No one likes to ask, “Why is my cat peeing on my bed?” Noticing that your cat peed on your fresh-out-of-the-washing-machine sheets is of the most irritating things she can do. There are a lot of different reasons besides your cat just being a jerk that explain why she would do such a thing. Understanding the “why” will help you figure out what is really going on inside of your furry feline’s head, so you can then determine how to stop this unwanted behavior.

While many believe the primary reason cats pee on the bed is because they’re just being sassy, this is usually not the case. Read on to learn why your cat has picked up this undesirable habit and what you can do to put an end to it.

Why do cats pee on the bed?

Whether it’s related to medical issues, it’s a serious problem that you should stop your cat from doing. First, you have to determine the cause of the behavior. Some of the most common reasons cats pee on the bed include:

• An underlying medical condition. A urinary tract infection, diabetes, and kidney disease are the top three reasons your cat may have difficulty controlling its bladder. This may be the case in cats that not only urinate on your bed but also in other places besides their litter box. It’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately if you notice this behavior.
• Stress and anxiety. When cats become overwhelmed and stressed, they sometimes use urination as a coping mechanism. Your cat may be stressed or anxious about various factors that will cause them to pee outside the litter box.
• Attachment issues. Since your natural scent fills your bed, your cat probably finds it very comforting when you’re away. If you have a kitty that doesn’t like to be apart, she may urinate on your bed to combine her scent with your scent for comfort.
• Jealousy. Adding a new cat, dog, or even a baby to the home could create jealous feelings in your cat and may cause your cat to feel threatened. She will want to mark her territory, and your bed may be the prime spot for this behavior.
• Unappealing litter box conditions. If your cat’s litter box isn’t up to her standards, she may urinate in your bed to let you know. Whether you haven’t been scooping the poop often enough or the litter box isn’t the right size, your cat will avoid the litter box entirely if she doesn’t feel comfortable using it. Cats are highly particular and might protest the litter box’s location, the type of box, and even the type of litter.
• Your cat isn’t fixed. A cat that isn’t spayed or neutered may spray and mark furniture, walls, and carpets. Your furry friend is more likely to mark surfaces than a fixed cat. In this case, the solution is easy — call your vet and schedule an appointment to get your cat spayed or neutered.

What can you do to stop your cat from peeing on the bed?

The best way to stop this behavior is to find the cause. Usually, the reason is some kind of underlying medical condition. Because of this, the first step should always be to check with your veterinarian. If your veterinarian clears your cat of any medical ailments, you can try some of these tactics to help keep your bed clean:

• Tire your cat out with long play sessions to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Prioritize cuddle time, so your cat feels loved and secure.
• Ensure your cat’s litter box is always clean.
• Try out new litter boxes and litter box locations to provide the perfect conditions for your cat.
• Find any outside stressors that may be causing your cat anxiety.
• Make the bed an unattractive place with unappealing scents or a scat mat.
• Encourage litter box use with treats as positive reinforcement.

What not to do if your cat pees on your bed

You’ve probably heard the same not-so-helpful advice we all have heard: “Just rub her nose in it. That will make her stop.” Contrary to popular belief, yelling at your cat, spraying your cat with a bit of water, or rubbing her nose in her mess won’t actually improve her behavior. It could even make things worse. If your cat is urinating outside the litter box due to stressors, making her more fearful will only cause her behavior to continue. When in doubt, your best course of action is to consult a veterinarian.

Answering the question, “Why does my cat pee on my bed?” is just the first step. In addition to addressing the specific issue causing your cat to pee on the bed, you’ll need to take steps to help your kitty “reset.” Start by thoroughly cleaning your bedding, so it no longer smells like pee.

While it’s often recommended to cover your bed in plastic because cats hate the texture, veterinarians strongly caution against doing so. Leaving your cat unattended with plastic tarps, bags, or shower curtains can have severe consequences, as your cat may ingest some of the plastic, leading to intestinal blockages, or she could even suffocate if she becomes tangled. Instead, you can retrain your cat to associate the bed with bonding time and food. Make sure you cuddle your cat and feed her treats in bed. Because cats are averse to urinating where they eat, teaching your fur baby that your bed is a place for snuggling and snacking will teach her not to treat your mattress as her litter box.

