There aren’t too many foods that you can either eat or wear, but honey is one of them. Not only is it nutritious, but it also has many medicinal effects whether eaten or applied to injured skin. That goes for humans as well as many animals. Can cats have honey?

A cat is neither a person nor a Pooh but small amounts of honey can be good, and we’re going to tell you how! Our goal is to help you learn about honest cat care that works.

Honey with a Grain of Salt

Asking, “Can cats have honey?” is only half the question. The other half is, “HOW can cats have honey?” Feline digestion differs from that of omnivores such as dogs and humans. Omnivores can get their nutritional needs met from both plant and animal sources.

Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores, meaning that they’re obligated to consume an animal-based diet or they’ll starve. Sugars, found most abundantly in plants, aren’t easily digested and can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Senior cats with age-related changes frequently experience difficulties with certain foods.

Diabetes and obesity are ever-present risks. Young kittens with undeveloped immune systems are especially susceptible to infection by toxin-producing bacterial colonies growing from spores in their tiny intestines.

Talk to a trusted holistic veterinarian before introducing your pets to new foods, especially if the pets are very young, pregnant, very old, or otherwise vulnerable. If you don’t have a regular vet who’s open-minded and familiar with your animals, consider finding an office practicing integrative veterinary care which integrates the best of modern medicine with alternative methods. A natural holistic approach addresses each patient in terms of age, gender, general health, and personality.

What Makes Honey Special?

Honey is unique, made only by a few bee species. Comparable to an insect equivalent of mother’s milk, honey nourishes the growing young with needed nutrients as well as provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial support. Scientists are actively researching its many beneficial properties.

See our related post: Do Bees Eat Honey? The Birds AND The Bees Eat Honey!

Can Cats EAT Honey?

That might sound like a simple question but it’s not. Did you know that cats can’t taste sweetness? Since plants most often contain the molecules triggering sweetness in certain taste sensors, obligate carnivores have little need for them. Humans have 9,000 taste buds, dogs have 1,700, and cats have only 470. None for detecting sweetness.

If you’ve noticed your feline buddy enjoying honey, it’s likely because of other overriding scents and tastes. Maybe the dog is gobbling up some honey, or maybe your cat is CURIOUS! You know how that works!

Can Cats Have Manuka Honey? Is Manuka Honey Safe for Cats?

Manuka honey is pretty potent stuff. It’s made from flowers of the Manuka bush, a hardy evergreen plant native to Australia and New Zealand. It’s known to contain high concentrations of substances with healing properties. It definitely has antibacterial abilities.

Tests on rodents indicate potential benefits for stomach ulcers, indigestion, gum disease, tumor growth, and as a dressing for skin and wound conditions. More research needs to be done, especially on cats, but Manuka honey offers hope. In small amounts, it’s quite safe.

Benefits of Honey for Cats

There are more than 300 kinds of honey, but they all contain the following:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Antioxidants
• Amino acids
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Anti-bacterial properties

Honey is being researched to treat the following medical conditions:

• Cardiovascular problems: May reduce inflammation leading to cardiac disease.
• Cough: Not only a throat-soothing syrup, but honey may also function as a cough suppressant promoting undisturbed sleep.
• Diarrhea: May ease loose stools from gastroenteritis.
• Infections: Taken orally or used as a wound dressing especially on burns, honey supports healing.
• Neurological issues: Some evidence exists that honey helps reduce depression, anxiety, memory disorders, and seizure activity.
• Rehydration: Can aid in recovery from dehydration.

Can cats have honey? A little, yes. Its traditional medicinal and veterinary uses are sure to increase with time.

Diet: The Foundation of Health for Cats & How Food Is Medicinal

Although food is often regarded in our society as recreation, in truth FOOD IS MEDICINE. The entire purpose of food in biology is to fuel growth and repair. The sense of taste evolved to guide critters to eat more of some substances and less of others.

The importance of the study of ecology is maintaining balance in the food chain with a diversity of life so nothing goes to waste. Diversity implies different kinds of nutritional needs. Felines in the wild have been successful for millions of years because they prevent the overpopulation of prey animals by consuming them. Given freedom of choice, animals crave what they need most.

What Is the Best Diet for Cats?

Cats are obligate carnivores. They must have animal flesh to survive. You can’t be squeamish watching cats eat natural food because their preferred diet is based on instinct. In a perfect world, pets would be able to enjoy all the benefits of a BARF-type diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. “Biologically appropriate” refers to the specific needs of felines in the right proportions, including muscle meat from mammals, birds, and fish.

Additional essentials include brains, eyes, stomach with contents, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, uterus with contents, testicles, eggs, fat, ground bone or small raw bones, the works. “Raw” refers to being fresh, clean, unprocessed, and uncooked, preferably from humane local sources. “Food” encompasses supplements such as the essential amino acid taurine, small amounts of plant material such as grasses and herbs in the right proportion, and enough variation to prevent boredom.

