How To Keep Cats from Urinating on Furniture

One of the worst problems owners encounter about cats are litter box problems. While most cats will use a blanket or carpet if they decide not use the litter box, some cats actually choose furniture to urinate on. The following are some tips to help you if your cat has decided to eliminate on your furniture rather than the litter box.

1. Make sure your cat's not sick. A trip to the vet is the first thing to do when you notice your cat has chosen your bed or a favorite chair as an elimination spot. Cats try not to act sick for as long as they can. If you notice blood in the urine or if your cat seems to be in pain while eliminating, they are likely sick. With luck, all your cat will need are some antibiotics to clear up an infection and your problem is solved.
2. Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety treatments. A relatively new idea on market is 'kitty Prozac'. These are medications designed to help your cat's stress level. If there has been a change in your life and your cat seems to be adapting poorly, these medications may be helpful in eliminating problem behaviors like urinating on furniture. Medication choices include Buspar, Amitriptyline, and Valium. I've included a link to the right for more information.
3. Keep the litter box clean. Clean your cat's litter box twice a day. Use a clumping litter and don't change brands. Once a week, rinse out your cat's litter box with clean water to eliminate any material clinging to the bottom or sides of the box.
4. Add a litter box for each cat you own. Some cats will not eliminate in the same area other cats have used.
5. Get your cat spayed or neutered. Un-neutered male cats will mark their territory (they are looking for a female cat). Some female cats while in heat will also mark their territory, hoping to find a male cat.
6. Once you've made the litter box more appealing, you'll need to make your furniture less appealing. Blot the area to clean up as much urine as you can. Then use cold water or a light solution of white vinegar (if usable on your furniture) to dilute the area. Blot again. If the smell still lasts try an enzyme cleaner such as Dumb Cat Anti Marking, Cat Spray Remover and Nature's Miracle to eliminate the smell. Always spot test to make sure you furniture will not become stained by the cleaning product.

   If you cannot use water or an enzyme cleaner on your furniture, get your furniture professionally cleaned so the odor is completely eliminated. I've included a link for one professional upholstery cleaner-check your local phone book to find someone in your area.

7. Do not use an ammonia based cleanser to clean cat urine. Cat urine is primarily ammonia so it will encourage your cat to continue to use that spot.
8. If you can, cover the area with aluminum foil. Cats don't like the sound aluminum foil makes when walked on, and most hate the texture.
9. Do not yell at your cat, hit your cat or push their nose into the cat urine. This will not teach your cat anything, other than that you're a poor owner. Watch your cat, and reward him with kind words, petting and possibly a food treat when he does use the litter box.