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Old Cat Peeing In Their Own Bed? (This is Why…)

If you have noticed that your older cat is peeing in its bed, you may be confused and looking for answers why, and what you can do about it…

Why Is My Old Cat Peeing In Its Bed?

There is the potential that your cat is peeing in its bed due to medical conditions that have not yet been diagnosed. For instance, arthritis is common in older cats, making it more difficult to climb into a litter box to relieve themselves.  

My best 3 litter trays for elderly cats

Description	Image	My Rating
01. KittyGoHere Senior Litter Box (My Best) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
02. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
03. Senior Cats Litter Tray Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad

Coupled with a potential urinary condition, your cat might pee in its bed because they are too unwell to go anywhere else.

If you have been able to rule out a medical cause, your older cat may be exhibiting this behavior for another reason. As a cat gets older, it’s normal for them to start slowing down. Older cats can also experience nervousness and depression as they age which can influence their behavior.

Is It Normal For An Old Cat To Pee In Its Own Bed?

It’s not normal for cats to pee where they sleep or eat, but when a cat is dealing with a medical issue, it is somewhat normal for this to happen. It’s more likely that your cat had an accident in their bed because they couldn’t make it to their litter box in time.

It’s less likely that your cat peed in their bed because of a behavioral concern.

How Can You Prevent Your Old Cat from Peeing In Its Bed?

If possible, thoroughly clean the bed to remove the urine scent, and your cat will likely not want to pee on it again. It might be worth replacing the bed should you not be able to eliminate the odor.

You can also try either replacing their litter box or adding more litter boxes to your home. Ensure they are low to the ground so it’s easy for your cat to climb in and out of. When replacing a litter box, do it slowly, and add some of their scents into it by scooping some pee from the old box and putting it into the new box.

When your cat gets acclimated to the new box, slowly start moving it closer to the old box until they are completely used to it, then take away the old box. Take your time with this transition to avoid more accidents.

Should I Take My Cat To The Vet If This Happens?

It’s never a bad idea to rule out potential medical issues by taking your cat to the vet. While it can be costly, it’s worth that peace of mind to know that there are either no health issues at play, or there is a health issue that can be managed.

When medical issues are ruled out, you will have to make an extra effort to keep your cat as calm and comfortable as possible so they can relax. Once they understand they are safe, they will hopefully start using their litter box again, even if you have to make some changes to it.

What Other Issues Can Affect Older Cats?

Older cats are not only susceptible to urinary conditions and arthritis but many other health issues that can impact their bathroom habits and other behaviors. This could include a form of dementia or a loss of senses, diabetes, and various other disorders such as thyroid or endocrine disorders.

Why Is My Elderly Cat Peeing Everywhere?

Elderly cats are privy to a few health conditions that can impact their cognition and their movement amongst other things, causing them to, unfortunately, seek relief as soon as they feel the urge to go to the bathroom. A vet visit should help you diagnose the underlying condition so you can make your elderly cat as comfortable as possible.

If your elderly cat has peed on you you may be shocked because it’s out of character and wondering why it’s happening, and what you can do to help her use the litter tray easier (Click here for my best solution, on Amazon #Ad).

Why did my elderly cat pee on me?

Your elderly cat peed on you, most likely because of an ongoing health issue. As cats get older their bodies wear down and can have issues getting to the litter tray in time or lose control of their bladder.

So, now you know why your elderly cat has peed on you. You may also be wondering how you can prevent this, if there is a chance she might poop on the floor too if it’s a good idea to let her out on her own, right? Keep reading for these answers, and much more.

Did your elderly cat pee on you out of spite?

To begin with, understand that your elderly cat is not doing this out of spite. They are not peeing on you, or anywhere else, for any reason beyond extenuating circumstances. In other words, there is a range of factors that, when combined with age, can lead to an increasing number of litterbox misses.

As your cat ages, their physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges mount. UTIs, or conditions such as diabetes or cancer, can create litter box issues. Their kidneys can also become problematic as they grow older.

Other factors that can cause a senior cat to pee on you

Even factors such as arthritis, increasing pickiness with a messy litterbox, vision loss, or diminished hearing can disrupt their litterbox routine. If you have younger cats in the home, they might be engaging in territorial behavior that prevents your older cat from getting to the litterbox.

Any, or perhaps several, of these reasons, can leave you with a cat that pees on you, or pees anywhere they shouldn’t. There is also urine marking, which typically occurs on vertical surfaces. This is not an indication of a physical problem.

A visit to the vet is strongly advised if your cat is having ongoing issues with getting to the litterbox on time. There are also several things you can try on your own.

How can I prevent my elderly cat from peeing on me?