Underlying medical conditions or stress can cause your cat to urinate on your bed. While this behavior is frustrating, unsanitary, and pretty gross, it can signify that your cat needs help. If this behavior arises, bringing your cat to the veterinarian for further diagnosis is essential. It may be the most effective way to resolve the issue. If your cat has no medical problems, this type of activity could simply be a behavioral issue that needs addressing. Either way, getting to the bottom of your cat’s inappropriate urination will ensure a healthier and happier home for both of you.

Cats are as unique as their human family members; each frisky feline has their own likes, dislikes, and funny mannerisms. Some cats get along well exclusively with other cats, while others love dogs. But one universal trait all cat parents recognize is their fastidious nature when it comes to grooming. When cats are widely known for being notoriously picky, you may be shocked to find your cat taking a nap in the litter box. Whether your fur baby takes cat naps in the litter box or paces around crying, you probably know they’re trying to tell you something.

Cats lying in the vicinity of their litter box could be healthy, but this strange behavior could be a warning sign of an underlying health issue. Have you ever wondered, “Why is my cat lying in the litter box?” You’ve come to the right place.

Why is my cat lying in the litter box?

1. Your cat’s feeling stressed

Sometimes, cats sleep in their litter boxes when they’re highly stressed. This is particularly common after you’ve moved to a new home. When your cat’s environment has changed, they may seek out anything familiar that they can find, including their litter box.

If your cat’s behavior is prompted by stress, you may need to find ways to help them feel secure. You might place some blankets containing your cat’s scent in a box next to the litter box. With some time, your cat should start to explore the home and feel more confident.

2. Your cat wants privacy

In some cases, cats may see their litter boxes as private spaces, and your cat might choose to retreat there for a nap. This is particularly common with enclosed litter boxes, which mimic the quiet security of other spaces cats like, like closets and cardboard boxes.

If your cat seems to be sleeping in the litter box simply because they enjoy the privacy, then you may be able to change their behavior by giving them other spaces to snooze. Your cat might enjoy hiding out in cardboard boxes or on a cat tree with a perch that lets them get up above the action.

3. Your cat is marking their territory

Your cat may be sleeping in their litter box in an attempt to claim it as their property. If there are other pets in the household, your cat may be feeling defensive and be trying to keep other pets away from what they’ve decided is their space.

Adding more litter boxes to the home can help your cat to feel more confident and may reduce the need your feline feels to mark their territory. If you’ve just introduced a new pet to the home, taking steps to keep that pet more separated from your cat for a more gradual introduction may also help.

4. Your kitten is sleepy

Kittens learn a lot during their first weeks of life, and understanding what the litter box is for is a task that can take some time. Your kitten will learn to use the litter box by watching their mom, and sometimes litter box sides are challenging for kittens to climb over. If you find your kitten snoozing in the box, they may have just gotten tired and needed a nap.

The solution? Give your kitten some time — chances are they will figure out that napping in the litter box isn’t all that great soon enough.

5. Your cat thinks it’s comfy

Some cats may find the litter box comfy, especially if you’ve recently changed the type of litter that you’re using. A cat may be confused by the new texture and smells in the litter box, and your feline might find a soft litter, like recycled paper, to be comfy and the perfect spot for a nap.

To avoid this issue, make any litter changes gradually. Start by mixing in just 1/4 of your new litter, then gradually increase that new litter while reducing the amount of old litter in the box. Your cat will have some time to get used to the new litter and will have the chance to associate it with the place to do their business, instead of doing their sleeping.

6. Your cat likes the way their litter box smells

While we may cringe when we catch a whiff of the pungent smell of ammonia, it turns out that your fur baby might actually enjoy napping in their litter box because of the smell, not in spite of it. Their sensitive noses allow them to pick up on the scent of their pheromones, making the litter box feel like a safe place for them, no matter how stinky.

