How to Get Your Cat to Stop Peeing on Plants
Believe it or not, your cat is not the only cat that pees on plants. This issue should not go unchecked, though. Urine can be harmful to the plants and create a bad odor in your home. So, what can you do to dissuade your cat from using plants as toilets?
To stop a cat from peeing on plants, target at least one of the cat’s main senses: smell, touch, or sound. Here are some tactics to try:
- Spray the plants with an offensive scent.
- Spray the cat with water to discourage the behavior.
- Make a sound the cat hates when he’s peeing in the plant.
When your cat pees on your favorite plant, it can be disheartening, to say the least. Luckily, there are ways to stop this behavior. So, read on if you want to learn how to stop your cat from peeing on plants, why they do this, and much more!
The Best Ways to Stop Cats from Peeing on Plants
When you’re stopped in your tracks by the smell of cat pee in your ficus, there’s a problem. If your cat pees on the plants inside your home, this can cause a gross smell. Also, the pee can cause harm to plants, whether they are in the ground or in a pot.
To stop this behavior, we will focus on ways to trigger the senses of smell, feel, or sound in your cat. Under each of these three categories, there are methods you can use to dissuade your cat from peeing on your plants.
Remember that all cats are not the same. So, if the first method you use does not work, keep trying others until you find the right one.
I will note that if your cat pees in a plant, the first thing to do is replace the soil. Your cat is drawn to their own scent and will pee there again. After you do that, follow these preventative measures below in order to stop this from happening again.
Using Smell
Cats do not like strong smells, so this is the first sense you can trigger to get them to stop peeing in your plants.
Cat Repellant
One thing you can use is a cat repellant, which you can buy at the store or even make on your own. It often uses strong smells such as peppermint and lemon. For most cats, these smells will be too strong, and they will choose not to pee in that area as a result.
Pepper
Maybe you don’t want to use cat repellant from fear of chemicals, and you don’t have the time to make your own. If this is the case, there are some easy, all-natural products you can use. These are probably somewhere in your house right now!
Sprinkling dried pepper, such as cayenne and red pepper, into the pot is great, making your cat avoid the plants. When they kick up the dirt after using the restroom, the pepper will be kicked up and get into your cat’s nose. This will aggravate their nose and may cause a little discomfort. As a result, they may avoid using the plant after that happens a few times.
Citrus
Cats also do not like the smell of citrus because of how strong it is. If you grind up citrus and put it in the pot, they may avoid it altogether because of the smell. But as a warning, you will have to keep an eye on the citrus and replace it regularly because it will mold if it is left there too long. Also, make sure your cat does not eat them because they are poisonous for them.
As a side note, do NOT use concentrated citrus oil, as this is toxic for cats
Using Touch
Touch is another sense you can use to prevent your cat from peeing in your beautiful potted plants.
Spray Your Cat
Using a spray bottle is a method many use. If you catch your cat peeing where they shouldn’t be, giving them a quick spray will deter them from repeating that action. But, you should know this is a controversial method. There are many people who see this as a viable option, but many also point out that this could hurt your bond with your cat.
Groundcover
Another great option that you can try is to put down a groundcover that will be uncomfortable for your cat. For example, a layer of stones will annoy your cat because it will feel weird on their paws, and they will not be able to dig down into it. Laying netting down would also have the same effect.
Aluminum Foil and Pinecones
You can also use things like pinecones or aluminum foil that is balled up or put around the edges. These are a bit pokey and annoying enough that your cat will probably avoid the plant. The pinecones also put off a strong smell, in addition to being uncomfortable to the touch.
Using Sound
The use of certain sounds will also deter your cat from using your plants.
I should note that many believe that sudden sounds should be a last resort, out of everything on the list. Sudden sounds can be a bit distressing, especially to more skittish cats. So, try to avoid using sudden noises as best as you can. Also, if you have to resort to using sounds, make sure that the sound you use is not loud.
If you are the one making the noise, make sure that the cat does not see you. If they see you, they may not be as surprised by the noise. Or, if they see you, they may associate the noise with you and become scared to be around you.
If you catch them in the act, hitting a newspaper on the floor may work. The sudden noise will be associated with the plant, and they may avoid it in the future.
You could also hook up something that gives off a sound when there is motion. This could be a bell tied to the plant so it will ring when the cat hops in, it could be a motion sensor, or whatever else you can think of.
The Reasons Why Your Cat Is Peeing in Your Plants
I promise you; chances are, your cat is not peeing in your plants out of spite. They do not have some kind of evil master plan to stink up your house or kill your plants because you forgot to give them their nightly belly rub last Wednesday.
Jokes aside, though, there are legitimate reasons they pee in plants.
Medical Issues
The most important thing to know about this is that if your cat is peeing in your plants (or anywhere else outside their litter box for that matter), there is a chance that there is a medical issue occurring. There are several common issues you should know about:
- A UTI: If your cat has a UTI, this can cause discomfort. The cat may associate that pain with the litter box, making them hesitant to use it again (PetMD).
