Dealing with a cat that keeps peeing on the rug? Annoying, right?

But before you get too frustrated, know that there’s usually a reason behind it—and a way to fix it. Cats don’t just randomly decide to ruin your favorite rug; something is either bothering them or making the litter box less appealing.

The good news is that a few simple changes can stop the problem and keep your home accident-free.

In this post, I’ll show you what to do if your cat keeps peeing on rugs, and how to clean it.

#1 Make the Litter Box as Appealing as Possible

First things first: let’s talk about the litter box. Your cat might be avoiding it for a bunch of reasons. Maybe it’s not clean enough. Maybe it’s in a weird spot. Or maybe it’s just not comfy.

Cats are picky little creatures, and if they don’t like their litter box, they’ll find somewhere else to go.

So, start by making sure the litter box is squeaky clean. Scoop it daily—or even twice a day if you can. No one likes a dirty bathroom, and cats are no exception.

Also Read: How To Clean Cat Pee On Concrete

Next, think about where the box is. Is it in a loud, chaotic part of the house? Move it to a quiet, private spot. If you have multiple cats, make sure there’s more than one litter box. A good rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus an extra.

Also, consider the type of box. Some cats hate covered boxes because they feel cramped. Others might prefer a bigger box with more room to move around.

Experiment a bit to see what your cat likes best.

#2 Try Different Litter

Just like people have preferences when it comes to toilet paper, cats have opinions about their litter. If you’ve recently switched brands or types, that could be why your cat is avoiding the box.

Some cats like clumping litter, others love scented litter, and some hate both.

So try a few different types:

Clumping clay litter (most popular)
Crystal litter (less tracking)
Paper pellets (good for sensitive paws)

Watch how your cat reacts. Do they sniff and walk away? Do they dig enthusiastically? Their behavior tells you everything.

Most cats prefer fine-grained, unscented litter that feels natural to dig in. Some even prefer less litter in the box - about 1-2 inches deep is often perfect.

#3 Deep Clean That Rug

Okay, so your cat peed on the rug. If you don’t clean it properly, they’ll probably do it again.

Cats have an incredible sense of smell, and even if you can’t detect the odor anymore, they can. To them, that spot is marked as their bathroom unless you eliminate every trace of the smell.

Start by blotting up as much of the urine as you can with paper towels. Then, use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for pet messes.

These cleaners break down the urine molecules, so your cat won’t recognize the spot anymore.

Avoid vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners, though—they can actually make the problem worse because they smell like urine to your cat.

Once you’ve cleaned the rug, let it dry completely before putting anything back.

And whatever you do, don’t skip this step.

#4 Use Deterrents

Sometimes, you need to get creative to keep your cat away from the rug.

Deterrents can help. These are things that make the area less appealing to your cat.

For example, aluminum foil is a great option. Cats hate the sound and texture of it. Lay some foil over the rug, and chances are, they’ll steer clear.

You can also try double-sided sticky tape. Cats don’t like the feeling of sticky stuff on their paws, so this can work wonders.

Another trick is to place upside-down plastic carpet runners (the ones with the little spikes) on the rug. Your cat won’t enjoy walking on them, and they’ll quickly learn to avoid the area.

#5 Figure Out What’s Stressing Your Cat

Cats are sensitive creatures. They don’t handle change well, and stress can cause all sorts of behavioral issues. This could be the reason why your cat keeps peeing on rugs.

Think about any recent changes in your home. Did you move furniture around? Bring in a new pet? Start working longer hours?

Here are some common stressors for cats:

New people or pets in the house
Loud noises or construction nearby
Changes in routine or environment

If you can identify what’s stressing your cat, you can work to fix it.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as spending more quality time with them or giving them a safe space to retreat to. Other times, you might need to consult a vet or animal behaviorist for advice.

#6 Check With The Vet

Before you assume your cat’s behavior is purely psychological, it’s always a good idea to rule out medical issues.

Cats can develop urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or other health problems that make it painful or difficult for them to use the litter box. If they associate the box with pain, they’ll avoid it.

Take your cat to the vet for a checkup. The vet will likely run some tests to make sure everything’s okay.

If they find a problem, they’ll prescribe treatment to get your cat back on track.

#7 Temporarily Restrict Access To The Rug

While you’re working on the other steps, it’s a good idea to keep your cat away from the rug for a while. This gives you time to clean it thoroughly and break the habit.

Close the door to the room if possible. If that’s not an option, use baby gates or other barriers to block off the area.

You can also try rearranging the furniture to make the rug less accessible.

Cats are creatures of habit, so changing the layout of the room can disrupt their routine and discourage them from returning to the same spot.

#7 Cover The Rug

If all else fails, you might need to protect your rug temporarily.

A plastic carpet runner (turned upside down so the little spikes face up) can protect the area. Your cat won't like walking on it.

You could also try a waterproof mat or even a shower curtain under the rug in problem areas. This at least saves your flooring underneath if accidents continue.

Remember this is likely temporary! Most cats can be retrained with patience and the right approach.

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Bottom Line

Dealing with a cat who pees on the rug isn’t fun, but it’s not the end of the world either.

Don't punish your cat - they're not doing it to upset you. Something's wrong from their perspective, and our job is to figure out what.

Cat Keeps Peeing On Rug? (Try Doing This)