Dr. Liff notes that if your kitten keeps peeing in unusual spots, it might be time for a visit to your vet. Diagnosing these issues may involve tests like blood work or a urinalysis, which can cost between $200 to $500 (not including the cost of treatment) but are essential to get to the root of the problem.
“When your cat is relieving themselves outside of their litter box—like on your bed, the sofa, or a rug—It’s crucial to rule out medical issues first, before assuming it’s caused by something behavioral.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
If there’s a health condition involved, the vet might suggest things like antibiotics or diet changes to help manage it. The cost of treatments can vary significantly, depending on your cat’s diagnosis. For example, the cost of treating a mild UTI in cats with antibiotics and pain meds is around $200 to $500. But if your fur baby has bladder stones that require surgery, the price jumps to roughly $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
2. Avoiding the litter box
Kittens can be pretty particular about their litter box setup. To encourage your cat to use their litter box, here are some general tips you can follow:
Keep it clean: Scoop the litter box every day and give it a good clean once a week by removing all of the litter and giving the box a good scrub. A dirty box can really turn your kitten off!
Location matters: Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area where your kitten feels safe—like a quiet guest bathroom.
Choose the right type of litter: Some cats prefer unscented or clumping litter. Experiment with different options to find what your kitten likes.
Add more litter trays: If you have multiple cats or a large home, ensure you have enough litter trays in convenient locations to help reduce stress and competition. Aim for one litter box per cat, plus an extra.
3. Stress or behavioral issues
Dr. Liff emphasizes that cats are sensitive animals, and any changes to their environment—like getting a new pet, moving to a new home, or even a shift in your routine—can cause stress and lead to behavioral issues:
“When your cat pees on the bed, it could be because of something as small as a loud noise your cat heard days ago, but the root isn’t always obvious. This stress might show up as your cat peeing in the wrong places, either to mark their territory or to self-soothe.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
Pheromones can help reduce stress in kittens, and products like Feliway diffusers are a great way to release calming pheromones to ease their anxiety. They’re especially useful if your kitten is getting used to a new cat, a new family member, or any other changes in their environment.
What can I do to stop my kitten from peeing on my bed?
Whether it’s a recurring problem with inappropriate elimination or just the occasional accident, there are practical steps you can try at home to correct the behavior.
Close off the bedroom
If your kitten keeps peeing on your bed, try closing the bedroom door when you’re not around. It’s a simple way to break the habit and get them back to using their litter box.
Deep clean the affected area
Cats have a keen sense of smell, and lingering cat urine odors can attract them back to the same spot. Use an enzyme cleaner to thoroughly clean your bedding and mattress. Avoid using ammonia-based products, as they can mimic the smell of urine and confuse your kitten further.
If your kitten isn’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, it can lead to behavioral problems like going to the bathroom in the wrong places. Keep your kitten happy and busy with fun toys, plenty of playtime, and mental challenges!
When should I consult a behaviorist?
Dr. Liff explains that if you’ve ruled out medical issues and optimized your litter box setup but your kitten still isn’t using it, it might be time to consult a behaviorist.
“If it’s a behavioral issue, teaming up with a behaviorist or your vet to create a training and medication plan can really help—but it can also be pricey. Working with a trainer can often take six to 12 months to fully resolve the issue. That’s why getting pet insurance for your kitty while they’re young, and including coverage for behavioral conditions, can be a game changer for parents.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
Behaviorists can help identify subtle triggers, like changes in your home environment, that might be causing your kitten’s stress. They can also recommend strategies like desensitization or counter-conditioning to address behavioral problems.
Can Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on cover peeing on the bed?
Yep! Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on can help cover the costs of diagnostics and vet-recommended treatments and therapies related to eligible behavioral conditions, like inappropriate elimination (aka, peeing where they shouldn’t), such as:
Keep in mind: The behavioral conditions add-on is subject to your base policy’s co-insurance and annual deductible, and has a separate annual limit of $1,000. The add-on will not provide coverage for general training (such as obedience training), training equipment, or pre-existing conditions.
Before we go…
Dealing with a cat peeing on your bed can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind this behavior is the first step toward a solution. Whether it’s a medical condition or a case of behavioral issues, there are plenty of ways to address the problem and restore harmony in your home.
And remember, accidents happen—even to the best of us. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of vet visits, diagnostics, and treatments, so you can focus on helping your kitten get back on track. By the way, did you know you can cover your kitten from the time they’re two months old?
How can I tell if my kitten is marking their territory?
Territorial marking involves smaller amounts of urine, often sprayed on vertical surfaces, but some kittens may do it on beds. Neutering or spaying, along with stress reduction measures, can help mitigate this behavior.
Will moving the litter box too often confuse my kitten?
Yes, constantly changing the location of your kitten’s litter box can confuse them and potentially lead to accidents. Once you find a quiet, secure spot for the litter box, keep it there consistently. Any changes should be done gradually to give your kitten time to adjust.
Could a previous accident on the bed make my kitten pee there again?
Yes, if the urine scent isn’t completely removed, your kitten may return to the same spot. It’s called marking, and it’s your cat’s way of setting boundaries by claiming their space. Cats use scent to communicate, so they might pee in a spot to mark it as theirs and often come back to the same place to reinforce that claim.
Use an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize the smell and deter repeated accidents. Avoid using ammonia-based products, as they can attract your kitten back to the area.
Can I use alternative bedding while addressing my kitten’s urination issue?
Switching to waterproof mattress covers and washable bedding can make cleanup easier while you work on fixing the peeing issue. This won’t solve the problem entirely but can help protect your furniture and reduce stress during the process.
Is this behavior more common in male cats or older cats?
Not necessarily. While male cats and older cats may be more prone to certain health-related issues, inappropriate urination can happen with any kitten. The key is identifying and addressing the root cause promptly.
*Not available in New Jersey or Florida
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
Please note: Lemonade articles and other editorial content are meant for educational purposes only, and should not be relied upon instead of professional legal, insurance or financial advice. The content of these educational articles does not alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. While we regularly review previously published content to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date, there may be instances in which legal conditions or policy details have changed since publication. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional. Hypothetical examples do not alter or bind Lemonade to any application of your insurance policy to the particular facts and circumstances of any actual claim.
