Introduction
We had a small problem with our older cat. She used to sleep peacefully with our dog, but she started peeing in his bed. It became such a hassle that we couldn’t leave the dog’s bed on the floor anymore, fearing that the cat would urinate on it.
When a cat pees on a dog’s bed, it’s easy to assume that it’s a territorial marking or a rivalry between pets. We’ve all heard the saying that cats and dogs don’t get along, right?
The truth is, cats are quite particular about their hygiene. So, if your cat is urinating outside its litter box and targeting your dog’s bed, there must be a good reason behind it.
But how do you stop your cat from peeing on your dog’s bed? Don’t worry, I found a solution that worked for us, and I’ll share it with you in this article.
How to Prevent a Cat from Urinating in the Dog’s Bed
Before we dive into the steps to stop your cat from peeing on your dog’s bed, let’s first understand why they do it in the first place. So, keep reading to find out the reasons behind this behavior.
Once you identify the reason behind your cat’s unwanted urination, you can implement the following techniques to put an end to this behavior.
1. Thoroughly clean the bed
Cats have a strong instinct to return to places they have previously marked with urine. To eliminate this behavior, it is crucial to act quickly. The longer you wait, the stronger the smell of cat pee becomes, and a simple soap and water wash won’t suffice.
Here’s a tip: Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 cup of vinegar and pour it on the pee stain. Allow the mixture to dry, then sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda on the surface. Vacuum off the powder. If the stain persists, repeat the process or use enzyme-based cleaners that effectively remove stains and odors.
2. Use an odor neutralizer
Since cats are repeat offenders when it comes to urine, removing their scent from the dog bed will make it unappealing. Additionally, a nice-smelling bed will benefit your dog, allowing him to sleep peacefully.
Here’s a helpful product: Look for odor eliminators that are safe for use around children and pets. Make sure to avoid ammonia-based products as they may attract cats. Consider using this recommended option available on Amazon.
3. Spray cat pheromones
Cats release pheromones to communicate with other animals. This behavior is the basis for a cat’s marking instinct, which you can utilize to your advantage.
By spraying pheromones in the room, you can deter your cat from urinating on inappropriate surfaces. It’s believed that pheromones have a calming effect and can reduce anxiety, which may be a contributing factor to this behavior. You can purchase a Feliway device on Amazon to facilitate this process.
For best results, combine spraying cat pheromones with thorough cleaning and odor neutralization. Eventually, your dog’s bed will become completely undesirable to your cat.
If your cat’s stress is causing behavioral changes, you might also consider using calming sprays to help reduce anxiety. Check out this option available on Amazon for an easy and non-intrusive calming solution.
4. Block physical access
Blocking physical access is one of the simplest ways to prevent your cat from urinating on the dog’s bed.
While baby gates may not be effective in keeping cats out, you can separate the litter box and dog bed at opposite ends of your home. If the dog bed resembles the litter box in any way (such as being rectangular and gray), it might be best to replace it.
Adding an additional litter box can also help. The general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats you have. Place the litter boxes near areas where your cats spend the most time to encourage their use.
5. Train and correct the behavior
Although it’s understandable if your cat’s urination habits are causing you stress, it’s essential to avoid punishing your cat as it may lead to increased anxiety. You don’t want your cat to be afraid of you.
If your cat is urinating all over the house, and the dog’s bed is just one of the locations, you may need to retrain your cat to use the litter box.
Additionally, if you suspect that your cat’s disruptive behavior is due to stress, investing in a cat tree or condo can provide a secure place for your cat to escape and observe from a safe perch. Check out this recommended option on Amazon.
Why do cats pee in dog beds?
Understanding the reasons behind a cat’s preference for urinating in dog beds can help you determine the right prevention strategy. You might want to consider implementing multiple prevention techniques to address all possible causes.
Health problems
If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, it could be due to a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, diabetes, or bladder inflammation. It’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Stress and anxiety
Major changes in your household routine, such as introducing a new dog, can cause stress and anxiety in cats. They may mark their territory or exhibit other behavioral changes, including inappropriate urination. Providing a calm environment and quality interaction can help alleviate their stress.
Litter box logistics
Evaluate the litter box situation to ensure it meets your cat’s needs. Cats prefer privacy and cleanliness, so clean the litter box regularly and consider its location. Having one litter box per level of your home can make it more convenient for your cat to access.
Conclusion
If your cat doesn’t have a medical issue, there are steps you can take to prevent it from urinating in your dog’s bed. Ensure your cat is comfortable with its litter box, consider using odor neutralizers and cat pheromone sprays, and block physical access to the dog’s bed. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key to correcting unwanted behaviors.
Using a combination of these techniques, we successfully stopped our cat from peeing on our dog’s bed. Now, our cat and dog sleep together without the unpleasant smell of cat urine.