To counteract this unusual sleeping arrangement, make sure your cat has access to bedding that carries their scent.

7. Your cat is newly adopted

Some cats take a while to get accustomed to their new surroundings. If you just adopted your cat from a shelter, they may be used to sleeping in a small space close to or in their litter box. The enclosed space of the box may feel more comfortable to them, especially during the stress of moving to a new home.

To help your cat feel more comfortable sleeping outside the litter box, give them a small space to sleep in. This could be a cardboard box, a covered cat bed, or a carrier with a blanket in it. As long as the space is compact and secluded, chances are good your cat will sleep there.

8. Your cat’s uncomfortable or sick

Sleeping in the litter box can indicate that your cat is uncomfortable. One of the most common reasons why cats sleep in their litter box is because of medical issues. Cats with kidney disease, urinary tract infections, constipation, or other digestive problems may sleep in their litter box when they’re not feeling well. If your cat is struggling to go to the bathroom, or they think they may not make it back in time, they may decide it’s best to stay close by. Some cats that are suffering from an advanced stage of dementia may also sleep in their litter box.

If you suspect your cat is ill, take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. The veterinarian will be able to ease their pain and solve their digestive troubles. Once their medical condition is addressed, they should refrain from sleeping in the litter box once again.

9. Your cat is in labor

Is your cat pregnant? Typically, when female cats are on the verge of giving birth and do not have a private place to do it, they will seek shelter in their litter box. If your cat is pregnant, do some research so you can create a proper space for her to give birth where she and her babies can feel safe.

What to do about your cat lying in the litter box

Keep in mind that this is likely a temporary behavior, as one of the explanations above might be to blame for your cat’s affinity for the litter box. Be sure to consult your veterinarian just to make sure there isn’t some sort of medical issue going on. And if your kitty’s health checks out and all else fails, you can always make a habit of changing the litter much more often or right after you notice your cat using it. Hopefully, in time, your sweet friend will find a much more comfortable place to curl up for a nap.

Final thoughts

If you find yourself wondering, “Why is my cat sleeping in the litter box?” then one of these situations might be the answer. If you can’t identify the cause of your cat’s sleeping in the litter box, or if you suspect a health issue might be to blame, then schedule an appointment with your vet. A check-up can help to identify any health issues that may need treatment, and once your cat is more comfortable, they should go back to their regular sleeping habits — outside the litter box.

Even independent felines require a lot of care and attention, which is why many cat owners consider buying an automatic cat litter box at some point in their kitties’ lives. It has the potential to cut down on a lot of poop-scooping time, but there are a lot of downsides to consider, too.

The cost of a self-cleaning litter box, of course, can be a pretty penny. Not everyone is willing to make a large purchase without knowing whether it will help, but we hope we can help you start your research. You’ll know what’s best for you and your cat.

A self-cleaning litter box can make for a lot less time-consuming (and stinky) task

Having a robot litter box sounds convenient and luxurious, right? Their modern looks can fit in well with any home aesthetic, and there’s a lot less work involved on your end. Each self-cleaning litter box has its own specific features, of course, but even the most basic models could make your cat’s bathroom trips less messy.

 Robotic litter boxes will do most of the poop scooping for you

The primary function of an automatic litter box is to scoop your cat’s droppings for you. Some will use a rake-type feature to swipe solid waste into a hidden area, which you will later throw away. Other models, however, will rotate to reveal openings for soiled litter to fall into. If you’re willing to invest a bit more money, you can even find an app-enabled litter box that helps you keep track of maintenance supply levels. You’ll be able to keep an eye on your kitty’s bathroom habits, too!

 You’ll be able to enjoy a smell-free zone, even next to the litter box

Many boxes will have a kind of sensor to detect when your kitty exits so it can take care of business — literally — within seconds. This keeps your house smelling fresh and clean, so you won’t have to light a candle every time you enter the room. Many automatic litter boxes have excellent reviews when it comes to smell protection!

