My cat keeps using the bathroom under the bed...HELP!

United States
March 9, 2007 2:20pm CST
Dear Cat People, I need help! I have one cat that has decided she doesn't like to use the litter boxes in the bathroom. Instead, she keeps going under my bed and it stinks! It's not so bad when she poops because I can use the broom handle to get it out and put it in the toilet. But the last few days, she's started peeing under the bed and that's worse because I can't clean it up and it's making my place stink. I tried spraying Febreeze under the bed but so far that hasn't deterred her. I want to get some of that UrineGone that I've seen advertised to see if that will help but haven't had a chance to do so yet. Do you guys have any ideas or suggestions? I'm desperate!
4 people like this
19 responses
@elisa812 (3026)
• United States
9 Mar 07
We had a similar problem with a cat we used to have when I was younger! The urinegone stuff really does help the smell. I think my mom found some type of spray at a pet store that is supposed to be safe, but cats don't like it. It's supposed to keep them from going near the area so that they won't go to the bathroom there anymore. You might try going to your nearest pet store and asking one of the employees. Maybe they could direct you to something that might work! Good luck!! I know how frustrating that gets!!
1 person likes this
• Israel
9 Mar 07
maybe you throw your cat out the window? hhh just joking... I think you should try and teach your cat how to poop and pea, I know it sound weired but my friend tried to teach his cat how to poop and pea and it seemed to help, so anyway try it and I hope you will find help fast.
• United States
9 Mar 07
She knows how to use the litter box. She just refuses to go in my small bathroom with my other cats since she came back from the kennel last summer. I had to board most of my cats for over a year because of Animal Services and she was fine with doing so before that but now she doesn't like to go in the bathroom, especially when my other cats are in there. They are her children but that doesn't seem to matter.
• United States
9 Mar 07
Actually, I think I'm going to have to put one of the litter boxes on the other side of the bed so she doesn't feel uncomfortable going there. That's the only solution I can think of unless one of you comes up with something better.
• Israel
9 Mar 07
So I think you should take your cat out to the park and let her pee and poop there, and if that doesnt work then you should consider going to a vetrainer
• United States
9 Mar 07
Cats are creatures of habits, and it is hard to change a behavior problem. First you need to understand why she started to do that. She can have a health problem, a territorial problem if there are more cats in the house, fear, dirty litter box, and so forth. But, do not use Febreeze, as it is dangerous to cats. I know the smell is awful, but that will make her ill. Try putting another litter box under the bed, and another in the bathroom. Keep them very clean. She may not even like the litter texture or smell. You might want to try a different one. Good luck dear. I hope I helped a little.
• United States
9 Mar 07
I appreciate the suggestion. I plan to get Urine Gone and try that and I'll put a litter box next to the bed not under it. I don't want to encourage her to use it under the bed and it won't fit under the bed. And, I change the boxes every other day. As I've already explained to a couple of others, she's only been doing this since she came back from the kennel and I think the major problem is that she doesn't like the small space in the bathroom with the other cats in there. I've used Febreeze several times and it's never bothered the cats before. Except they don't like the smell of it. But I will err on the side of caution and not use it again. I don't even like the smell of Febreeze but it's better than urine.
@BarBaraPrz (45498)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10 Mar 07
Febreeze is not dangerous to cats (or dogs). This is an urban legend. See http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/febreeze
9 Mar 07
Kitten - Kitten comes a visiting
Just an idea hun, cats don't like citrus, so perhaps you could spray the area with citrus oil, orange or lemon are both good. It might stop her, or at least put her off.
• United States
9 Mar 07
I'll try that. I have to wait until tomorrow when the maintenance guy I can trust can come in and lift up the bed for me to get under there. Thanks again for the input.
@Abbyey (760)
• Philippines
9 Mar 07
I suggest that you clean the area first after cleaning place the litter box underneath the bed for the cat to see. Maybe that will help. :)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I can't put the litter box under the bed. I'd never be able to get it out to clean it. I'll put it next to the bed.
