What should I do if my cat wets the bed?

When it comes to cat urine, cat owners know that the smell is really hard to describe. In the morning, handling cat poop is a refreshing and invigorating experience. That's the secret to not being late for work every day. But the joy of getting a perfect attendance award is so short-lived, because all I get is a puddle of cat urine on my bed when I get home!

I believe that many cat owners have the same experience with me, today we will talk about what to do when the cat wets the bed.

Analyzing the Causes

The most critical aspect of dealing with bedwetting in cats is identifying the root cause. Only by identifying the cause can we take the right steps to solve the problem.

First, we need to determine whether it is a pathological issue or not. If you find urine in various places around the house, with small amounts in each spot and possibly very little in the litter box, there might be an issue with the cat's urinary system. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.

Another scenario to consider is when a female cat is in heat. During this period, a cat may urinate and emit vocalizations resembling a baby's cry. Female cats may also exhibit certain behaviors. Cats in heat can only be spayed after their heat cycle, and they may continue to urinate unusually during this time.

If you find a large puddle of urine on your sheets, it usually means that the cat can control its urination. In this case, don't blame the cat immediately; instead, let's explore the potential causes:

1. Untimely Cleaning: Check the litter box for excess feces and urine. Cats that value cleanliness may seek a clean alternative when the litter box is soiled. A soft, absorbent blanket might seem like an attractive option.

2. Inaccessible Litter Box: Ensure that the cat can access the litter box. Common scenarios include closed room doors preventing access, a relocated litter box, or a recently cleaned and drying litter box.

3. Litter Change: A change in cat litter can be unsettling for cats. Differences in material, particle size, or fragrance may lead to urination issues. Consider using PetOneCat pure plant-based litter, which is easier for cats to adapt to.

4. Lack of Litter: Adequate litter depth is crucial. There should be at least 3 cm or more of cat litter in the box. If there's only a small amount of litter left, the cat may feel it can't bury its waste properly, leading to urination elsewhere.

5. Environmental Changes: Moving to a new home can stress a cat, causing them to urinate outside the litter box.

6. New Cat in the House: Introducing a new cat may trigger territorial disputes, leading to bedwetting. Isolation and gradual introductions can help.

7. Recent Adoption: Newly adopted cats may not be fully accustomed to the litter box. Training and patience are key.

What to Do After Cat Bedwetting

1. Identify the root cause, as discussed above, and take steps to prevent a recurrence.

2. Promptly clean urine-soiled bed sheets. Sunning the affected bedding can help remove odors. If the cat can still smell its urine, it might return to the same spot.

3. Wash the bedding thoroughly, using extra detergent if needed. Consider using a deodorant spray.

4. Temporarily isolate the cat from the bed to break the habit. Close the bedroom door if necessary.

5. Use an odor deterrent that cats dislike on the bedding to discourage further urination.

Can You Train the Cat?

1. Cats don't have strong memories for past actions, so scolding or punishing them for bedwetting is usually ineffective.

2. If you catch the cat in the act, immediate correction may help build awareness.

Dealing with cat bedwetting can be a challenging experience, but understanding the causes and taking appropriate steps can lead to a solution.