An automatic litter box can be expensive, loud, and even overwhelming for some cats

As nice as a robot litter box may sound, your cat might not love the idea as much as you do. Felines can be creatures of habit, after all, and may take a long time to adjust to change. Any cat will need time to figure out what that fancy new machine is.

Automatic litter box prices range from $100 to nearly $1,000

Depending on the features you’re looking for, you can expect to spend between $100 and $1,000 for a self-cleaning litter box. Wi-Fi and app-enabled litter boxes tend to be on the more expensive side, as are the rotating litter boxes. This is why it’s important to do your research, so you can know which features you’re looking for and what your budget will be.

Some self-cleaning cat litter boxes are loud when they operate

If you work from home — or if your cat is a night owl — you may want to consider the noise an automatic litter box makes when it does its poop scooping. Think about placing the new box in a room where you don’t work or sleep. Sounds will vary from one machine to the next, of course, so don’t be afraid to read reviews, watch videos, or demo the product before you buy.

Some cats react negatively to an automatic litter box

One of the most important factors is whether your cat likes their brand-new litter box. If they’re frightened by the noise or the way it moves, they may need more time than average to adjust. Of course, there are also some cases when self-cleaning litter boxes are just not an option, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Whether you’re ready to invest or are still in the process of researching, there’s no better time to upgrade your cat’s litter box. It has the potential to save you a lot of time and effort over the years, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that your cat likes it, too. Happy shopping!

Can the stuff you use for the best wood-fired, smoky-tasting barbecue dishes double as cat litter? Reddit is in a dust-up over the purported genius hack.

“Best cat litter ever… you choose: $18 (20 lbs.) vs. $7 (40 lbs.),” started Reddit u/Navi36 in the r/Frugal subreddit.

In the post, there was a side-by-side photo of the two choices. The $18 option was standard kitty litter. The $7 option with twice the amount of pellets was a heaping bag of wood pellets for a Traeger grill.

Some kitty parents agreed: The Traeger grill wood pellet kitty litter was the cat’s meow (or at least a favorite money-saving trick they, too, had discovered). The post has racked up over 850 comments.

“Yes — 100% agree with you and am also a follower of this practice. [It’s] so much cheaper and tracks so much less. Plus, [there’s] so much less to do since you really only scoop the solids (compared to regular litter that you have to scoop pee, too),” wrote the top commenter, who also added some tips for people considering the trick.

“Make sure you avoid pine and softwood pellets — they can actually be an irritant to cats — look for hardwood pellets (same low price, same easy availability in hardware and general stores!). In Canada, Canadian Tire carries a few types of giant bags,” the Redditor wrote.

However, another poster was raising red flags.

“Besides the cancer risk using random wood pellets for cat litter can really aggravate your cat’s lungs. Regular clay isn’t much better. It kicks up dust whenever your cat uses it and can lead to asthma-like symptoms in cats,” wrote one user. The user noted that no scented litter was safe and later added, “I prefer World’s Best non-scented in the red bag because there is almost no dust or tracking at all, and it doesn’t seem to trigger my cat’s asthma at all. It is a bit more expensive, but it’s a really good litter [that] doesn’t track much, and it tends to last longer than most other litters.”

Of note, the Humane Society and San Diego Humane Society don’t mention anything about scented kitty litter being unsafe. However, they note that cats may not like the smell — our feline friends sure are opinionated. That said, they also don’t discuss wood pellet kitty litter, particularly not from pellets designed for grills.

Your best bet is to avoid using Reddit for safety advice. Like any platform, it’s not a substitute for actual advice from a licensed professional. If you’re having kitty potty issues, want to get creative, or looking to save on pet care, speak to your cat’s veterinarian. They can walk you through safe ways to save, and what’s worth paying full price for your cat’s health and safety.

Use disposable liners

One of the best hacks to simplify cleaning a litter box is to use disposable litter box liners. These liners prevent the litter from coming into contact with the box, and when you buy liners with drawstrings, you can lift the whole liner, including the litter, up and out of the box. There’s no scrubbing needed unless your cat scratched through a liner, so cleaning the box is faster and easier.

