Cats are fantastic creatures, so humans have loved them for centuries. They are excellent pets, can be extremely caring, and have unique personalities!
But one thing that cat parents will agree on is that cat pee smells terrible! And another unfortunate thing is that cats love to pee in places outside where they should. So why do cats pee outside their boxes? And can you stop it?
Yes, you can! But never forget that each cat is different, and what helps one may not work for the other. Many factors play into why your cat is urinating outside the box. Here are eight possible reasons your cat pees on the couch and how to avoid it.
Peeing in High Places Makes Your Cat Feel Safe
What do couches, beds, chairs, and counters have in common? They have places that are higher than the floor. This elevation is perfect for cats to identify and escape possible threats and stressors quickly. Survival is a priority—it's natural; cats don't wish to be ambushed while they pee.
Occasionally, cat peeing on the bed or the sofa informs you that these places feel safer than their litter box. It's more challenging for other animals to trap cats in elevated locations because they view potential predators well.
The Litterbox is Dirty
The box is designed to be the bathroom. It, therefore, needs to allow enough space for your cat to move around with ease. The litter must be replaced once at least once a week, more if it is soiled.
Your cat does not want to use a dirty box, and they will seek another place to do their thing. Maybe your cat is peeing on the couch because the can is unclean. To fix this issue, tidy the litter box regularly. As the proprietor, you are in charge of maintaining the litter box clean.
Wrong Box Location
The cat needs effortless access to the box while being far in an area with a lot of activity. The ideal bathroom location is in a quiet and low-activity spot. If it's in a high-activity area, your cat might feel nervous and worried, which can be why they pee elsewhere. By these guidelines, the best place for the box is the general in your laundry room or a basement. You can also put it inside a small space with the door ajar, like a closet.
You're Not Using the Right Type Of Litter
There are many cat litter that you can buy on the marketplace, and not all are made equal. Some are made of clay, while others are made from paper or wood. Some litter is scented, while others are not. Ask for advice on the best type to use from your vet. Picking a litterbox that your cat likes is also essential. If you use the variety your cat dislikes, they may pee on your couch instead.
You Have Multiple Cats in the House
You must secure a box for every cat if you have multiple feline friends at home. The general rule is one can per cat plus one extra. Following this, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes at home. The correct number of litter boxes is crucial because it offers each cat its area. If there aren't enough boxes, your cats may try to fight over them or start peeing outside the box.
Using a Closed Litter Box
Some cat parents opt for a closed litter box because it helps with the smell. Nevertheless, some cats don't like being in a confined room. If you're using a covered box and your cat is peeing outside on the couch, try switching it up. Your cat may feel more comfortable and less likely to pee outside.
Your Cat May Be Having Anxieties
Cats can experience anxiety or tension for various factors, including changes in their routine or setting, the visibility of other animals in the house, and loud noises. When cats feel nervous or stressed, they might reveal this by peeing outside their litter box. Anxiety and stress and anxiety can also cause reduced cravings and extreme grooming. Stress/anxiety in pet cats is resolved with behavior adjustment and, sometimes, drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.
Medical Issues
UTI or other medical issues can cause a cat to pee outside the box. If your cat pees in small amounts frequently, is straining to pee, or if there is blood in their pee, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately. If your cat is still urinating on the couch and you've eliminated all the other potential reasons, it's necessary to take them to the vet.
Other illnesses include bladder stones, kidney disease, and diabetes. These conditions can be severe, so you should get them to the veterinarian immediately if you think they may have a clinical issue.
How to Clean a Couch with Cat Pee Stains on It?
If your feline has urinated on the sofa, cleaning it up is essential. The longer the urine stays on the couch, the harder it will be to get rid of. Take the sofa outdoors and hose it down. That will certainly help to eliminate any urine discolorations and scents.
If this is not possible, use a wet vacuum to remove as much pee as possible. Follow the instructions of your chosen cleaner, and make sure to rinse the couch extensively. Once you have removed as much urine as feasible, use an enzyme cleaner to break down the remaining spots and smells. Finally, allow the couch to dry entirely before using it again.
Final Words
Cats pee on the couch for anxiety, litter box problems, and medical issues. With persistence and willpower, you need to be able to control your cat from urinating outside the box! Talk with a veterinarian to rule out any potential medical concerns. Once you have dismissed all medical matters, you can make the suggestions above to stop your cat from urinating on the couch.
