Why do cats pee on plastic bags? Why are cats attracted to Polythene bags? Do cats pee on things for attention?
Well, Cats Sometimes Intentionally Urinate, Spray or Pee on Polythene Bags for many reasons such as Territory Marking, Dislike for Litter boxes, Some Underlying Medical issues (like Urinary Track Infections), Stress-Fear or Excitement Urination, Cats like plastic smell OR merely an Action to Drive Your Attention.
In this article, we’re going to speak about a number of the reasons a cat may begin peeing on plastic bags in place of using the litter box and what to do if this occurs.
Cats are loving creatures everywhere in the world, and lots of human beings have welcomed these hairy pussycats into their houses to be part of their families.
Having a cat can bring many humans joy, and can even assist reduce the pressure and tension of their owners. However, there are instances when proudly owning a cat could have an alternative effect.
When you make a decision to bring a cat into your life, you need to do plenty of studies to decide precisely what your new buddy is going to need to stay satisfied and healthy. One factor that each cat has to have is a litter box to take care of their poop and pee.
A litter box will make sure that your cat has a stable region to use while making cleaning up pretty easy.
But once in a while a cat will forestall the use of the clutter box and begin peeing on such things as plastic bags which may be very irritating for his or her parents.
Why do cats pee on plastic bags?
1) Your cat is marking her territory
Cats are territorial animals, and they love to mark their territory with their pee. When cats pee on plastic bags, they’ll be looking to show their dominance over you or some other animal in the house.
If you observed that your cat is peeing on plastic bags, there are some things you can do to prevent it.
First, ensure their litter box is in a vicinity where they feel comfortable. It ought to be far from regions wherein they sleep or eat, and it should be in a quiet part of the house.
You also can attempt using a litter box with excessive sides. This will assist your cat to experience a more enclosed sense of security, and it can prevent them from marking their territory.
Finally, you can try using a pheromone diffuser in the house. It releases a calming chemical substance that can assist in reducing your cat’s stress levels and lead them to be much less likely to mark their territory.
2) Your cat finds its texture and sounds appealing
While this seems strange to us, few cats definitely enjoy the texture of plastic bags. The texture isn’t the same as their typical scratching surfaces, and they may find it exciting to scratch or bite on.
If your pet is peeing on plastic bags due to the fact they prefer the texture and sound of them, you could try and offer them an alternative.
This can be a cat tree with a sisal rope wrapped around it or a scratching post protected in a burlap. You may also need to offer them a toy fabricated from similar material, together with a plastic ball or rubber chunk toy.
The plastic texture can also be attractive as a gentle texture for burying their waste—a natural instinct. If that is the case, don’t forget to convert their litter to something that is softer and simpler for burial.
3) Cats do not like their litter box
There are different reasons why a cat may not use the litter box, but the first thing you need to do is to make sure that the litter box is clean. Cats are extremely clean animals.
Also, they like their surroundings to be clean. If they see a dirty litter box, they may avoid using it. Therefore, make sure that you are cleaning the box frequently.
In fact, a small box can be a reason for your cat not using it. If she feels claustrophobic, she may prefer to poop or pee somewhere else. Still, you can solve this issue by replacing the small litter box with the big one.
Finally, some felines just don’t like litter boxes. If this is the case with your cat, you may need to filter different types of litter boxes to find the perfect one.
4) Your cat is stressed or anxious
Just like us, cats can also experience stress and anxiety. On top of that, they will find ways to calm themselves down. Many cats lick their fur too much, while others chew plastic bags or any other things.
If you feel your feline is peeing on plastic bags due to stress or anxiety, there are a few things you can do for her.
Firstly, try to identify the cause of stress or anxiety and remove it. You can also give calming supplements to reduce stress levels.
There are different ranges available in the market. Just consult your vet first.
5) Your feline is facing some medical issues
It is completely normal for cats to use a plastic bag as a litter box. But, continuously doing this can be an indicator of some medical issues. If your cat urinates in a plastic bag, it is important for you to take her to the vet for a check-up.
One of the most common medical issues is urinary tract infection or feline lower urinary tract disease. These diseases can lead to blockages and inflammation in the urethra.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Straining to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination
- Bloody urine
- Urinating outside the litter box
6) Cats like the smell of the plastic bag
You may have noticed your cat rubbing her head on plastic bags. This is because its smell is irresistible to cats. But why do cats like that smell?
