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Cat Peed On Computer Monitor – Insane or In Pain?

If your cat has peed on your computer monitor you are probably annoyed, But, also wondering why it happened and what can be done about it…

Why did my cat pee on my computer monitor?

When your cat is peeing outside of their litter box, such as your computer monitor, then this generally means that they are upset or stressed out. Consider if there have been any recent changes in the environment. 

So, now you know. But, what can cause this stress in a cat? What can happen to the monitor when this happens? How can I clean it off? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…

What can make a cat stressed and make it soil your monitor?

It could be a new person, relocation, furniture rearrangement – cats act ‘cool’, but they are very much creatures of habit and so they dislike change.

When stressed in such a way, cats tend to urinate on things they associate with us, and this is not them acting out of ‘spite’. From the cat’s perspective, they are mingling their scent with yours and this makes them feel more comfortable.

Your cat might also be experiencing health issues, such as a urinary tract infection, as this is another common reason that they will urinate in places besides their litter box. Finally, check if the litter box is clean.

If it’s neglected often enough, cats will find another place to go, and they don’t understand that your monitor is a dangerous place to do so!

What can happen to a monitor that has been peed on?

Cat urine has a high ammonia content and this is definitely not good for electronics. Connections can become corroded, cooling vents can become ‘gummed up’ and the monitor might overheat, or you might experience small or very large glitches in the display from other damaged components.

If your cat has decided that your monitor is a good place to relieve themselves, try putting a little double-sided tape nearby and you can discourage the cat from going there. Often monitors get ‘targeted’ because their placement creates a private ‘nook’ that cats find attractive.

Discouraging them with the tape should keep them away efficiently and kindly.

How can I clean the cat pee off my computer monitor?

The first thing that you should do if your cat has peed on your monitor is to unplug it. You’re going to want to let it dry out thoroughly so that you can give it a proper cleaning. Depending on whether or not it appears the urine has gone inside the monitor, you may even need to consult a professional to disassemble it.

After this, you’re going to have to begin a very tedious process of wiping it down. This can be done with cloth and gentle dabs of 99% isopropyl alcohol, or alternatively, you might use a cotton swab to help ensure that you are only targeting the exact spots that you wish to clean.

Isopropyl at a 99% concentration is safe for use with electronics and it should help to neutralize the urine odor. After that, make sure it’s completely dried out/evaporated, reassemble your monitor if needed, and the issue should be resolved.

How can I prevent my cat from peeing on my monitor?

The easiest way to keep your cat away from the monitor will be a double-sided tape. Cat’s dislike the sticky feel on their paws and will avoid areas where you have carefully arranged tape for them to cross.

If your cat is sneaking into a nook behind the monitor, you can also try citrus sprays, as many cats dislike this scent enough that they keep away. Just make sure to carefully move your electronics first and with a little luck, the pleasant orange, lime, and lemon scents will work their magic.

Can dry rice help my monitor dry out quicker?

Dry rice is a classic method for drying out wet electronics, although with a monitor you will need a goodly amount and a large enough container to carefully place the monitor inside. You’ll also want to consider if there are any ventilation holes or other open apertures that the rice might get inside.

As unpleasant as it may be, using a cloth is likely going to be the quickest method to dry your monitor so that you may then go ahead and give it a thorough cleaning.

Why is my cat peeing on things randomly?

When your cat starts urinating in places aside from their litter box, unless the litter box is frequently unclean, then this is a red flag in regards to their mental or physical health.

When they are stressed, cats will exhibit this behavior quite commonly, and it’s generally the result of a change in their environment that has them upset or frightened. Often, they’ll be urinating on things that you use commonly, and this isn’t spite – the cat is mingling their scents with yours and it makes them feel more comfortable.

Health issues are another common cause of ‘random urination’ and a trip to the vet to rule this out is a good idea. Crystals can sometimes form in their bladders, for instance, or it could be a urinary tract infection.

It’s always best to err on the safe side, so be sure to check with your veterinarian so that if it is a healthy issue then you can get treatment for your cat as soon as possible.

How can I prevent my cat from peeing on my computer chair?

The easiest method is going to be using a citrus spray or another commercial ‘cat repellant’ spray. Cats are very scent-oriented creatures, so these options can make the area undesirable and protect your chair in this fashion.

You could also cut out a piece of cardboard and put some double-sided tape on it, so that you may place this on the chair when you are not using it. This, of course, will protect the part that you sit on, less you want to place a few around the chair, so the scent option is going to be the most efficient.

Why is important to have more than one litter tray?

Cats are very obsessed with keeping themselves clean and it seems fair. After all, they have to bathe with their tongues, so they tend to be quite particular about their litter. Having an extra litter tray in place helps to ensure that they have a ‘backup’ place to go and will greatly reduce the chances of ‘accidents’.

It’s even a good idea to prepare a ‘spare’ for quick-changing when you don’t have time, just hide it somewhere and use and replace it as needed for when you need a quick-change for your kitty’s litter.

Can medical issues cause a cat to pee inappropriately?

Yes, medical issues can definitely cause a cat to pee in inappropriate places. It can be something like stress or anxiety, or a physical condition such as a urinary tract infection might be causing discomfort to your cat.

Whenever your cat’s urination habits change, it’s a red flag, so it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to rule this out first.

How can I tell if my cat has a UTI?

Some common signs that your cat may be suffering from a UTI include urinating in places outside of their box, obvious discomfort during urination, or even a frequency change in their urination habits. Look also to see if your cat is licking at their privates more frequently, as this is another red flag.

If you see any of these symptoms then you should schedule a vet as soon as possible in order to further diagnose the issue.