How to Keep Cats From Peeing in Laundry Baskets

Knowing the difference between spraying and peeing as well as why your cat is peeing in the laundry basket is crucial in keeping cats from doing their business outside the litter box. Unaltered males and females spray to mark their territory in addition to using the litter box. Curb litter box problems by determining your cat's level of health, encouraging where you want your cat to pee and discouraging where you do not want you cat to pee.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Litter
  • Litter box cleaning supplies
  • Pet-safe, enzyme-based odor remover
  • Pet-safe deterrents
  • Pet-calming agents
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if your cat is spraying or urinating. Spraying is a mist that leaves high ammonia odor. Peeing leaves puddles or large yellow rings. Cats that are urinating outside the litter box should be taken to the vet to rule out urinary tract infections or cysts.

    • 2

      Determine if your cat can maneuver itself into and out of the litter box. Older cats with arthritis, cats with urinary tract disorders and kittens all need special accommodations at the litter box.

    • 3

      Wash and dry the litter box and litter box parts once a week. Scoop daily and replace litter once a week to make the litter box more appealing.

    • 4

      Use a litter your cat prefers. Declawed cats or cats with urinary tract disease prefer softer litter and can be tempted to eliminate in a less-painful location. Newspaper pellets or aspen bedding may be a good alternative.

    • 5

      Provide at least one litter box for each cat in the household in different areas of the house in multiple cat households.

    • 6

      Reduce stress by keeping litter boxes, pet beds and feeding stations in their respective place. If changes are necessary, make them slowly. Sudden changes in litter, food or litter box bed and feeding locations can cause stress and urine or marking accidents.

    • 7

      Keep feeding and watering stations a good distance from litter boxes. Cats are reluctant to do their business where they eat.

    • 8

      Wipe cats down regularly with a damp cloth and eat together to encourage good socialization behaviors and reduce territorial marking in multiple cat households.

    • 9

      Use cat deterrents to keep cats off laundry baskets. Pet motion sensor alarms, double-sided tape and prickly floor mats are sold at many pets supply stores.