Tips for Cat Pee Aggravation

From the Folks at White Mountain College for Pets - Holderness, NH

“Why does my cat always pee on the carpet right after I get back from vacation? Does she do it out of spite?”

Some variation of this lament is very common among cat owners (and even some dog owners). The thing is, while our pets are very clever, cats and dogs don’t engage in those types of complex thoughts and predictions. Spite is a behavior driven by very human emotions and thought processes!

The truth is, while your cat may seem very independent, he or she has grown accustomed to you, your scent, and routine. When you leave, it’s distinctly unsettling!

They want to feel more secure, and one way for them to do that is to do what cats do to protect their territory...

They lay down a scent mark—it could be anywhere in your home, but especially areas where your scent is rich (your bed, shoes, laundry and yes, your carpet!). The mixing of their scent with yours gives them comfort at a time when they may feel like home is potentially unsafe.

And once begun, that response to scent is not going to stop just because you get home.

So, what do you do to prevent it? 1. Make sure there’s no medical problem

Consult your vet to rule out conditions like UTI (urinary tract infection) or crystals. And if you have, or plan to get, a kitten, neutering before the spraying starts can be helpful. 2. Make the litter box a “happy place.”

Cats tend to prefer privacy, so place your litter box in a location away from household bustle or appliances. Choose the style your cat likes best, and fill it with their favorite fresh litter. • What box? Many cats actually favor a simple, open top litter box. (If too much spray while peeing is the issue, look for a box with higher sides.) • Which litter? Try a variety: soil, sand, clay, scoopable, wood pellets, mulch, etc. (TIP: unscented is generally what cats prefer!) • What surface? Some cats like to scratch around their box; if yours does, expand their “place” safely by setting the litter box on a piece of rug or small blanket. Fall 2022

3. Eliminate scent marking left by other cats.

If wall spraying is the issue, check for other cats (or cat-family wildlife), outside the window or wall being marked. • A black light will let you see any spray marks on the wall, floor or furniture. • Treat with an odor-eliminating enzyme spray. • Hot water extraction is the most reliable way to remove pet urine from your carpet (TIP: if the smell won’t go away, urine may have leaked through to the pad or sub-floor, and will need to be replaced.)

Do you have multiple cats? Consider providing multiple litter boxes, and/or take extra steps to keep the litter clean: scoop daily, change the litter weekly, and clean the box with an odor-eliminating enzyme spray.

Cats are, in fact, very trainable. Keep sessions very short and highly motivating: their attention span (and desire to please) are just 16th that of a dog. Cats can learn to walk on a leash, use a human toilet, fun tricks, AND to pee in the proper place. You just need a plan and patience! (And possibly a trainer that can help, of course: CollegeforPets.com)