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Why is my cat peeing and over-grooming before our new baby arrives?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bengal | Male | neutered | 11 months old | 10 lbs

Innapproriate elimination and excessively grooming ( licking and chewing) could this be because he knows we are about 2 weeks from having a new baby?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 5, 2017

Hello and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Congrats on your new baby!

It is hard to say exactly what is causing Reiko's symptoms sight unseen but I can certainly offer a few possibilities

While it is not likely Reiko knows exactly what is going to happen soon, it is entirely possible he has picked up one a few changes that have been going on around the house (new furniture for the baby, perhaps new colors on the wall in the nursery, etc) and perhaps less attention on Rieko and more on preparing for the new baby has Reiko upset and stressed. Cats sometimes do not handle new changes very well. However there are several things you could do to help lessen the stress.

Buying Feliway Spray or Feliway household plug in diffusers can help as well as calming chewables with L-Theanine in them. The Feliway spray mimics maternal pheromones and can produce a calming sensation in cats.

If these OTC solutions do not seem to be working, you may visit with your veterinarian to discuss Rx medications for anxiety.

Even though anxiety can cause these symptoms, there are other more concerning causes for these symptoms and Reiko should be brought in to see his veterinarian for a diagnosis if the symptoms persist.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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