Cat Urine Prevention

Cats are wonderful pets: They love attention, are affectionate and they have an independent streak. However, having indoor cats may lead to some problems, such as urination outside of the litter box. Cat urine has a very strong smell that is difficult to remove, so prevention of urination on the floor, furniture and other objects is key.

  1. Assess the Problem

    • Eliminate the possibility of urinary tract infections or cystitis. If your cat is urinating frequently on the floor or furniture, it may not be a behavior problem, but a condition that can lead to uncontrollable urination. Urinary tract infections can be painful, which can lead to your cat to associate the litter pan with discomfort. It is best to first contact your vet if your cat is suddenly urinating outside the designated area. Another thing you need to assess is whether your cat is spraying or just urinating. Spraying is a territorial method used by both male and female cats to mark their area. Urine on walls is a sign that your cat is spraying. If your cat is spraying, it may be necessary to spay or neuter it.

    Prevention

    • If you have determined that the urination is not a medical problem, there are a few things you can do to prevent urination from happening again. First, eliminate the odor. Once a cat urinates in an area, the ammonia smell will make it think the spot is where it is supposed to go. Do not use a cleaning solvent with ammonia as this will only attract your cat back. One of the best products to use is Urine Gone. It removes smells from carpet, wood flooring, furniture and rugs. It comes in a spray bottle, but the more effective method is to pour straight from the container. Soak the area in Urine Gone and let it dry. Steam cleaning your carpets is also effective if there are multiple urine spots. Try prepping the areas with OxiClean Pet Stain Remover before steam cleaning.

      Another method to prevent cat urination outside the litter box is by spreading aluminum foil in areas your cat frequents. They dislike the sound the foil makes when they walk or urinate on it. You can also try spraying Hartz Stay Off Training Aid in those areas. This product works best when the carpet has been properly cleaned first. For a more natural solution, try purchasing lemongrass or cinnamon oil and spray it on the frequented areas. Cats hate these scents, but both are non-toxic and will not harm your pet.

      Keep the litter pan clean. A dirty litter pan is a big reason your cat may be urinating on the floor. Cats like to dig through litter, and when the pan is full, there are fewer areas where your cat can do this. Imagine if your bathroom were filthy and smelly. You wouldn't want to use it either.