- Arthritis: A cat with arthritis could have a difficult time getting into the litter box. As a result, they avoid using it.
- Bladder stones: These can also cause pain, or even urine blockage, leading to unpredictable and inappropriate urination (The Spruce Pets).
- Metabolic diseases: Metabolic diseases include kidney disease and liver disease. These can cause inappropriate urination, which can result in your cat peeing where they shouldn’t
These are just a few of the issues that your cat could be facing.
If your cat is consistently not using the litter box, you should bring them to their veterinarian. They will be able to tell you what problems your cat may be facing, and they may be able to prescribe a cure for it!
You don’t want to avoid the vet, as these are issues that the vet needs to be aware of so they can help you. At the same time, don’t start worrying. There is a good chance there is not anything medically wrong. In fact, it could all come down to their natural instincts.
It’s Their Natural Instinct
One of the main non-medical reasons why cats pee in plants is that it is their instinct to do so. Domesticated cats originated from the wildcat Felis silvestris lybica. They first appeared in the Fertile Crescent and later in Egypt. This area is surrounded by deserts. As a result, these early cats became used to using the bathroom on soft and loose material.
Because of this, modern cats have the predisposition to pee in loose, soft material. So, they love using the restroom in plants because the soil provides them with that loose, soft soil.
Yet, you may be scratching your head. Litter is loose and soft after all, which is perfect for cats. So, why won’t your cat use their litter box?
Well, they could be dissatisfied with their litter box. There could be something about it that is putting them off from using it. This is a complex issue, so we will discuss it more in the section below.
Is Your Cat’s Litter Box Right for Them
Just like humans, cats have likes and dislikes when it comes to where they go to the bathroom. Because of this, I think that it’s a good idea to focus on litter boxes, the reasons why your cat may not like using theirs, and how you can remedy this issue.
They Might Be Scared
Trauma could be a big reason behind your cat refusing to use the litter box. Trauma could come from a number of different events:
- Medical issues that caused pain while using the bathroom
- A loud noise spooking them while they were in the box
- A dog blocking their way out of the box, whether or not it was done in an aggressive way
These are just a few examples of what could cause a cat to associate their litter box with a traumatic experience. If they associate their litter box with trauma, then they may be hesitant to go back in to use the restroom.
According to the ASPCA’s article “Litter Box Problems” (linked above), this can be an issue that is hard to fix. There are some potentially easy solutions, such as moving the box to a new location or playing with your cat near the box. Sometimes though, you may need to get professional behavioral help to get your cat to use their litter box again.
It’s Not Clean
Another likely reason your cat is not using their litter box is that it is not clean. Just like humans, cats like their bathroom area to be nice and tidy.
If you are not doing it already, you need to clean your cat’s litter box each day, getting the dirty litter off of the surface so your cat can reach the clean litter below. But, scooping out the litter box alone is not enough.
At least once a week, you need to dump all the contents of the litter box. Then you need to remove any excess gunk and clean the box with hot water and soap. Then, refill the box and return it to where it was before.
If you feel that you will have a hard time remembering to do this, just plan to clean your cat’s litter box on the same day you clean your bathroom(s). You will eventually get into the habit of doing this and will no longer forget to clean out your cat’s litter box.
Problems with The Box Itself
Sometimes, your cat may just not like the litter box they have. For example, a box that has a lid will make most cats nervous, one that has too high of a lip could be hard for older cats to get into, and the box may be too small.
If you have a lid on the litter box, try taking it off. This may make your cat more comfortable, resulting in them using the litter box as they should.
If you have an older cat that has issues getting around, then get a box that has a lower lip on it. That way, they can get into the box more easily.
If you notice your cat is struggling to comfortably fit in the box, hold off on going out and buying another litter box. Lots of litter boxes are too small for adult cats. So, many experts recommend using a large plastic storage box instead. If you use this, then you won’t have to worry about your cat being cramped into a litter box that is much too small for them.
Litter Issues
Your cat could also have an issue with the litter that you are using. There are a few things you should know about your cat’s litter preferences.
According to the ASPCA, “cats [usually] prefer clumping, unscented litter.” They also usually prefer a thin layer of litter that is 1-2 inches thick. Also, remember to use a litter that has that looseness that cats innately prefer.
You should also know that many cats prefer the litter they have used for most of their life. That is what they have gotten used to and what they like to use. So, if you have recently changed their litter, consider switching back to what you used to use.
Now, let’s say you do need to change the litter. Maybe the scent has become too strong for your cat, or the grain is too rough. If this is the case, change the litter gradually, mixing it more and more with the old brand until you use the new one exclusively.
The Box is in a Bad Place
The litter box being in a bad location is another very common reason why your cat may not use it.
If you have recently moved the litter box to a new location, your cat may be confused as to where to go now. If you must move the box, then do it gradually so that your cat can get used to the fact that it is at a new location.
