Why Does My Cat Pee On Towels?

In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into the possible reasons why cats urinate on towels and provide solutions to prevent this unwanted behavior in the future.

Having a pet is one of life’s greatest joys. They bring love, companionship, and endless entertainment to our lives. However, as much as we adore them, there are times when they can exhibit behaviors that leave us scratching our heads in confusion and frustration. One such behavior often seen in cats is their tendency to pee on towels. Yes, it can be alarming and unpleasant to find your cat urinating on your freshly laundered towels or even worse – your guest’s towel! But fear not, dear readers, for in this blog post we will delve into the reasons why cats pee on towels and share some useful tips on how to deal with it effectively. So put those stained towels aside for now and let’s figure out why your feline friend might be taking his business to the bathroom linens instead of his litter box.

Why Does My Cat Pee On Towels?

Cats might pee on towels due to a number of reasons:

• Medical Issues: Cats may experience urinary issues like UTIs, bladder stones, or kidney disease that can cause them to pee outside their litter box. 
• Behavioral Issues: Stress, anxiety, or changes in their environment can lead to behavioral changes resulting in inappropriate urinating. 
• Dirty Litter Box: Cats are clean animals and might avoid using a dirty litter box, opting for a soft, absorbent towel instead.
• Territorial Marking: Cats sometimes urinate on personal items to mark their territory.
• Old Age: As cats age, they may lose control over their bladder functions.

In any case, if your cat starts to exhibit unusual urination behavior, it’s best to consult with a vet.

Are Certain Types Of Towels More Attractive To Cats For Peeing On?

Yes, certain types of towels can be more attractive to cats for peeing on:

• Fluffy Towels: Cats are naturally attracted to comfortable, plush surfaces. Therefore, fluffy towels might be more appealing to them.
• Scented Towels: If the towel has a scent that the cat finds comforting or intriguing, they might be more inclined to pee on it.
• Used Towels: Cats are often attracted to the scent of their owners. Therefore, a towel that has been used and carries the owner’s scent might be more attractive to the cat.
• Warm Towels: Cats love warmth. So, if a towel has been recently used and is still warm, it might attract the cat.
• Colorful Towels: Although cats do not see color the same way humans do, they are still attracted to bright colors. Bright or colorful towels might catch their attention.
• Large Towels: Larger towels provide a larger surface area for the cat, which might make them more appealing for urination.

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Peeing On Towels?

To prevent your cat from peeing on towels, consider adopting the following strategies:

Regular Vet Check-ups: Regularly visiting the vet can help identify any potential medical issues early and address them promptly.

Maintain a Clean Litter Box: Cats prefer a clean environment. Make sure to clean up cat litter regularly.

Provide Enough Litter Boxes: The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. If you have more than one cat, ensure there are enough litter boxes to prevent territorial disputes. 

Address Stress and Anxiety: If changes in the environment are causing your cat stress or anxiety, try to minimize those changes. Use calming aids if necessary.

Limit Access to Towels: Keep your towels in a closed cabinet or high place where your cat cannot reach them. 

Enrichment Activities: Keep your cat engaged with cat toys and playtime to reduce anxiety and calm your cat. 

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat for using the litter box correctly.

Senior Cat Care: For older cats, consider using litter boxes with low sides for easy access and placing them in easily accessible locations.

How Can I Properly Clean And Remove The Smell Of Cat Urine From Towels?

To properly clean cat pee and remove the smell of cat urine from towels, you can follow these steps:

Rinse Immediately: If possible, rinse the soiled towel immediately with cold water. Avoid using hot water as it can set the urine stain and make the smell harder to remove.

Pre-Soak in Vinegar Solution: Soak the soiled towel in a vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) for about 30 minutes. Vinegar is an excellent natural odor neutralizer.

Use Enzyme-Based Laundry Detergent: Wash the towel using an enzyme-based laundry detergent. These detergents break down the urine molecules that cause the smell.

Air Dry: If possible, allow the towel to air dry rather than using a dryer. Heat can intensify any lingering urine smell.

Use Baking Soda: If the smell persists, wash the towel again, this time adding a cup of baking soda to the wash. Baking soda is another great odor absorber.

Check Towel Before Drying: After washing, check if the smell is gone before drying the towel. If the scent still lingers, repeat the previous steps.

Seek Professional Help: If the urine smell persists despite your best efforts, consider seeking help from a professional cleaning service. They may have specialized cleaning solutions or methods that can help.

Are There Any Products I Can Use To Deter My Cat From Peeing On Towels?

Yes, there are various products that you can use to discourage your cat from urinating on towels:

• Feliway Spray: This product mimics natural cat pheromones that help cats feel more secure and less likely to mark their territory.
• SSSCat Spray Deterrent: This motion-activated spray safely and automatically keeps pets away from certain areas.
• PetSafe SSSCAT Spray Pet Deterrent: This motion-activated spray is scentless and stainless, making it a great choice for protecting your towels.
• Pet Organics No Go! Spray: Designed to deter pets from revisiting and marking the same spot twice.
• Grannick’s Bitter Apple for Cats Spray: A non-toxic, safe and effective chew deterrent that has a bitter taste to discourage pets from licking, gnawing, and chewing on surfaces where applied.
• Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray: This stress-reducing spray helps decrease anxiety and prevent inappropriate marking.
• Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control Spray: Another product that mimics natural feline pheromones to calm cats and discourage destructive behaviors.

Read more: How Can I Prevent My Cat From Peeing On Clothes?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the behavior of cats is a complex and fascinating topic. Although we may never have a definitive answer as to why they exhibit certain behaviors, it is important to remember that our feline friends have their own unique personalities and quirks. While cat peeing on towels may seem frustrating or inconvenient to us, it could be a sign of something deeper going on with our cat’s physical or emotional well-being. It is essential to pay attention to any changes in our cat’s habits and seek veterinary care if needed. With patience, understanding, and proper training techniques, we can work towards resolving this issue together with our furry companions