Why Did My Cat Pee on My Clothes? (6 Reasons, 6 Tips)

When your cat starts peeing on your clothes, it can be a confusing and frustrating experience. It’s important to determine the root of the behavior in order to address it.

Why Is My Cat Peeing on Clothes?

There are many reasons why cats might start urinating outside of the litter box, but some of the most common causes include anxiety, stress, and boredom. Also, if your cat has a health issue such as a urinary tract infection, they may start urinating in inappropriate places as a way to try and communicate their discomfort.

6 Common Reasons Why Cats Pee on Clothes

1. Anxiety or Stress

If your cat is feeling anxious or stressed, they may start peeing on your clothes as a way to release their pent-up energy. This can be caused by changes in the home environment, such as a new pet or baby, or by traumatic experiences such as being abandoned or abused.



Stress is a hormonal state that can affect many different body systems, so it’s not surprising that cats will sometimes manifest it through their behavior. Withdrawal from the litter box can also be a sign that your cat is feeling stressed.

2. Boredom

If your cat is bored, it may start peeing on your clothes as a way to get your attention. Cats are intelligent animals and need stimulation and exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. A lack of stimulation can lead to restless behavior and can even cause psychological problems.



If your cat seems to be constantly wandering around your home or scratching furniture, they may be trying to tell you that they’re bored.

3. Territoriality

Cats are territorial by nature, and sometimes they will start peeing on your clothes as a way to mark their territory. This can be especially common in multi-cat households, where cats will compete for space and dominance.



Urine is a powerful scent that can communicate a lot of information to other cats, so by peeing on your clothes your cat is essentially telling them that this space belongs to them.

4. Anxiety Related to Litter Boxes

If your cat is having anxiety related to their litter box, they may start peeing on your clothes as a way to avoid using the box altogether.



Some of the most common triggers of litter box anxiety include being in an unfamiliar environment, having insufficient litter boxes for the number of cats in the home, or not being able to see the litter box from where they’re sitting.



If your cat is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s important to address the underlying cause as soon as possible.

5. Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection can be a very painful condition for cats and can lead to them urinating in unusual places. If your cat has a UTI, it may start peeing on your clothes, bed, or other furniture as a way to try and get relief from the pain.



Urinary tract infections are relatively common in cats, so if you suspect that your cat may have one it’s important to take them to the vet for treatment.

6. Medical Problems

Cats can also start peeing on your clothes as a result of other medical problems, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or arthritis. If your cat is constantly urinating outside of the litter box, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up to rule out any underlying health issues.

6 Ways to Address A Cat Peeing on Clothes

1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

If your cat is peeing on your clothes because of stress or anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help reduce their stress levels.



Try implementing some simple changes in the home environment, such as providing more hiding spots or litter boxes, or using Feliway diffusers to help create a calm environment.



If your cat is anxious about being in new environments, try taking them on short car rides or exposing them to other new experiences gradually.

2. Stimulate Your Cat’s Mind

If your cat is bored, one way to help stimulate its mind is by playing with them regularly. There are lots of fun games you can play with your cat, such as using a toy to tease them with or hiding treats around the house for them to find.



You can also help keep your cat mentally stimulated by providing them with plenty of scratching posts and climbing trees.

3. Make Sure They Have Enough Litter Boxes

If your cat is anxious about its litter box, try to increase the number of boxes you have in your home. This can help reduce the competition for space and make it less stressful for your cat to use the bathroom.



You can also try using different types of litter or litter boxes to see if that helps make them more comfortable.

4. Address any Medical Problems

If your cat is constantly urinating outside of the litter box, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up to rule out any underlying health issues.

If your cat is diagnosed with a medical problem, treating the condition can often help resolve their litter box issues.

5. Use a Pee Pad

If all else fails, you can try using a pee pad to protect your clothes from being urinated on. Pee pads can be purchased at most pet stores, or you can make your own by using a layer of absorbent material such as old towels or newspapers.



Place the pee pad in an area where your cat is already urinating, and replace it when it becomes wet.

6. Consult a Behaviorist

If you’ve tried all of the above and your cat is still peeing on your clothes, you may need to consult a behaviorist for help. A behaviorist can help you identify the specific reasons why your cat is behaving this way and provide you with advice on how to address the problem.

• How Often Do Cats Pee and Poop?

How to Get Cat Pee Smell Out of Clothes?

Cat pee has a strong smell that can permeate through the fabric and be difficult to get out. So how do you remove the odor? Well, there are a few ways you can go about getting rid of the smell.

• One of the most common ways to get rid of stains from a cat’s urine is to soak your clothes in a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water. Before you do this, try to remove as much of the urine as possible.
• Next, put the mixture into a bowl and place your clothing into it for a few hours or overnight. The next morning, wash your clothes in hot water with detergent.
• If you’re still having problems removing the smell from your clothing, try using hydrogen peroxide.
• Some suggest putting the clothes in the freezer for a few hours and then washing them as usual.
• Another suggestion is to scrub the clothes with vinegar, which removes the scent from the fabric.
• The easiest way to get rid of the smell is with an enzyme-based cleaner.
• Finally, You could take your clothes to the laundry mat and have it cleaned, but that may depending on where you live.

• How Long Can a Cat Go Without Peeing?

Frequently Asked Questions

In Summary

Cats can be mysterious creatures and it’s not always easy to determine why they’re doing the things they do. If your cat is peeing on your clothes, there could be any number of reasons why they’re doing it. In most cases, it’s a sign that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.



By understanding the potential reasons behind your cat’s behavior, you can take the necessary steps to help resolve the issue.