Due to age, arthritis, poor eyesight, and more, it is probably necessary to buy a litterbox specifically with senior cats in mind:

01. KittyGoHere Litter Box Senior Cat Litter Box:

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A larger litterbox is an excellent way to address your cat’s peeing issues as they age. Combine that with a lower litterbox, meaning one they can get in and out of much more easily, and you can address many of your cat’s issues. This senior cat litterbox from Kitty Go Here is sturdy, easy to clean, and is quite a hit with senior cat caretakers.

02. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box:

Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad

Your cat scattering litter can become a messy issue. This is particularly true when it concerns an elderly cat being increasingly fussy at the litterbox. This stellar high-sided litterbox from Nature’s Miracle, one of our favorite manufacturers, can address that issue nicely.

03. PuppyGoHere Dog Litter Pan Litter Box Training:

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Don’t let the name fool you. This litter box training tool for puppies also meets many of the qualifications for a good litterbox for a senior cat.

The above is unquestionably the three best I’ve encountered. However, if you need even more options, I have two more products that are well worth a look:

04. Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Cat Litter Box:

Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad

This one can strike you as a little unorthodox. While it may not be right for every senior cat, it does offer some unique advantages for a cat that is struggling with litterbox use.

The small steps allow your cat to move up to the litterbox without having to jump in and out. The non-stick surface and overall design make it easy to clean and ensure you don’t have to worry about cleaning annoying corners. I also like the little nubs at the entrance. These are designed to remove litter and waste as the cat enters and exits.

05. Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box:

Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad

This is a decidedly impressive choice for not only senior cat owners but for those who also have other cats in the household. The width and depth of this litterbox make it a good choice for senior cats with physical issues.

Using a different litter may help your elderly cat

Do you need to try a different litter? Something that clumps less and/or lends itself to easier disposal might be needed:

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter:

Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad

Capable of preventing kidney failure and UTIs, this hypoallergenic non-toxic litter has been specifically created with older cats in mind.

Purina Yesterday’s News Unscented Paper Cat Litter:

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Available in unscented and anti-clumping, you may find this gives your senior feline the help they need.

At this point, your next question is probably what you can do.

How can you help elderly cats that are missing their litter tray?

Pay attention to when your senior uses the litterbox. You may even want to start accompanying them whenever possible. Clean the litterbox more frequently, and strongly consider adding more litterboxes to your home.

Not only if you have other cats, but perhaps to simply give the senior more options. Pay attention to where accidents happen the most frequently, and try to work around that.

Patience is an absolute must. Remember your senior cat is not doing this to be a jerk. They need your love and understanding more than ever.

Why you should NOT be putting your cat down for urinating

Frequent/unpredictable urination is NOT, under ANY circumstances, a justifiable reason to put down a cat. The responsibility on your end is to address why your cat is doing this and work towards a solution using the tips mentioned above.

Do some elderly cats poop on the floor as well?

Some elderly cats poop on the floor. And, for many of the same reasons associated with urination. Your cat may also be experiencing constipation in their geriatric years, which can lead to litter box avoidance and other issues.

How can you clean up the cat urine after your cat peed on you?

If possible, get the item in question to a professional dry cleaner. If this is not an option for you, what you want to do then is run the item or items through a cold cycle on the washing machine immediately. Hanging it out to dry afterward is best. If this doesn’t work, put it through your washer again with either one cup of baking soda or one cup of apple cider vinegar.

At what age do cats become elderly?

Cats become elderly from the age of 11. This is generally considered to be the point at which your cat becomes senior. Cats 15 years or older are considered to be extremely elderly.

Can elderly cats be let out on their own?

Due to arthritis, diminished cognitive abilities, lowered immunity due to age, as well as other factors, letting them do this may not be a good idea to let your elderly cat out on its own.

General curiosity, the need to expand their territory, an attraction to sunlight, or even the estrus cycle of female cats can all lead to your senior cat suddenly wanting to go outside.

Even for a healthy, mentally sharp cat, there are inherent dangers to letting them outside. Research these dangers more carefully. If you do let your cat outside, keep very close to them.

Why has my elderly cat become clingy?

If your cat is having litterbox problems, and their vision is a big cause behind that, they may also become clingier as a result. The cat may increasingly turn to you as a stabilizing influence upon its life. Vision issues can also increase anxiety, which can also lead to litterbox issues.

How can you tell if your elderly cat has health issues?

Keep a close watch on your senior cat. Look for behaviors like different socialization, and a change in their relationship with you. You can also check for constipation, seemingly random bathroom accidents, reluctance to climb or jump, and noticeable changes to their appetite. These are some of the most common indicators that your senior cat should see its vet immediately.