Cats are the ultimate companion for many. They’re beloved for their affectionate yet independent nature and have become the cornerstone of high-quality internet memes. Cats make for great pets and have even been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, lower the risk of heart disease, and enhance social life! In fact, studies have shown that women find men with a pet to be significantly more attractive than those without. So hit up those animal shelters, gentleman!
Nevertheless, we love our fuzz balls to death, but sometimes their behavior tries our patience, and one situation that is definitely not ideal is when your cat pees on your bed or furniture. This disgusting behavior, whether an accident or on purpose, can ruin a perfectly good mattress or piece of furniture and make you wonder why you put up with your furry feline.
Why Does My Cat Keep Peeing On My Bed?
Cats are known for their ability to reduce stress for their owners. But when they start urinating outside of their litter box, it can create the opposite effect and put major stress on the household. As pet owners, it’s important to understand why our cats may be having accidents and what we can do to help. To do this, we need to explore the common causes of cat incontinence and how you can create a comfortable environment for your furry friend.
Medical Issues
Kidney stones, bladder infections, diabetes, arthritis, and urinary tract infections can cause incontinence in cats. If you suspect your cat is experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for a checkup. A vet will be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan to get your kitty back in tip-top shape.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes can also cause cats to have accidents outside their litter box. It’s important to gradually change their diet to prevent any sudden digestive issues. If you need to change your cat’s diet, consult with your vet for the best way to make the transition smoothly. Generally, the best method to change food is gradually over two or three weeks. Mix 1/8th of the new food with 7/8ths of your cat’s current food and slowly feed the new food by 1/8th every few days.
Social/Environmental Changes
Cats can be anxious creatures, and changes in their environment can cause stress and incontinence. A new roommate or pet, moving to a new place, or even changing the litter box location can cause them stress. Try to gradually introduce them to environmental changes to help them adjust.
Litter Box Preferences
Cats can have preferences about their litter box. Ensure it’s in a private and secure spot with enough litter boxes for all cats in the household. Kittens and older cats may require specific types of litter boxes in order to comfortably go to the bathroom. You may need a box with shorter walls for older cats to comfortably step in or a larger box, so your cat doesn’t feel cramped inside. And remember that some cats don’t like automatic litter boxes and prefer traditional ones. So make sure you offer different options to make them feel as comfy as possible during potty time.
More Litter Boxes
Greater access to more litter boxes may lead to fewer accidents outside the litter box for your cat. It’s recommended to have one litter box per cat plus one extra, so if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. Make sure they’re cleaned regularly, as cats do not like using dirty litter boxes. And if you live in a multi-level home, having at least one litter box on each level is always a good idea.
The Products You’ll Need To Clean Cat Urine On Your Bed
Before diving into the gross task of cleaning cat urine from your bed and mattress, ensure you have all the essential supplies. By having the right products and tools ready, you can tackle the process with less stress as soon as you find the mess. This will always make it easier to clean up. Here’s what you’ll need:
- You need several clean and dry towels or rags. Since you might go through them quite quickly, it’s important to make sure you have enough on hand.
- Gloves. You might not need gloves, but hey, you might just want them.
- Cleaner. Whether you opt for a cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning pet urine or try one of the many DIY cleaners found online, a stain and odor remover is necessary to tackle the job at hand.
- Baking soda, the ultimate moisture-absorbing method for fabrics, is Pack Daddy’s go-to solution – you know what they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
- A shop vac or vacuum cleaner to clean up damp baking soda without spreading it around. While a broom may work, a vacuum will do a better job.
Alright, it’s time to put those tools to use and get rid of that pesky cat pee from your mattress. Let’s get to work!
How To Get Cat Pee Out Of A Mattress Or Bed
If your kitty has mistaken your mattress for a good spot to squat, it’s crucial to clean the mess as soon as possible. This prevents the stain from sinking in or setting. If you catch it after it’s dried out, don’t worry. You can try using a baking powder paste or vinegar to break up the odor-causing stain.
Our cleaning method is also excellent for getting rid of the fresh cat urine smell from your cushions. Simply follow these steps for a thorough clean-up:
1. Absorb The Liquid
Start by blotting residual urine and moisture with a dry towel or rag (multiple towels needed). Gloves are optional but recommended.
2. Prepare Your Workspace
Move the mattress outside or use towels, plastic sheets, or tarps to protect your box spring, bed frame, or floor during cleaning.
3. Saturate The Accident
Soak the spot with water to dilute the urine and eliminate the smell. Don’t worry about your mattress getting wet; proper cleaning and drying should restore it.
4. Absorb Again
Use another towel to press and soak up moisture.
5. Use Your Preferred Cleaner
Use around ½ cup of preferred cleaner to wet the spot. Good options are:
- enzyme cleaners for breaking down organic materials
- vinegar solution
- hydrogen peroxide and gentle detergent mix
- add essential oils to the cleaning solution for a pleasant fragrance.
6. Absorb One More Time
For 15 minutes, let the cleaner soak. Use a dry towel to apply pressure and absorb more moisture. Place something heavy on the towels, like books, and leave them for a few hours to soak up moisture.
7. Add The Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda on the spot to remove moisture and neutralize odor.
8. Air Dry
Let your mattress dry for 2 to 3 days. Tips for drying:
- If the weather allows, leave it outside to dry in the sun
- Use a fan to speed up drying
- If needed, cover the spot with towels overnight and resume drying in the morning.
9. Reapply Baking Soda As Needed
Vacuum or sweep up baking soda as it absorbs moisture. Reapply as necessary until the mattress is fully clean and dry.
Preventing Future Peeing In Your Bed
Dealing with the bad potty habits of cats can be frustrating, challenging, and, let’s be real…sometimes totally gross! Whether your cat urinates, defecates, or sprays in your bed or other unwanted places, you must take steps to prevent these actions from repeating. But don’t worry! We have some useful tips to share on dealing with lousy cat potty habits and maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. Using these tips, you can keep your cat happy, healthy, and, most importantly, your bed dry!
Keep the Bedroom Door Closed
If your cat has developed a habit of using your bed as the litter box, keeping the bedroom door closed is the first step. This will eliminate your cat’s access to the bed and prevent further damage. However, make sure that your cat has access to a clean and accessible litter box in another room or hallway if your bedroom is the only other available room. Generally, keep one litter box per cat and place them in quiet and private areas.
Make Sure the Litter Box is Safe, Clean, and Easily Accessible
Cats are fastidious creatures, and they don’t like dirty or crowded litter boxes. Hence, make sure the litter box is safe, clean, and easily accessible for your cat. Try using unscented clumping litter and scoop it daily. And be sure to clean the litter box thoroughly with unscented soap and hot water once a week to give your kitty a clean box to use. Also, ensure that the litter box is big enough for your cat to move comfortably and has low sides for easy entry and exit.
Protect Your Mattress with Waterproof Toppers and Removable Covers
If your cat has already stained your mattress, you need to take some preventive measures. Invest in waterproof toppers and bed covers that can protect your mattress from further damage. Waterproof toppers are ideal for preventing urine or liquids from penetrating the mattress. Bed covers with removable zippers are perfect for washing and drying the covers conveniently.
Use Essential Oils to Deter Cats from Using the Bed
Essential oils such as citrus, lavender, and cayenne pepper are natural remedies to deter cats from using the bed. These scents are unpleasant for cats and can discourage them from repeating unwanted behavior. You can mix a few drops of essential oils with water and spray the solution on the bed or on a cloth near the litter box. However, make sure to keep the solution away from your cat’s nose and eyes.
Be Patient and Consistent
Finally, dealing with bad cat potty habits requires patience and consistency. Don’t punish your cat for accidents or mistakes, as it can worsen the problem. Instead, reinforce positive behavior by praising and rewarding your cat when they use the litter box correctly. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treat rewards, toys, and cuddles to encourage good behavior. Also, seek help from a veterinarian or a cat behaviorist if necessary.
The Tail End
Cats are adorable and fascinating pets but can also develop bad potty habits requiring patience and care. Following our tips, you can prevent your cat from using your bed as a litter box and maintain a clean and healthy home environment. But if you do find yourself with a soiled bed, cleaning cat pee from your mattress is easy with some work and attention. Remember to try and clean it as soon as possible. If you discover the accident too late, don’t give up hope. You can still fix it with more elbow grease. But if you catch the accident in time, follow the steps outlined above to remove cat urine from your mattress.