The answer is the compound present in the plastic which is 2-phenyl ethanol. It is present in different plants. Interestingly, it is also used as a synthetic substance in some products, including plastic.
Cats can also be attracted to the animal fat present in plastic synthesis. It is the most common ingredient in biodegradable plastic,
Is it a normal thing for cats to pee on a plastic bag?
Yes, it is very normal for a cat to pee on plastic. But, sometimes it can be a matter of concern. Altogether, even a minute change in the cat’s bathroom behavior is a cause of worry.
Also, some cats like to pee on plastic bags. If your cat does the same, it is better to keep a plastic bag away from her. Make sure that all the other bags are out of reach.
Do cats pee for attention?
Yes, this can be true. Urinating in unusual places can be a sign of a medical problem or a behavioral problem.
Also, sometimes the line of difference is very narrow. In fact, some cats can do this to get their parent’s attention.
One of the most potential reasons is to claim their territory. It can arise due to some psychological stress.
Why do cats pee on suitcases?
Our cats appear to always recognize when we head out of the station, and oftentimes, the sight of a suitcase popping out of the closet is what kicks them off.
Sometimes, even the most potty-trained cats apparently can not resist marking your territory with their scent, however why suitcases?
According to Cat Behaviour Solved, it’s far probable due to the fact your suitcase suggests a change in the cat’s routine.
Cats believe to have firm boundaries, like territories and everyday routines consisting of sleeping spots or feeding times.
When you head out of the station, your cat probably spends her days with some other individual or alone, inflicting a change in the routine, and possibly, ensuing stress on your cat.
For anxious or stressed cats, seeing a suitcase may be a hallmark that the following few days may be a bit off, because it has been the few instances the suitcase came out, which can also additionally cause abnormal bathroom behaviors.
How to clean cat pee or urine Stains?
Step 1: Soak up the urine
Use a towel to soak up the urine. Then, wet a new towel with hot or warm water and wipe the surface gently.
Step 2: Use a cleanser
Apply a cleanser to the spot. It will remove the odor. Also, prevent the stain from forming on the surface. You can easily find enzymatic cleaners at most grocery stores, and pet stores. Also, you can make a DIY cleanser at home. You can use water and vinegar for this.
Step 3: Treat the surface
Take the cleanser and soak the stain with it. Let all the cleansers rest on the surface for 10 minutes. It will allow the enzymes to remove the odor.
Step 4: Remove the cleanser
Use a dry towel to soak up the cleanser. Use a blotting motion to do this. Then, allow the surface to dry. If the odor is still there, repeat the steps until the smell vanishes.
How do you stop a cat from peeing on things?
You can do some things to forestall a cat from peeing on things other than the litter box. One of the best ways is to get some more litter boxes and locate them in your house, so your cat constantly has easy access to the litter box.
It might assist in case you additionally tried to maintain your litter boxes a little cleaner, so the area is more sanitary.
Also, some scents can discourage your cat from specific objects. A little peppermint oil is safe to apply on most gentle surfaces and could help hold your cat’s bathroom sports in their litter box.
Alternatively, in case your cat is peeing in a particular vicinity or room, you could add toys and different enrichment to make that room even more engaging.
Here are Some More Articles Related to Cat Peeing Behavior
- Why Did My Cat Pee on My Clothes?
- Can Cat Pee Cause Health Problems?
- What Smells Deter Cats From Peeing?
- How Often Do Cats Pee and Poop?
- How Long Can a Cat Go Without Peeing?
- My Cat Has Not Peed in 2 Days; Why
Final words
If your cat is peeing on plastic bags, there are some viable reasons. They may be interested in the scent of the plastic, they may be marking the territory, or they may have a health issue. If you are worried about your cat’s behavior, it is always excellent to consult with your vet.
The fastest and simplest manner to treat the problem is to eliminate access to any plastic bags. If the reason is a harmless attraction to plastic, the hassle will disappear.
Sometimes even small modifications in surroundings can strain your cat and lead them to pee or mark in unusual places. Even something as easy as you being gone for longer than regular can stress your cat and lead her to act out this way.
Especially when you have a cat that appears to pee after she has separation anxiety, it is crucial to try and preserve things as constant as possible for them.
Easy access to clean litter boxes is a great start, however, setting up different norms and routines can assist to keep the stress low and injuries to a minimum.