How To Stop Your Cat From Peeing In The Sink

How To Stop Your Cat From Peeing In The Sink

Updated on June 6,2020

There is nothing more frustrating than a cat that is avoiding their litter box. Our cats can choose odd places to go when something is disrupting their urinary habits, and the sink is a common favorite among these places. 

cat in sink

In this article we’ll dive into the possible reasons why your cat is peeing in the sink, and how you can get them to stop!

Your Cat’s Urinary Habits Are Telling

Our cat’s urinary habits can be a wonderful peak into their overall health and happiness. Since changes in your cat’s urinary habits can occur during major shifts in their life, accidents outside of their litter box almost always point to a concern that you should take seriously. Whether it’s behavioral or medical, your cat’s accidents are a cry out for attention. Now that you know you should always take this behavior seriously, let’s dive into some possible reasons why your cat is peeing in the sink. 

So why does your cat pee in the sink?

There are a few possible factors that can impact your cat’s litter box habits. In order to get to the bottom of this behavior, let’s cover some of the most common reasons as to why your cat is peeing in the sink. 

UTI

One of the most common reasons behind a cat’s sudden change in urinary habits is due to a brewing urinary tract infection. UTI’s can be extremely uncomfortable for our furry friends, leading them to have accidents in unusual spots. UTI’s in cats can cause a cat to have accidents in the house, urinate around the litter box, urinate frequently, experience discomfort when urinating, appear agitated or painful, and even cry out when urinating. 

cat in sink

With symptoms like this, it’s no wonder our cats will display odd behavior. If your cat is urinating in the sink and is displaying any of the above symptoms, it’s time to visit your vet. 

Stress & Anxiety

Sometimes our cats will pee in odd places as a reaction to stress or anxiety in their life. A stressed cat may urinate or spray throughout the house due to feeling a bit out of control, and your sink may be the perfect spot for your anxious furry friend. If your cat is adjusting to any major changes in your life or home, it’s very possible that their accidents in the sink are a cry out for attention. If you think your cat’s urinary changes are due to stress, it’s time to reassess your home and get to the source of their stress. 

Litter Box Avoidance

Some cats pee in the sink due to being upset about the current situation in their litter box. Whether they need their box cleaned more often or they don’t appreciate the new brand of litter you are using, your cat may just be avoiding their litter box and running to the sink instead. Your cat’s accidents in odd places may be a nudge to step up your litter box services!

You Need More Litter Boxes

Do you have more than one cat in your home? If so, you need to be sure that you have a litter box for each cat, plus one! Cats can be extremely territorial about their litter boxes, causing some cats to branch away from their boxes if they feel like their space is being taken over. If one of your cats is peeing in the sink and you don't follow the extra litter box rule, then it’s time to go get another litter box!

Behavior Changes Due To Age

Similar to humans as we age, our cats can begin to experience confusion and a decline in their health. Whether it’s due to your cat experiencing dementia or due to their kidneys beginning to fail, our elderly cats may display some odd urinary habits. If your cat is getting up there in age and has begun to urinate in the sink, it’s best to visit your veterinarian to rule out any major health complications. 

cat in sink

How To Stop Your Cat From Peeing In The Sink

Now that we’ve discussed some of the possible causes behind your cat’s choice to pee in the sink, let’s dive into some ways to stop the behavior for good!

Clean Your Litter Boxes Often

Be sure to clean your cat’s litter box daily to prevent them from having accidents outside of the box. Try your best to do quick clean ups each day and thoroughly clean their litter box at least once a week. 

Make Sure You Have Enough Litter Boxes

If you have more than one cat in your home it is absolutely essential to have at least one litter box for each cat. In order to be sure that you prevent any future accidents, it’s best to have one box per cat and one extra. 

Thoroughly Clean Accidents

Animals tend to run back to places that they’ve urinated before due to the scent that is left behind. In order to prevent future accidents, it’s important to thoroughly clean any area that they have urinated in order to eliminate any lingering smells. Try your best to use odor eliminators and cleaners that deactivate the enzymes in your cat’s urine. 

Speak With Your Vet

We recommend speaking with your vet any time your cat experienced a change in urinary habits. UTI’s can cause serious complications if left untreated, so it’s important to be on top of the issue from the start. UTI’s are also easier to treat when they are caught from the moment symptoms begin. 

Summary

Though our cat’s can have some odd behaviors, sometimes they are actually trying to tell us something! Now that you know the possible reasons as to why your cat may be peeing in the sink, you can help your furry friend and stop the habit in its tracks!

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