For liners to be effective, they need to fit your box well, so measure carefully and shop around until you find liners that are the right size. You might find that some brands are thicker and more durable than others, so don’t be afraid to try a few different options until you find a brand that’s right for your needs.

Try wipes from the store

If you hate the mess of scrubbing out a litter box with a sponge, give some cleaning wipes from the store a try. These wipes can be a lower-mess option, and you don’t have to worry about rinsing and storing a sponge.

If you try wipes, make sure that you purchase unscented wipes. Most cats aren’t wild about citrus smells, and you don’t want a heavily scented cleanser to drive your cat away from using the box. You can get extra-good deals on disposable wipes when you buy them in bulk or head to a dollar store.

Make your own cat litter

If you’re tired of lugging big bags of heavy litter home from the store, it might be time to try making your own. You can make your own cat litter using old newspaper, dish soap, and baking soda.

Keep in mind that making your own litter isn’t exactly a time-saver. It’s a multi-step process and it will take a few days before the litter is finished. But, making litter can be a good way to recycle newspapers and to avoid dealing with heavy store-bought litters.

Use a metal scoop

If you’re tired of litter clumping up and getting caught on the scoop, it’s probably time to switch to a metal scoop. Metal scoops are stronger and more durable than plastic scoops, and litter doesn’t stick to them as it does to plastic scoops. Metal scoops will cost a bit more than plastic ones, but chances are you’ll be happy about this investment every time you go to clean your cat’s box.

Use a plastic tote

Tired of your cat tracking litter all over the house, no matter how many litter-catching mats you put down? This last hack is our favorite, and it comes from the Animal Rescue Site. To start, you’ll need a large plastic storage tote that has room to contain your cat’s litter box, while also giving your cat space to walk in front of the box.

You’ll need to cut open a large hole in the tote that will serve as a doorway. Then, place your cat’s litter box inside, and line the front of the tote with litter-catching mats. Place another mat just outside of the tote to capture any excess litter.

The tote neatly contains your cat’s litter box, while helping to prevent your cat from spreading litter all over the house. It can be particularly effective if your cat enjoys digging around in his box and flinging litter around the room.

Litter boxes can be a lot of work, but with a little experimentation, you can find a setup that works well for you. You might need to try different litters and different box styles until you discover what is right for your cat, and what’s easy to clean. If you make these changes, be sure to gradually introduce them to your cat. For example, if you’re changing litter types, you’ll need to gradually add in a bit of the new litter while slowly reducing the amount of the old litter. Cats are highly particular about their litter boxes, so give your cat time to get to used to any of the changes that you’re introducing. This strategy will increase the chance of your cat accepting those changes.

Why cat litter allergies occur

The ingredients in cat litter can cause allergies. Clumping litter generally contains silica, which produces silica dust, an irritant known to cause allergies in some humans and animals. Fragrances can also be potentially irritating. While clay litters tend to be the most bothersome, your cat can be allergic to any number of components in any litter.

How your cat uses the litter box contributes to these potential allergies. Cats dig in the box, bury their business, and scratch at the box sides and at the litter. All this activity can stir up dust and irritants, making the issue worse.

7 signs that could indicate a litter allergy

If you’re asking, “Is my cat allergic to his litter?” there are several signs to watch for. Here are seven common symptoms of a litter allergy.

1. Sneezing
2. Coughing
3. Red, watery, itchy eyes
4. Runny nose
5. Wheezing
6. Frequent scratching and itchy skin
7. Facial swelling or swollen, inflamed ears

You might notice one or more of these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If your cat has an allergy and continues using the same type of litter, those problems can worsen.

Initially, you might notice symptoms only when your cat is in or near the box. However, dust from the litter can get stuck on your cat’s paws, and your cat can track it through the house and into his bed. If this happens, then your cat might experience those symptoms no matter where in the house he happens to be.

Your cat will become uncomfortable, and if he realizes that the symptoms are worse when he uses the litter box, he may start avoiding the box.

