at the litter box to avoid negative associations the cat may form from the experience, your tone of voice, and the box.

2.       Make sure physical conditions are ruled out

Kidney diseases, bladder stones, arthritis, infections, and many others may cause discomfort in peeing and pooping, which may cause the cat to find it a traumatic experience associated with the litter box, so they will find other safer places or worse just wherever when they cannot hold it. Observe for symptoms such as blood strains in feces and urines, lethargy, or increased excretion frequency. Once behavioral and environmental conditions are tried yet the same incident happens, a visit to the vet may be helpful to rule out diseases.

3.       Make the previously soiled spot clean and inaccessible to the cat

Temporarily keep them away from the bed so they will not smell their scent from it. Make sure to clean it properly, change sheets if you must and use appropriate cleaners to eliminate the cat smell on it. 

When you go away, make the bed inaccessible or uncomfortable and not conducive for peeing. You can cover the bed with some things like shower curtains, or vinyl tablecloths, making it unabsorbent.

How to get cat pee out of bed

After such incidents happen, the next challenge is how to get cat pee out of bed, and it can be challenging for the strong smell it leaves on fabric. To get rid of cat pee smell on the bed, you can use home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide, bleach, baking soda, vinegar and others readily available; rinsing and washing with warm water also helps eliminate stains and odor. 

For dried pee on mattresses though, cleaning can be tougher. For these, spray-on chemicals and enzyme-based cleaners can be used, which can be easily bought from pet stores.

In selecting cleaning chemicals, it is helpful to note scents that cat dislikes including citrus. Get those so the cat will be repelled from the previously soiled furniture. In keeping cats away from furniture and flower beds, and preventing them from making it their litter spots, use natural repellents such as citrus peels, and use some things that will enclose the areas with things that cause discomfort on cats. 

For flower beds, it may be useful to have water sprayers and chicken wires, to make the place uncomfortable for cats.

How to train cats pee and poop on their litter box

There are many ways to modify your cats’ behavior to train them to pee and poop on their litter box. Just ensure that you understand their needs so you will not have a love-hate relationship cleaning up soiled beds after another. Investing in litter boxes can relieve you of the trouble. Who knows, your cat might just love it, just like this one cat posted on YouTube trained to poop right on the toilet. Yes, the human toilet!

While training your cats to pee on the right spot can be challenging and frustrating, a little patience will go a long way. Cats are generally smart creatures, and they will learn best under favorable conditions.