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My cat pees on the couch, nothing works. Is it a medical issue?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

How can I get my cat to stop peeing on our couches? We have cleaned the cushions, used a spray of orange and eucalyptus oil on the clean cushion to deter him, double sided tape, closing the blinds to the window behind the couch (there is often a stranger cat hanging out in our backyard - maybe the issue?). Nothing has worked, and its larger puddles, not marking. PLEASE help!!!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 4, 2016

If it's larger puddles and not marking, then I would be concerned that there's a medical issue causing this behavior such as a UTI. I would recommend taking Ranger into the vet for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood test, and a urinalysis to determine if he does have a UTI. Should he have one, he will need antibiotics to treat it

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 18, 2017
I would recomend discussing with your vet if Loki still has residual inflammation from his UTI. In many cases pain can play a part. I would consider a supplement like cosequin in his food and consider a diet for urinary issues. Feliway diffusers may also help the behavioral component. Urinating outside the litterbox can be a complex issue to deal with. Here are some articles to get you started and I recomend consulting his vet as well. Good luck. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=633
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on September 21, 2017
It is likely to be more a territorial issue rather than an actual medical problem due to the fact that he is not neutered so more inclined in marking around his territory. An infection could also be present. I would recommend a vet check up and urine test and they will be able to exclude the second or treat accordingly. Neutering would certainly be the first step to help with this problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Witt, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 29, 2019
I would think he has a urinary tract infection. I would push your veterinarian to check a urine sample and see what is going on. Stress can cause urinary issues and then lead to infections If the urine is normal then bloodwork may be necessary to look at the kidney values
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Kiki is urinating on your couch! This may be related to a medical problem or a behavioural issue. I would start by using an enzymatic urine cleaner designed to neutralize the odour on the couch, as the pee smell on the couch may keep her coming back to it. I would also think about any possible stressors in the house. Have you changed the litter type recently? Have you moved recently? Loud noises? Frequent visitors, or pets that are bullying her? I would also try out a product called Feliway, which is a feline pheromone designed to help reduce inappropriate urination behaviours and reduce stress in cats. If these have been tried and she is still urinating on the couch, I would take her to a vet to evaluate for medical issues such as a urinary tract infection, urinary crystals or stones, or bladder inflammation. They will likely examine a urine sample and conduct a full physical exam. I hope this helps, and that Kiki is feeling better soon!

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