Why Do Cats Use Beds as Litter Boxes?

Of all the "mistakes" made by house cats, using a bed as a litter box is likely to bring the strongest reaction from humans. After all, there's nothing worse than crawling into bed after a long day and discovering a wet spot that has soaked through the comforter onto the blanket and sheets. While this behavior is disgusting to you, it makes perfect sense to the cat.

  1. Fear

    • The presence of puppies, kittens, babies or house guests can frighten cats so much that they're afraid to use the litter box. To a terrified cat, a bed might seem like the safest place to go.

    Anxiety

    • Anxious cats sometimes urinate on beds and other favorite objects to reassure themselves with their own scent.

    Chronic Disease

    • Untreated diabetes, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease can all cause cats to urinate so often and in such volume they can't always make it to a litter box. If your older cat suddenly starts urinating on the bed where she sleeps, take the cat to the veterinarian for a thorough checkup including a full blood panel.

    Urinary Tract Infection

    • Cats with urinary tract infections often associate the litter box with pain and seek out another place to urinate.

    Declawed

    • Some declawed cats experience real or phantom pain in their paws and prefer the soft surface of a bed to the litter box.

    What to Do

    • Spray the bed with Feliway, which mimics the "friendly" hormone in a cat's cheeks and discourages inappropriate elimination. Most pet supply stores sell Feliway. Catnip, too, is a friendly scent and can be sprinkled on the bed. Electronic devices like the ScatMat (see Resources) will keep your cat off the bed.