Nothing permeates your nest quite like the ammonia-rich smell of cat pee. Female cats prone to peeing inside may be showing signs of anxiety or health problems, or simply acting natural for a cat in heat. Determine what's going on with your feline so you can find the right solution.
Mate Finding
In the wild, female cats sometimes pee on things as part of mate finding behavior. While it smells gross to you, your cat's urine is like fancy perfume to a male cat in the mood for love. This behavior is instinctual and can occur more frequently when cats are in heat and the pee contains hormones and pheromones that signal the males. Without wild territory to mark, lady cats may urinate on your stuff instead!
Behavioral Issues
If your cat has been spayed but still pees in the house, she may be anxious. Cats are notorious for keeping cool, but beneath their nonchalant demeanor they can stress out. If your schedule has changed so you're around less often, the cat may be lonely. If there's been a change at home, such as a new roommate, new apartment or new pet, your cat might be peeing to warn others that this is her territory.
Health Concerns
Cats sometimes pee more to tell you they're not feeling right. Sounds gross, but your cat's vocabulary is limited and this method is effective. If the urine is bloody, it could be a sign of something called idiopathic cystitis. Or, your cat could just dislike using the litter box, particularly if someone's gotten lazy about cleaning it out.
What to Do
Getting your cat fixed solves heat-related peeing and will spare you and your pet the hassle of being a kitten mommy. If you suspect medical issues, document the peeing (where, when, how often) and make a vet appointment. If you think your cat's just acting out, move her food and water near the place your cat most often pees since cats like to keep the dinner table clean. Or try making the site unattractive by placing marbles, pinecones or aluminum foil nearby -- cats dislike the noise.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
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