Cats are known to be obsessively concerned about their hygiene. Hence, the reason they spend significant amounts of time self-grooming by licking themselves clean. Therefore, it can be quite frustrating when your kitty does not care to urinate in the appropriate place but instead messes up your clothes with urine.
There are several reasons why your cat prefers to urinate on your clothing than in the litter box. And finding out why a cat would behave in such manner is the initial step to curb or prevent this from happening successfully.
Below is an outline of some common possible reasons for this cat behavior:
Why Is My Cat Peeing On My Clothes?
- Health Issues: If your kitty is battling any health issues, and particularly, urinary tract infection (UTI), you should expect some alterations in her toilet habits. A cat with a UTI may experience an unusually frequent urge to urinate, and without the typical sense of anticipation. Thus, she can get caught short at any point, which could be your clothes, bedding, or any other place, but her litter box.
- Territory Marking: Cats are highly territorial and often use urine to mark their territory. Territory marking is typical among young male cats who want to claim ownership of a particular area by spraying urine within that space. This behavior is most common in households with multiple young male cats as they may all be competing for the ownership of your possession, bedroom space, or even your attention.
- Dirty Litter Box: If you have not cleaned your kitty’s litter box in a while, don’t be surprised that she is avoiding to use it. Like you, cats dislike dirty places. So, keep your feline furball’s litter box clean always. Because if the box is filthy, your kitty will most likely choose other spots like your wardrobe, bed, or laundry basket to urinate.
- Anxiety Issues: Yes, just like humans, cats suffer from anxiety too. Any significant household changes like a new pet or family member, house moving, or altered routines can leave your kitty feeling distressed and anxious. And when this happens, your cat can do just about anything to get your attention and love. This behavior is particularly typical among older cats who get easily distressed by changes and the uncertainties they bring. Although cats cannot speak, they will often find a way to communicate their feelings to us. A cat can let you know that she is upset or angry by urinating on your bed or clothes, and surely that will get your attention.
- Confusion: A cat that is not adequately trained to use a litter box will confuse any comfortable spot for a litter box. And this is usually the case with most kittens that are yet to learn how to use the litter box. For them, any accessible and comfortable place like the bed, laundry basket, or a pile of clothes is a kitty toilet.
Cat Behavior Management Tips
Below are some steps you can take to either prevent or curb this irritating cat behavior:
How to stop your cat from peeing on your clothes
- Be consistent in litter training until your cat knows the appropriate to urinate.
- Ensure that the litter box is clean and placed in a “semi-private” and easily accessible area of the house.
- If you suspect any health issues, visit the vet to have your kitty checked out for UTI or any other ailment.
- Try as much as possible to maintain the same established routines. However, if it can’t be helped, try to be more attentive and affectionate to your cat during the changes. Also, if there are any recent additions to the family members, do not let your kitty feel left out, spare out some time to spend with her.
- Thoroughly clean any spot your cat has marked with urine because if the smell lingers, your kitty will always return there to urinate.
- Lastly, be sure to keep your bedroom tidy, and your wardrobe always closed to keep your cat from gaining access.
