How to Stop a Cat From Urinating on a Rug

If you have taken the time to successfully litter train a cat and he or she occasionally urinates on the rug, it is a reason for concern. According to PlanetUrine.com, cats do not urinate on the rug out of spite; they do so because something is wrong. The cat is either having medical problems, feeling stress, or marking their territory. There are a few things you can do to help stop your cat from urinating on the rug.

Things You'll Need

Enzyme-based rug cleaner
New litter boxes

Instructions

- 1
  Clean any soiled areas with an enzyme-based rug cleaner and not a steam cleaner. Steam cleaners only manage to make the urine wet and then push it to the bottom of the carpet where it still can be sensed by the cat. Enzyme-based urine cleaners eliminate the urine and eliminate the smell. If the smell is gone, the cat is less likely to urinate outside the little box.
- 2
  Take your cat to the vet and describe the problems you are having. Your cat may be urinating on the rug due to a urinary infection or some other medical condition. The vet can help reduce or eliminate the urination problem by treating the condition.
- 3
  Purchase extra litter boxes if you have multiple cats so that each cat has their own litter box. Cats are very territorial, and sometimes the problem can stem from having to share a littler box.
- 4
  Place the cat in the litter box each time they urinate outside it, and offer positive reinforcement such as petting and kind words while the cat is in the box. Cats do not respond to force or yelling. They do respond to positive reinforcement, and over time, they can associate the litter box with making you happy and this can prevent inappropriate elimination.
- 5
  Clean the litter boxes every day to encourage your cat to use them. Cats can be very particular about where they urinate, and if they do not feel the conditions are clean enough in the litter box, they will find someplace else that they feel is appropriate.