But, on the other side of the coin, your cat may be dissatisfied with where their box already is. Here are a few things you should know about the cat’s preferences when it comes to the location of their litter box:
- It should be ground level and not on top of anything. A hard to reach litter box will not be used. This is especially true for older cats who have a hard time getting around.
- It should be in a private place. Just like humans, cats like privacy when they use the restroom.
- It should be away from where they eat and drink.
- Don’t put the litter box in a tight space. If the litter box is in a tight space, your cat will feel vulnerable and unsafe. As a result, they will not use the litter box.
If you make sure to follow these tips, then you should find the perfect litter box spot in no time!
You Don’t Have Enough Litter Boxes
Do you only have one litter box? If you answered yes, then that could be the source of your cat’s issues.
Some cats like to pee and poop in different places. So, it is good to have an extra litter box in the house for those cats that are especially picky about this stuff.
If you have one litter box for multiple cats, this could also be contributing to your problems. You need to have a litter box for each cat in the house. And, just like before, you should have one extra litter box on hand for the cats that don’t like to pee and poop in the same area every time.
Creating the Perfect Bathroom for Your Cat
It can be very frustrating when your cat does not use their litter box. Remember though, they are (usually) not doing this out of spite.
If your cat is not using the litter box, play around with each of these suggestions. Eventually, you should be able to pinpoint why your cat is not using the litter box, and you will be able to alleviate the problem!
Is Cat Pee Bad for Plants
Surely, you don’t want your cat peeing on house plants since this can cause such a nasty smell. Because of this, you will probably clean it up right away. But, even if they pee outside plants, you should still clean the plant off, as cat pee is harmful to them.
But this is not the time to start worrying. Your plants are probably ok right now. If they pee on them once or twice, then your plant should be ok. Since there is so little pee going on the plant, there should not be any ill effects.
The real problems begin when the cat consistently pees on the same plant. Cat pee has chemicals that can act as fertilizer, and too much of these chemicals cause fertilizer burn. Fertilizer burn, according to Gardening Know How “is the result of over-fertilizing plants or applying fertilizer to wet foliage.”
The best thing to do is to rinse the pee off as best as you can. If the plant is in a pot, then remove the old soil and put new soil in.
Is it Ok to Discipline Your Cat?
Discipline is how many creatures here on earth learn right from wrong. But you should know that there is a right way and a wrong way to discipline cats.
The VCA Hospital reminds us that we are “punishing the behavior, not the cat,” so when you discipline them, make sure that you don’t do something that breaks your cat’s trust.
The jury is split on how you should discipline your cat. For example, spraying your cat is a popular discipline method that many people and experts recommend, including the VCA. Yet, other experts recommend that you do not do this, as it can breed mistrust.
Thankfully though, there were two common ideas that everyone could agree on:
- The most important of these ideas is that you should never use physical punishment on a cat. Physical punishment can result in your cat being skittish and afraid around you. Cats do not understand physical discipline as punishment, so you should never discipline them in that way.
- The other common idea is that you should be careful when disciplining them because you don’t want to harm the bond you have with them. What may seem like a harmless scolding to you could be a serious offense to them. As a result, they may be hesitant to be vulnerable to you.
For the best way to discipline your cat, I recommend speaking to your vet. As I noted, opinions are very varied on this topic. So, asking your vet what they think is best for you and your cat will be the best move.
If you can, hiring a behavioral trainer is a great option too. They will be able to kickstart your cat into learning right and wrong behavior. They will be able to show you how to best handle your cat when the need arises.
How to Remove the Smell of Cat Urine
So, now you know how to prevent your cat from peeing where they shouldn’t.
But, if the cat has already peed somewhere they shouldn’t have, there is a chance there is still the lingering smell of pee. If they peed in a plant, then you will either want to wash it off with water or re-soil the pot.
What should you do when they pee elsewhere? Maybe as they peed on the plant, some of it dripped onto the rug below or got splashed onto a nearby curtain. How should you go about removing the smell when this happens?
According to PetFinder, these are the steps to take to remove the smell of cat urine:
- When you notice your cat peed, immediately clean it up. Use some type of absorbent, such as paper towels, to suck up as much as possible. Focus on getting up most, but not all of it. For clothes, wash them as soon as possible with baking soda or enzymatic detergent.
- Use enzymatic cleaners to kill the smell. This will also help in keeping your cat from peeing there again.
- Use a carpet cleaner to remove any excess urine from the carpet or fabrics. Do not use steam cleaners because this will trap the smell in
- Using baking soda or a baking soda-based air freshener will get any remaining odors out of the surface the cat peed on
If you follow these steps, then you should not have to worry about any smells lingering on the carpet!
Conclusion
After reading this, I hope that you have a better understanding of how to prevent cats from peeing in plants and how to get them to pee in their litter box again! Now you have the tools to solve the problem-soon you can rest easy and not worry about your cat peeing where they shouldn’t.
