How to Stop a Cat From Urinating on a Vent

Collect a urine sample from your cat and take it to a veterinarian for testing. It is irresponsible to assume that your cat is urinating on your vent for behavioral reasons alone, when an infection or other urinary issue could very well be the reason. Purchase non-absorbing litter and place it in your kitty's litter box. Once the cat has urinated, place the urine in a container and deliver it to the vet within 24 hours. If your cat does have an infection, antibiotics may relieve the problem.

Determine what is causing your cat to urinate on the vent, if health reasons are ruled out. Do you have a new baby or other reason for which you cannot pay as much attention to your cat? If so, kitty may be jealous or feeling left out and urinating on your vent is its way of telling you. Try to pay more attention to your cat if this is the reason by petting and playing with it. Once you have reaffirmed your love for your cat, it may stop urinating and turn back into its old self again.

Clean the vent with an enzymatic cleaner formulated for the removal of cat urine. Simply using soap and water will not totally remove the scent your kitty's urine has left behind. Even if you can't smell it, your cat can. If kitty continues to detect its urine odor, it will likely go back to that same spot and urinate again.

Place deterrents around the vent so that your kitty can't reach it. Cats typically dislike the scent of citrus; therefore, spraying orange spray around the vent may keep kitty away. In addition, place foil or double-sided tape around the vent, or carpet runner turned upside-down so that the spikes are facing upwards. If all else fails, try a scat mat, which sends a small shock to the cat when it touches it.

Use a pheromone spray or a pheromone diffuser in your home. Pheromones are naturally occurring hormones that typically have a calming effect on cats by giving them a sense of well-being. Place the diffuser or spray the pheromones in the area of the inappropriate urination, as well as where your cat spends time. This natural calming agent may be enough to stop and prevent your kitty from urinating on the vent.

Place your kitty on medication that will help it to relax. Valium is often used on cats who urinate inappropriately when other measures do not work. If stress is the reason why your cat is urinating on your vent, this treatment will likely work. Your veterinarian will perform blood tests to ensure your cat's body can handle the medication. If kitty stays on the medication long-term, the vet will likely perform regular blood work to monitor the effects it has on your cat's organs.