How to Stop a Cat From Peeing on a Carpet

Having a cat requires you give it attention, food, shelter and water. You must also make sure your cat is healthy, both physically and emotionally. Cats can sometimes become sick or unhappy, which in some cases presents itself through bad behavior. If you have a cat urinating on the carpet, you need to find out if anything is wrong with the cat and then correct the behavior to prevent future occurrences.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle with water
  • Cat treats
  • New litter box and fresh litter
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check you cat for signs of a health or medical problem. Pet your cat by using your fingertips to feel for any lumps, cuts or bumps. Your cat may be expressing pain or discomfort through behavioral issues. Feel the cat's abdomen and gently press on the cat's stomach. If the cat winces or cries out in pain, contact your veterinarian for an immediate appointment.

    • 2

      Have the cat examined by a veterinarian. If no other symptoms are present, tell the veterinary assistant making the appointment that you are bringing your cat in due to improper urination. Tell the veterinarian during the appointment when the peeing on the carpet started, how frequently it occurs and if your cat has exhibited any other behavioral changes. Request to have a urine sample taken to rule out any bladder or kidney infections, which could cause a cat to urinate outside of the litter box.

    • 3

      Inspect the area where the litter box is kept. You need to have at least one litter box for every two cats. Smell the area to see if the litter needs changing. Verify that the litter has been recently scooped. A cat will refuse to use a dirty litter box and pee on the floor as a way of letting you know the litter needs attending to.

    • 4

      Have your carpets cleaned, either by using a professional carpet cleaning service or using a steam cleaner, with attention being focused on the areas where the cat has already peed. You want to remove the smell of urine, as a cat will continue to pee on a spot that already smells of urine. Use a odor neutralizer, such as baking soda, after cleaning the carpets to further help remove the smell. Know that repeated feline urination may require carpeting to be replaced, along with floorboards if the urine soaked through the carpet and padding.

    • 5

      Keep your cat in the area of the litter box. Block off access to carpeted areas until the cat begins using the litter box again. For example, if you keep litter boxes in a basement, keep the cat in the basement until you notice urine in the litter box. If using this method, provide a bed and plenty of food and water for the cat. Spend time with the cat and don't just keep the cat sequestered all alone for days until proper litter use resumes.

    • 6

      Follow your cat around the house. If you see the cat squatting to pee on the carpet, point your finger and firmly tell the cat "No!" You can also mist the cat with water from a spray bottle while saying the word "No" to reinforce training. As positive reinforcement, give your cat treats and extra attention every time you see it urinating in the litter box.