What to do if your cat has a litter allergy

• Change the type of litter. One of the first steps necessary to address a cat litter allergy is to change the type of litter you use. Look for a litter that’s free of the ingredients found in your cat’s current litter. To accomplish this, you’ll probably need to change the litter type entirely. For example, if you’re using clay litter, switching to pine or corn litter can help.
• Thoroughly clean the litter box. Before you use the new litter, thoroughly clean out your cat’s litter box. Give it a good scrubbing to ensure you remove all the dust from the previous litter. You’ll also need to clean all the areas of your house where the litter dust could have been tracked. This means cleaning your floors, your carpets, your cat’s bed, his cat tree, and any other areas your cat spends time.
• Clean the box frequently. Change your cat’s litter over to the new litter and then prioritize frequent cleaning. Vacuuming and sweeping up often can help reduce the allergens in your home. Monitor your cat for signs of improvement to see if changing the litter helped.

Remember that your cat may be allergic to multiple things in your home, and he can also be allergic to different ingredients in different types of litter. Removing and changing his litter could improve his allergies, but it may not eliminate them altogether. Your vet can explore other potential allergens that are bothering your cat and might recommend a food-elimination diet or even allergy testing to pinpoint what he is allergic to. Managing your cat’s allergies can take some hard work and persistence, but it can pay off with a healthier, happier cat.

No odor control

Sand offers no odor-control properties, so your cat’s litter box can get stinky really quickly. That will be an even bigger problem if you have a multi-cat home.

Sand might be convenient and affordable, but you’ll need to plan on changing your cat’s litter box much more frequently than you would with an odor-controlling litter. You can mix in some baking soda, but it won’t necessarily solve the odor problem entirely.

Non-clumping

Sand absorbs moisture, but it doesn’t clump, so scooping your cat’s litter box daily can be a challenge. When you pair this with the fact that sand offers no odor control, it’s easy to see why the litter box will need frequent cleaning.

If you already use a clumping litter, then switching to sand will be a big change. If you’re using a non-clumping litter, then the non-clumping properties of sand might not bother you as much.

Extra messy

Sand is lightweight and made up of tiny grains, so it’s quite easy for your cat to track it out of the litter box and all over your house. Sand is also lightweight compared with many clay litters, which means if your cat likes to enthusiastically scratch at his box, he might send sand flying everywhere.

You can try to put down rubber litter mats to capture and grab sand from your cat’s paws as he leaves the box but plan to also spend plenty of time vacuuming and sweeping to keep your house clean.

Potential for parasites

If you’re buying bagged sand, like the type you can use in sandboxes, then the sand you’re using is probably safe. However, if you’re gathering sand from a beach or an outdoor sand pile, then it could contain parasites — and you might be bringing them into your home.

Depending on the type of sand you’re using, it could contain other harmful substances. Avoid using sand that’s intended for wintertime application to roads, since this often contains a salt mixture that can be highly toxic to cats. The truth is, if you’re gathering sand from anywhere outdoors, you won’t necessarily know what’s been mixed into it, and it could jeopardize your cat’s safety.

Sand harbors bacteria

Sand can also be a home for bacteria, and that bacteria could potentially make your cat sick. Again, this risk is reduced if you’re buying bagged sand that’s available commercially, but if you’re gathering sand from outdoors, it could be riskier than you might think.

If you’re considering using a new cat litter, you have plenty of options to choose from. Sand might have some advantages, but it has some big disadvantages, too. Instead of using sand, consider another alternative type of litter. If you’re tired of the traditional clay litter, then options like litters made out of corn, paper, or even wheat might be more appealing. You’ll want to consider features like whether the litter clumps, odor control, and, of course, its price when deciding which is right for you.

Change can be difficult for your cat

Keep in mind that just because you think a litter is right for you doesn’t mean your cat will agree. Cats can be finicky about their litters, and it’s important to make any changes gradually. If you want to try a new litter, add just a bit of that litter into your cat’s existing litter in one litter box. Then, slowly increase the amount of the new litter while decreasing the old litter. Continue with this process over at least a few weeks, until all the old litter is replaced with new litter. This approach will increase the chances of your cat accepting the new litter.