@BarBaraPrz (45498)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
9 Mar 07
This is a behavioral problem... she may be shy all of a sudden, hence going under the bed (but if the litter box is a covered one, there goes that theory). Have you switched brands of kitty litter? Sometimes cats will let you know the new litter is not acceptable by not using it. The other thing that I can think of is, and it's usually the case, is that you're not keeping the litter box up to HER standard of clean... she knows you will clean under the bed immediately so she goes there instead of the box that may sit for awhile...
• United States
9 Mar 07
Thanks for the input. I don't think she's shy as much as she seems to be afraid or just dislikes the other cats. They are her children so that is baffling. Regarding the upkeep of the box, I scoop them several times a day and I change them every other day so I don't think that's it. I really think the main reason is that she's afraid to go in the bathroom when other cats are in there and since I have 13 cats, someone is always in there. I was keeping one of the boxes on the other side of the bed and that worked for a while but then I saw her go in the bathroom one day so I thought it was safe to put it back in there. Maybe I just need to put it back on the other side of the bed so she doesn't have to go in the bathroom.
• United States
10 Mar 07
Put you and the kitty in the bathroom together and keep putting the kitty into the box until the kitty uses the box. Another thing, they cat could be sick, in that case, get it to the vet asap.
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
10 Mar 07
I am not saying that this is the case BUT maybe you shoudl consult a vet. I know that my cat changed his behaviour and I took him to the vet and they found a problem in his kindneys. They took care of it and the problem was solved. It might also be that she is more "comfortable" there, read that u have more cats - maybe she just wanna have her own place - her own litterbox!
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
10 Mar 07
ew! this is why i have no cats! unfortunately, the urine of a cat is so strong it will even seep into the floor boards. you can clean the surface forever, and once its in the carpet, and the underlayment, you need to replace it. even if you don't smell it so much, people who are not usually in your home will smell it immedialtly.. so sorry this has happened to you!
@BigMx3 (15)
• United States
10 Mar 07
Why don't you put a litter box under your bed for her? Then, you can move it out a little at a time. Kind of like house training a dog. Just a thought. ME
• United States
10 Mar 07
Shes not happy with the litter box situation and this is her way of telling you. Our cats have done the same thing. Now that they have 2 large litter boxes everything is fine and back to normal.
• Canada
10 Mar 07
One thing I used once to stop my cats from going behind the tv was cayenne pepper. I think you have bigger problems though, I am not trying to judge because I love cats too, at one point i had 6 of them (now I only have 2). I dont think its fair to the cats in any way that you have so many cats in such a small space. I think that being locked in a kennel probably effected your cat in a negative way. also if they are all indoor cats, then I think its not good at all, for the situation you are making them live in. I am not saying you are intending to harm the cats I just think that if you truly care about their wellbeing, then you will consider downsizing, and giving them homes where they at least have more than one room to visit if they cant go outside. In a one room hotel i think 2 cats would be alot if they cant even go outside. I am not saying you should go down to 2 cats right away, but honestly, dont you think its unhealthy for the cats?????
@tomatoe39 (298)
• United States
10 Mar 07
through the cat outside...get a litter box and put under the bed..LOL
• United States
10 Mar 07
you could just put up some boards around the bottom of the bed so then the cat cannot get under it
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
10 Mar 07
I had one to use the front door mat. I put his box there. He was young and it took a little while, but he's got it now.So do try putting one in there. Also spray the floor with vinager. It will neutralize the odor and she should not be able to smell it and be drawn to it. The best advise I can give you is to be patient with her. She should get back into the habit she once had. And move the bed and rent a rug cleaner!`_*
@cabergren (1181)
• United States
10 Mar 07
Have you taken your cat to the vets. Sometimes the reason they don't use the litter box is because they have urinary tract infections. That may be the case. I also had a cat that at once a year I had to buy a new litter. Even though I used bags and kept it very clean, for some reason she didn't like the smell of it. As soon as a got a new one she would go in the box again.
@MrTibbs (18)
• Germany
10 Mar 07
How do you fit a bathroom under your bed?
@NatureBoy (493)
• Singapore
10 Mar 07
toilet train her. Get some expert help on how to toilet train. That's just my 2 cents.
• United States
10 Mar 07
Ask the kennel what kind of litter they used. Is the litter box in the bathroom usually sort of full of you know what? Maybe she doesnt like the smell of the other cats doo doo. I think you should call the kennel and ask for advice.