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Cats are beautiful, fun companions. But sometimes, a cat will do something really gross, such as pooping on the bed. Nothing is worse than finding cat poop on your bed!
What causes a cat to do this? Is there anything you can do about your cat pooping on the bed?
We’ve done some research and found the answers to these questions. Read on to learn why your cat is doing this and what you can do to stop your fur baby from pooping on the bed!
Why Did Your Cat Poop on the Bed?
Cats are usually clean, fastidious critters that take hygiene very seriously. They bathe regularly, groom themselves, and more. So, what causes a cat to poop on the bed?
If your cat has started having potty accidents all of a sudden, you’re right to be concerned. This is not normal behavior for an adult, potty-trained cat. So, what are some of the reasons a cat may poo on the bed?
Reasons a Cat May Poop on the Bed
In this section, we’ll cover some of the common reasons a cat may poop on the bed.
1. Illness
If your cat going poo on the bed is something new, and there’s nothing changed in your home, it’s best first to consider illness as a possibility. Some health conditions may cause a cat to poop on the bed. Here’s a list of some health issues that may cause a cat to have potty accidents:
Intestinal parasites: can cause a cat to poop on the bed and other places other than her sandbox. Intestinal parasites are worms that can cause diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms. Some possible parasites to consider include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Stomach worms
- Whipworms
- Giardia
- Toxoplasmosis
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has intestinal parasites:
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Worms in her poop
- Bloating
- Bloody stool (or bloody diarrhea)
If you notice these and other symptoms in your cat, call the vet right away. They have dewormers that can help your cat get rid of these nasty parasites.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): cats, just like us, can also develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition sometimes produces a strong urge to defecate, often with only short notice. The condition is most often found in cats of middle age, though it can develop at any age.
You may notice these symptoms if your fur baby has IBS:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Painful pooping
- Stools contain mucus
- Vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Poor appetite
This is another condition that needs to be treated by the vet. It may be that your cat needs to eat a special diet or take prescription medications to control her symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism: cats can also develop hyperthyroidism, like their humans! This is a disease of the cat’s thyroid gland that causes the thyroid to become overactive. This speeds up the cat’s metabolism and may cause food to move too quickly through her digestive tract. The condition can cause diarrhea.
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has hyperthyroidism:
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Coat changes
- Increased thirst and urination
- Behavioral changes
- Vomiting
Diabetes: this condition can also develop in cats and cause a host of side effects. You may notice these symptoms if your cat has diabetes:
- Increased thirst & urination
- Huge appetite
- Unexpected weight loss
- Inability to jump or loss of interest in playing
- Change in gait
- Lethargy
Diabetes is a very serious disease, so if your cat seems to show these symptoms, call the vet right away. It’s imperative your cat receive the treatment she needs.
Liver disease: cats can also develop liver disease. This can cause several unpleasant symptoms, including potty accidents on the bed.
Your cat may have diabetes if she shows these symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Jaundice
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mental and behavioral changes
Cancer: cancer can also cause a cat to go poop on the bed. However, this may not be the cause of your cat’s accidents. Cancer can show symptoms similar to other diseases, so if your cat is showing unusual symptoms, it’s best to have her evaluated and tested by your vet. The sooner cancer is caught, the more treatable it is.
2. Environmental Changes
Cats love to have a routine. When things are going normally around the house, a cat is happy and content. She knows what to expect and when. However, a sudden change in the household can cause a cat to develop unwanted behavioral changes, such as going poop on the bed.
So, consider what was going on when your cat pooped on the bed. Was anything in your home or schedule changed? Did someone new join the household? You may find that the answer to your cat’s gross “present” is due to some change in her environment!
3. New Pets or Kids
Have you recently adopted a new pet or had a baby? Have you adopted a baby? Have you gotten married? These are all examples of changes that may cause a cat to poop on the bed. It’s possible your fur baby is having a hard time adjusting to having a new pet or person in the home.
When cats act out in this way, they’re calling for more attention. It’s like your cat is saying, “Hey, don’t forget me! I’m still here and need your attention, too!” She may poop on the bed to get your attention.
Sure, that’s not a pleasant way to ask for attention. But if she’s really stressed, your cat may find it easier to get your attention by doing something naughty, like pooping on the bed.
4. Cat Spite
This is one that’s pretty common when you have a cat. It’s true that some cats can be spiteful and will poop on your bed to show what they think! That’s not a pleasant experience, to be sure. Cats can be pretty unpleasant if they’re mad at you!
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Ask a Vet Live NowStop Your Cat from Pooping on the Bed
There are some steps you can take to keep your cat from pooping on the bed, including:
- Look for other signs that your cat may be upset or ill
- Eliminate potential triggers
- Keep the cat out of your bedroom
- Use kitty-safe sprays to deter your cat
- Keep her litter box clean
- Make an appointment with the vet
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! These are the most common reasons a cat may poop on your bed. It’s not always out of spite or a plea for attention. Your fur baby could be sick.
So, if you’re not able to figure out what caused your cat to poop on the bed, it’s best to call the vet. They can run tests to determine if there’s an underlying health issue. If so, the vet can treat it and this may stop your cat from pooping on the bed again!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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