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Cat Peed on Electrical Outlet (Now What? + Prevention)

If your cat has peed on your electrical outlet the chances are you are wondering how to clean it up, safely, and ways to prevent it from happening again (Click here to see my best solution, on Amazon #Ad).

Why did my cat pee on my electrical outlet?

Your cat could have peed on your electrical outlet for several reasons: A urinary tract infection, another health issue, behavioral issues, a problem with another cat, etc. So, it may take some work to find out what could be disrupting their behavior.

What you will need to protect your electrical outlet

Description Image My Rating
01. Weather-Resistant faceplate (My Best)
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5 stars
02. Safety Outlet Cover BOX
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03. Child Safety Socket Covers
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4 stars

So, now you know why your cat has peed on your electrical outlet. But, how can you clean it up? What are the risks of cat pee in your outlet? Will this insane smell go away? Keep reading for these answers, and much more.

Problems with other cats

Regarding problems with other cats, there could be an outdoor cat in your neighborhood that has sprayed around the house. Your cat can smell it but can’t see it and this is driving them crazy.

Although there isn’t a specific reason that is known of why your cat chooses the electrical outlet, there are some possible reasons why they peed there. It is a good idea to take them to the vet for a blood and urine test to make sure everything is okay.

How can I clean it up?

To clean up the cat pee, start by turning off the circuit breaker then unscrewing the plate from the outlet. Use a pet-odor eliminator (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad) carefully around the box to get the smell out. Run an extension cord (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad) from another room with a hairdryer (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad) to dry everything off.

Then you should take a Q-tip to wipe off any remaining oil or dampness from inside the box and around the outlet. You will want this area to be as dry as possible. Once everything is dry you can put a new outlet on.

How can I prevent my cat from peeing on my electric outlet?

Although you will have to work on the behavior issue or consult a vet in order to get the cat to stop urinating on the outlet, there are a few things you can do to protect your electric outlets from cat pee.

Weather Resistant Plates

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You will need to start by removing and discarding the plates that have been peed on. Instead of replacing them with regular indoor plates, you should install a weather-resistant electric faceplate (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad), such as the Leviton 4976-GY Duplex Device Wall Cover. If an accident does occur again this will protect your outlet from corrosion.

Baby safety outlet cover

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Another way you can protect your outlet is with a baby safety outlet cover (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad). They are strong enough to keep the most curious toddlers out. These covers will still protect your outlets while you have objects plugged in.

Outlet Covers

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To take extra precaution use outlet covers, such as HeelalBaby Outlet Covers, on any outlets that aren’t in use. This will add some extra protection by stopping anything from getting in the outlet.

What are the risks of my cat peeing on my electrical outlet?

Cat peed on electrical outlet.

Cat peed on electrical outlet.

One problem you could face if your cat pees on the electrical outlet is that it stops working. The urine could cause corrosion in the wiring, which means that you will have to replace the entire outlet.
Another serious issue that could arise is fire.

If your cat sprays the outlet there is a good chance that it will start sparking. If nobody is there to notice this it could lead to a fire. When your cat sprays one of your outlets always turn the breaker off immediately.

Cats have a very good sense of smell, so if they pee on an outlet and the odor isn’t thoroughly removed there is a possibility that they will urinate there again.

Why is it so important to turn off the electricity before changing a faceplate?

For your own safety, you should never work on an outlet with live electricity. You risk the chance of electrocuting yourself if the electricity is left on. When you change a faceplate you will be safest if you shut off the electricity to the entire house.

Would a ground fault circuit interrupter help?

You won’t be home all day to make sure your cat isn’t peeing on the outlets. If you want to feel safe leaving your cat home alone then a ground fault circuit interrupter (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad) can help.

Give in the situation occurs that the cat pees on it, the ground fault circuit interrupter will shut off the power to the outlet. They are easy to install, and when the power has been shut off all it takes is the press of a button to turn it back on.

Should the electrical breaker trip or fuse blow?

If your cat pees on the outlet then it may start smoking or sparking. This will cause the breaker to trip or the fuse to blow. Make sure the circuit is off and remove the faceplate to see if there is any sign of melting around the outlet. If this occurs it is a good idea to replace the outlet.

Does the smell of cat urine go away?

Cat urine has a very potent smell. It’s an odor your nose can’t ignore no matter how hard you try. You can try cleaning it up with soap, vinegar, or baking soda (Click here to see how) but that will only temporarily mask the stench. To really remove the cat urine you need to use an enzyme cleaner (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad).

Enzyme cleaners can clean up old urine stains to completely get rid of the smell. If there is an older urine stain that you need to clean up approach it with the same method you would as cleaning a new puddle of urine.

When cleaning a urine stain, allow the enzyme cleaner to sit on the stain for a few hours so it can fully absorb. Allow it to dry naturally. We recommend opening a window or turning a fan on while it dries.

If your kitty seems persistent to get back at the stain while it’s drying, cover it with a laundry basket.
The enzyme cleaner works best if you clean up the urine stain with vinegar first. This will prevent the odors from lasting in your home.

What smells deter cats from peeing?

Cats don’t like to be around fragrant smells, like essentials oils. Using essential oils in the carpets or floors around your electric outlets will deter your cats from peeing there. In a spray bottle mix 1 cup of water and 20 drops of essential oil and mist on the floor around your outlets.

These are some of the essential oils that cats can’t stand:

  • Peppermint
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Citronella

All of those scents sound better than the aroma of cat urine.

What medical issues can cause your cat to pee in your house?

One of the leading causes for your cat to be urinating on the electric outlet is because of a medical condition. If your cat has an irritation or infection they may not be able to make it to their litter box in time. This will cause them to pee right where they are. These are a few of the issue that could be causing your cat to pee on the outlet:

  • Bladder Stones/Blockage: If your cat has bladder stones or blockage they may show discomfort while urinating. There could even be traces of blood in their urine.
  • Urinary Tract Infection: UTI’s are common among older cats and result in frequent but small urinations. Many humans have experienced these infections so they can understand how irritating they can be. If your cat has a UTI some antibiotics from the vet should clear it up.
  • Idiopathic cystitis: This is caused by inflammation of the bladder. When this issue arises it causes the cat to have to pee so suddenly that they have no time to get to the litter box. When this occurs, visit the vet for advice as you may be able to help the cat get better by changes in their diet and environment.
  • Metabolic disease: Different diseases may be causing your cat to pee in the house. Some of these diseases could be diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid issues. Always consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lindsey Browlingdon