Help! My cat has started peeing on my bed

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I adopted Leezis from a rescue centre a year ago, and she's now two years old. She has the perfect temperament: calm, cuddly, house-trained – she's really no trouble at all. We're very close and we sleep together and so on, even though she's been used to being left alone from the start and has always handled it well. Basically, we've never had any issues.

However, for the past week, she's been peeing on my bed almost every day... I'm spending my life changing the sheets and it’s really starting to get me down (5 times in 6 days...). I took her to the vet, and they say she’s in perfect health and it’s a behavioural issue that I need to find the cause of...?? Apart from that, she’s still got a good appetite, she's playing and sleeping normally. I haven't changed my routine and I'm at home a lot. It happened two evenings when I was out and three nights while I was asleep. I'm actually ill at the moment and feeling a bit under the weather... maybe she’s picking up on it? But I've been ill before and it never bothered her! I also changed her dry food a little while ago, but I took the time to do a proper transition and she’s eating it well...

I’m not a fan of the idea of using a repellent because I live in a small flat (about 320 sq ft) with a sofa bed in the living room... and I loved sleeping with my Lili. I’d like to ban her from the room at night for a few days, but that would mean moving her litter tray and bowls... perhaps now isn't the best time to disrupt her routine? (I've done it before when I've had guests over and it didn't bother her then).

Anyway, if you could help me, I’m getting a bit desperate and I've honestly reached the end of my tether...

Thanks

Translated from French
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6 answers
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    • R
    Roucoulou64 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, I didn't quite follow what you meant regarding the changes to the food and litter... But if she wasn't having accidents before you changed them, then you should definitely switch back to the old ones she was used to.

    It’s also quite possible that it’s down to your neighbour's cats.

    I’m really sorry for you, it must be so tough... I’m sorry I can't be of more help, but I hope it all stops as soon as possible.

    Have a good evening.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    By the way, she was spayed when she was about 6-7 months old.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone, After switching litter brands and moving the tray, I was really hopeful – we went two days without any accidents. But last night... back to square one. I don’t even tell her off anymore to avoid stressing her out further, but also because I just feel so sorry for her. What’s wrong with my Lili? It’s taking a toll on me too, as I used to love her sleeping on the bed with me (not to mention the fact that I’m constantly doing laundry and have sheets drying everywhere...). BUT I think I’ve found the cause: yesterday I popped over to my neighbour’s to give her the old bag of litter that was nearly full, as I’d decided to go back to the original brand. She was thrilled, and with good reason: on top of her own two cats, she’s recently started fostering for a local rescue and there are currently two new cats right next door to me. It’s a very noble thing to do, but for me, it was a real blow... what can I do if my cat can’t stand new animals being around and my neighbour is taking them in every month?! What a nightmare... Just to let you know, I’ve been giving her Zylkene for three days now. Thanks in advance for your replies, I’ll be reading them all carefully.
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    R
    Roucoulou64 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, when a cat suddenly starts peeing outside their litter tray, it usually means something unusual has happened—either a change in their environment or a urinary issue—but here she’s only doing it on your bed. Could you have done something like a loud noise or a shout that she might have misinterpreted? A change of litter, moving the furniture around, her food, her bed or something else? A new pet or person in the house, or someone who’s no longer there? A run-in with another animal that went badly? Going outdoors? It really could be any number of things... it might even be her food. I’m going to say something that will be hard to do, but try not to punish her, scold her or get cross when she does it, as doing that will only make her stress worse. I hope those junior vet tips work out. Let me know how you get on. Keep me updated, best of luck!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, Thanks for your reply. I’ve moved the litter tray to the bathroom, which is a room where she often naps, and I gave it a thorough clean with bleach beforehand. Fingers crossed it works!
    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    To try and sort this out, here are a few suggestions, even though it sounds like you’ve already tried a few of them:

    - The duvet is a comfy spot and your little cat clearly loves it there. First off, you could try making the bedroom off-limits by keeping the door shut, and then find a spot your cat actually likes for the litter tray. Cats have their own preferences, so just keep an eye on her during the day to see where she likes to hang out. Wherever you put the tray needs to be a quiet spot where she feels safe and undisturbed;

    - It’s usually recommended to have at least one litter tray per cat, so it might be best to set up a second one, big enough for her, in one of those spots you've identified;

    - The tray needs to stay clean and be changed regularly to keep her as comfortable as possible;

    - Don't use any cleaning products that contain ammonia to clean up any accidents, as the smell actually encourages cats to pee there again. You can, however, use a bit of bleach to clean the actual litter trays to encourage her to use them;

    - It's really important not to tell your cat off if you catch her in the act or find a mess later on. It’ll only stress her out, which often makes the house-soiling even worse;

    - Does she have enough resources? For instance, you could try leaving food out in different spots around the house, give her more places to sleep, use cat trees, and make sure to spend time playing with her;

    - Is she spayed? Getting her neutered can often resolve these kinds of issues.

    That said, if the problem persists, don't hesitate to book an appointment with your vet to rule out any potential infections.

    Best of luck,

    Charlotte

    Translated from French

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