When your cat pees on your bed while sleeping, it is up to you to discover why. You may discover that it is your problem and not your cat’s, such as,
- Long hours at work
- Away for extended times and more, as follows
If your cat is litter box trained and suddenly it starts to pee outside its litter pan, it is never a normal action. If you find your cat peeing or pooing on the floor next to its litter pan, take note of the situation.
Do you have other cats or pets in your household that pose a threat to your kitty when they must use the litter pan?
Over the last 30 years of caring for cats in my home, I permanently housed three to six cats at a given time. All my cats live together in peace. However, there have always been one or two cats that, on occasion, may pick on another cat when they are in the litter pan.
The targeted cat may become nervous and feel vulnerable while in the litter pan, so it begins to pee or poop on the floor next to the litter pan. My half bath is close to one of the litter pans, so this cat may poop on the bathroom floor next to the toilet, versus in the litter pan if it feels more secure. Cats are excellent mimickers.
Isn’t the bathroom where cat parents go to pee or poop?
Cats watch their owners, and they learn from their owners. Cats know that the bathroom is an appropriate place to do their business.
If you do not keep your cat’s litter pan cleaned out at least twice a day, your cat may find another place to pee or poop, such as your bed. This issue is your fault, not your cat’s fault.
Why Does My Cat Pee On My Bed While I Sleep?
When your cat pees on your bed while asleep, this becomes an irritating and frustrating problem. The cat may have an underlying behavioral or health problem and is trying to tell you it needs help. You would have to admit that there is no better way to get your attention. This is never the time to become hostile, angry, or yell at your kitty.
I have been in cat rescue and care for over 30 years for over 40 cats. I never had more than six in my home at any one time, and I have to admit that I have never had this specific problem. I have had cats try to pee or poop inappropriately, and the first thing I did was have a urine test done to rule out a UTI or urinary tract infection.
If the vet could find no medical reason why my cat, who is litter-box trained, was suddenly peeing or pooping outside the litter box, I started to eliminate possible behavioral issues and changes within my home. Read about some of the following possibilities and begin eliminating them. You may also add some of your own possibilities.
To find out why your cat is peeing on your bed, you must become a medical and behavioral investigator. You undoubtedly will not find a solution overnight. However, if you take one thought at a time and start eliminating reasons, you will soon find out why your cat does this. If you love your fur baby you can do this investigation. You may even discover it is not your cat, but you who are the problem.
How To Stop My Cat From Peeing In My Bed While I Sleep?
The first thing I would do is rule out any underlying medical problems like a UTI.
Is your cat’s litter box cleaned before you go to bed?
I have four litter boxes for six cats. The vet says I need at least 12, but that will not happen. Two of the boxes are extra-large, and two are regular size. One extra-large litter box is the size of two regular-sized pans, so I suppose I have six boxes total throughout each floor of my house.
I use the top-quality scoopable litter, never clay, and top the litter off as needed. I scoop these boxes out every morning and before I go to bed and as needed during the day.
Cats have exceptional night vision. However, I keep a motion-sensitive night light by each pan.
- What box does your cat prefer, covered or uncovered?
- Is your box too small for the size of your cat?
- Is your cat older and possibly has arthritis, making it difficult to get into the litter box?
I once had a sweet female with bad arthritis, and I put a step in front of the litter pan, making it easier for her to get into the pan. It got so that she could not use the step and started peeing outside the litter pan. I bought extra-large pee pads or bed pads. I laid them under the litter pan, and she did her business on the pads. She did her best, and I worked hard to accommodate her needs. Never get angry or yell at your kitty. They have a reason for doing this, and it is up to you to figure it out. Try to find the trigger and remove it.
- Not all cats adapt to the same brand of litter. Please do not buy clay litter; it is horrible and can cause a UTI in your cat.
- Have you tried crystal litter, pine litter, or orderless litter?
- Do you use a litter liner? Some cats do not like these.
- Some cats feel the need to mix their scent with yours. Thus, they pee on your bed.
- Are you away from your cat for long periods, and how much attention do you give your cat?
This can increase insecure feelings in your cat. Set aside a playtime or extend your playtime. If you are barring your cat from sleeping near you, it can worsen the problem and add to their insecurity.
- Try placing a litter box near your bedroom if possible.
- Try placing some cat treats on your bed. You could try setting up a small bowl of dry or wet food at the foot of your bed. Cats do not usually pee where they eat.
- When your cat pees on your bedding, remove the bedding immediately. It is essential not to attract your cat back to the area to pee again. Do Not Get Mad, Angry, or Yell at Your Kitty!
- Talk to your vet again for ideas to get your kitty on the right track, and remember this problem may not be your kitty’s. Take stock and make sure that you are not the problem.
Should I Allow My Cat To Sleep With Me?
Please consider the following pros and cons. Sleeping with a cat is totally your decision.
Cons:
- Baring your cat from your bedroom could cause the problem to get worse and increase your cat’s insecurity.
- Cats are naturally nocturnal, and most are busy when you sleep. Cats tend to keep their parents awake, and you need your sleep.
Is your cat peeing on your bed and waking you up, or do you sleep through the problem?
- Possible litter particles get on your bed.
- Allergies, COPD, and respiratory diseases can dictate if your cat sleeps with you or not.
- You can catch things from your cat, such as parasites, fungal, or bacterial infections. (rare)
I have never had a problem with my Mia. She has been sleeping with me for over six years. Before Mia, Shadow and Sammie slept with me until they crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge.
Pros
- When your cat sleeps with you, it offers you and your kitty security. Sammie, God Bless him, saved us one night by alerting us to a possible fire in our home.
- Is your kitty ill and needs your special attention?
- Cats tend to calm us when they fall asleep next to us.
- Cats are lovely antidepressants, helping to eliminate loneliness, anxiety, and stress.
- Cat researchers stand on the proven fact that sleeping with pets helps to lower our blood pressure.
- Sleeping with your cat promotes bonding, especially if the cat is insecure because you are away for long hours. This may be the only time you get to be close to your fur baby.