Has your cat been peeing on blankets and clothes around the home?
This is one of the most annoying and frustrating kitty behavioral-related issues.
Don’t despair, there is hope!
There are just a few common reasons why cats pee on clothes, blankets, laundry, etc.
In this post, I’m going to explain what those common reasons are, and how you can find a solution!
5 Reasons Why Cats Pee on Blankets and Clothes!
Litter Box Issues
In my experience, the number one cause for my cats that have peed on my clothes, bedding, blankets, etc. over the years has been due to litter box issues.
I’ve had cats that simply didn’t like the type of litter I was using, cats that clearly didn’t like the placement of their boxes, and one cat that wanted me to switch from a covered box to an open one.
If only cats could talk, eh!
What to do:
If you suspect litter box issues or want to rule it out, I suggest trying a few different things and one at a time if possible.
Try a different litter, try moving your litter box(s), try adding an extra box, and I’d make an open-top one available if you haven’t already.
Incontinence/Medical Issues
Sometimes, cats that start to pee on clothes or bedding have an underlying medical condition such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), feline interstitial cystitis, diabetes, etc.
If your cat is aging, it may also be incontinence. As Royal Canin explains, aging cats can suffer from incontinence and end up peeing where they’re sleeping or in other places outside of their box.
What to do:
If you’ve ruled out all other possible causes and your cat is still urinating inappropriately on your belongings, it’s time to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Related – My tips for living with an incontinent cat.
Behavioral Issues
There are a number of behavioral reasons why cats may start to urinate on clothes or bedding.
One common reason is due to changes in the home such as a new baby, pet, houseguest, etc., anything that spooks them a bit.
Cats are creatures of habit and don’t always adjust well to change or sudden events. Unfortunately, your clothes may pay the price!
What to do:
If your cat is urinating on clothes or bedding due to changes in the home, give them some time to adjust and get used to the new situation.
Try to create a calm and relaxed environment for them, give them lots of love and attention, and you may even want to keep them out of certain rooms for a while.
Territorial Issues
Another common reason cats may start to urinate on clothes or bedding is due to territorial issues.
Cats are very territorial creatures and if they feel like their territory is being threatened, they may start to “mark” it with urine.
This can be due to other animals in the home, outside animals that come close to the house, or even just changes in the home (as mentioned above).
What to do:
First, try to figure out what is causing them to feel threatened. If you can ward off other cats, this is going to help.
You also need to do everything you can to create a calm environment with bedding and feeding areas they feel are their own.
If it’s a struggle to get this behavior under control, having your cat spayed or neutered might make the difference.
Anxiety Issues
Finally, some cats start to urinate on clothes or bedding due to anxiety issues.
Cats can be anxious for a number of reasons such as changes in the home, previous traumatic events, improper socialization, and more.
What to do:
If your cat is anxious and starts to urinate on your belongings, you need to do everything you can to help them feel calm and relaxed.
This may mean providing them with a “safe” space in the home where they can go to relax, using pheromone diffusers or sprays, and/or giving them anti-anxiety medications that your veterinarian may prescribe.
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Peeing on Blankets?
The best way to stop this behavior is to find the underlying reason that’s causing your cat to pee on your blankets, and tackle that.
That’s why I ran through all of the most common reasons and solutions for this behavior above.
Still, behavioral issues are one of the leading reasons why people give up their cats for adoption or seek ways to rehome them.
I find it hard to believe that there is no way of changing a cat’s behavior or at least finding a reasonable way to work around it.
It takes time and patience though – just as caring for any pet does.
I know how frustrating it is when a cat pees on personal belongings or furniture, trust me, I really do!
But if you’re committed to finding a solution, whether that means working with a vet or not, you’ll get to the bottom of it.
And you know what, your bond and appreciation of your cat will be even stronger than ever!
In Summary
Cats urinating on clothes and bedding is a common issue that can be caused by a number of things including behavioral, territorial, and anxiety issues.
The best way to stop this behavior is to find the underlying reason that’s causing your cat to pee on your blankets, and tackle that.
Resources
Image credits – Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash
