Why Is My Cat Peeing on My Bed? (And How to Stop It)

Updated: April 21, 2023

Cats can struggle with using their litter box and may pee on your bed. This can be frustrating for pet parents asking, “Why is my cat peeing on my bed?”.

There is nothing worse than waking up to the unpleasant surprise of finding your cat has peed on your bed. It is frustrating, but can also be a sign that something is wrong with your cat. The good news is that there are steps you can take to stop your cat from peeing on your bed and prevent it from happening again in the future. In this article, we’ll explore why your cat is peeing on your bed and effective solutions to prevent this behavior.

"Cats are very particular about their toilet areas, so if your cat needs to pee, it will go somewhere else if the litter box is too filthy."

cat urine, cat peeing on bed

Why Does Your Cat Pee on Your Bed?

To fix the issue of why your cat is peeing on your bed, you need to know why your cat is doing so. Cats occasionally pee outside of their litter box or on your bed for certain reasons.

Dirty Litter Box

Cats are very particular about their toilet areas, so if your cat needs to pee, it will go somewhere else if the litter box is too filthy. This is why you should clean your cat’s litter box regularly.

Additionally, the location of the litter box may not be appealing to your cat. The litter box might be in an inaccessible, loud, or highly trafficked area. According to Paula Garber, a certified feline training and behavior specialist, your cat may not like their litter box near a loud appliance such as a clothes dryer, one that occasionally turns on like a furnace, or near a busy area in your home.

Sometimes, cats will even reject new litter boxes because of their picky nature and as a result, will opt to pee or poop somewhere else.

Stress and Anxiety

Cats are creatures of comfort. So if their routine suddenly changes, stress and anxiety may cause them to pee on your bed. They can be marking out their territory or they might not like that other pets (or even people) are in your home. Cats can sense when their environment is changing. Your furbaby may just need some time to get used to the new environment, especially if you just moved into a new home, had a baby, gotten a new dog or cat, or changed your personal schedule. For cats to feel comfortable and secure, they need structure and consistency.

Your Cat is Alone

Sometimes inappropriate behavior happens while the pet parent is away. According to Vetstreet, when their owners are on vacation or are out for work, some cats will pee on their pet parents’ beds. This is a cat's way of letting you know how upset or anxious they have been over your absence.

Medical Problems

An underlying health condition in your cat could be the cause of the peeing issue. If you are worried about your cat's health, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet may examine your cat and collect some urine samples. They will know the best course of action once your furbaby has undergone all necessary testing. Any of the following conditions could be the cause:

  • Urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections in kittens are uncommon, although they are more common in older cats. Bacteria may cause inflammation and may infect the urinary system.
  • Metabolic disease. Kidney, thyroid, or diabetes issues may also be the cause of inappropriate peeing in your furbaby.
  • Bladder stones. If your cat develops bladder stones, they could irritate or block the urinary tract.
cat urine, cat peeing on bed

"Pet Parents® Washable Cat Diapers are specifically created to contain cat accidents."

Home Remedies for Cat Peeing on Bed

While you work on the underlying problem that may be causing your cat to pee on your bed, there are some simple solutions to preventing this behavior.

Limit Access to the Bed

You can use baby gates or closed doors to keep your cat out of the bedroom. Put your cat’s favorite food or an extra water dish near your bed or in areas where your cat is inappropriately peeing. Cats hate peeing close to their food and water sources.

Rely on Cat Diapers

Pet Parents® Washable Cat Diapers are specifically created to contain cat accidents. If your male cat is spraying, your new kitten hasn't been litter box trained yet, your older cat is experiencing incontinence problems, or your cat is peeing on your bed, our cat diapers will ensure that both you and your pet are comfortable, while also keeping your home clean.

Make Their Litter Box More Attractive

When your cat goes to the bathroom in their litter box, reward them with praise and treats. Make sure you routinely clean your cat’s litter box. If possible, give your cat access to several litter boxes around the home. Some cats prefer to urinate and poop in separate places.

Reduce Your Cat’s Stress

Spend more time with your furbaby. More playtime with your cat can help them feel less anxious and stressed. Make sure you spend some time cuddling with your cat if they enjoy it. This will help make your cat feel more comfortable during stressful moments. And make sure your cat feels comfortable in your own home. Give them space and toys to explore.

Clean Up the Mess

It’s important to wash bedding right away if your cat peed on your bed. Cats may urinate in one place over and over again if they can smell the scent. If you need to wash your bedding, use a cleaning product specifically designed for pet messes to clean up any spills, stains, or odors.

We suggest using PetTergent®, an enzymatic laundry detergent for pets! PetTergent® uses bio-based ingredients and enzyme blends that work to neutralize and wash away pet odors that linger on laundry. It also targets pet stains and soils for clean and fresh laundry.