In a less-than-perfect world, barriers prevent consistency and might result in indigestion or malnutrition. One alternative is giving pre-made BARF foods from reputable specialists. Another alternative is offering BARF supplements to improve what your cat has been eating. Finally, evaluating your pets’ present kibble and canned food ensures high-quality and minimally processed nutrition.

Transitioning From Kibble To RAW

Transitioning: Cats accustomed to dry kibble may not immediately accept a raw diet because they’re conditioned to carbohydrates as an energy source. Unfortunately, carbs are not nutrient-dense, meaning that they contribute empty calories. Try new foods gradually to give your pets’ digestive systems time to adapt.

Water: Water is an essential nutrient. In the wild, cats gain water from their food, but pets don’t live in the wild. You can meet their water requirements by placing several clean bowls in sheltered spots away from the litter boxes. Many cats enjoy running water, so investing in a kitty fountain will make drinking more fun. Since water supplies vary greatly in their purity, investing in a undercounter reverse osmosis system is an investment in the health of everyone in your cat’s household.

Can Cats Have Raw Honey?

Raw honey is not only uncooked but also unprocessed in its most natural form. This means that it contains the most active enzymes and nutrients in their most powerful form. Same rule applies to cats and raw honey . . . . . a small amount is most like medicinal for them but their carnivorous diet doesn’t require it.

Is Honey Good for Cats?

This is an exciting time in the history of honey. Scientists and doctors all over the world are researching honey’s potential to support the health of people and pets. Can cats have honey? Until confirmed evidence is available, remember Vitamin M: MODERATION. In fact, we have a couple of recipes for cat treats below. Can cats EAT honey? Try these and find out!

Homemade Treats for Cats

Manuka Honey DIY Treats For Cats

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon catnip
• 1 tablespoon Manuka honey
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 egg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Mix catnip and flour together in a medium bowl, forming a well in the center.
3. In another bowl, mix Manuka honey, melted butter, and egg together.
4. Pour honey mixture into flour mixture, combining to make a firm dough. If too sticky, add more flour.
5. Roll dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut small shapes with a cookie cutter or the open end of a glass.
6. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Cool. Store in vacuum-sealed container up to two weeks in refrigerator or up to three months in freezer.
8. Note: Remember that these are quick kitty rewards, not a substitute for regular meals. Too many treats cause the blood sugar to spike.

source: https://www.facebook.com/2486424544709212/posts/-manuka-honey-diy-cat-treats-i-found-this-recipe-online-and-had-to-share-for-our/3660157057335949/

Chewy Homemade Honey Cat Treats

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg
• 4 ounces canned duck or chicken cat food
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 teaspoon water
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Combine egg, cat food, parsley, olive oil, honey, and water in medium-size bowl.
4. Whisk well.
5. Add rice flour and cooked rice.
6. Stir. Dough should be consistency of peanut butter, thick but spreadable.
7. Spread onto baking sheet about 1/3 inch deep.
8. Bake 12-15 minutes and remove from oven.
9. When cool, cut into small bite-sized pieces (for the cat, not you!).
10. Return to oven for 8 more minutes.
11. Remove and cool.
12. Store in fridge until gone (which won’t be very long!).
13. Note: Since this tasty treat contains honey, discuss them with your vet. We additionally recommend feeding these in moderation.

SOURCE: https://manukahoneyusa.com/chewy-homemade-honey-cat-treats/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Cats don’t have the ability to taste sweetness.
• A small amount of honey including raw or Manuka honey is generally safe for cats. Honey, Manuka in particular, may provide health benefits as listed above.
• Don’t apply honey as a skin treatment on your own. Without proper training, you might introduce infection. Anyway, your kitty will probably lick it off right away, ingesting unneeded sugar.
• Food is medicine! A balanced diet of a variety of fresh, natural foods is more healthful than cheaply processed food with excess fat, sugar, salt, carbohydrate fillers, and additives such as dyes, preservatives, and flavor enhancers.
• Always consult your vet before giving a cat new foods, especially in the case of kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, the elderly, and pets with obesity, diabetes, and other conditions.
• Vitamin M for moderation! Begin slowly in small amounts and observe for problems.
• Keep reading Happy Tails for new information!

Vitamin O for Other Important Stuff

Along with a nutrient-dense diet, cats have other requirements. Good feline health involves every body system. Here are other basic needs:

• Mental stimulation: play, places to explore, challenges
• Companionship: bonding, interaction and communication with others who are familiar, not being isolated; contrary to the saying, cats are not independent souls
• Exercise: physical movement, opportunities to play, relieve frustration, and practice natural skills
• Outdoor time: windows and catios; you can take the cat out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the cat

Final Thoughts

Can cats have honey? Yes, in small quantities, but keep watching for research updates. As obligate carnivores, cats mostly prefer animal protein. What they honestly prefer from you is your caring friendship: Vitamin L for love! Now that’s sweetness they can’t get enough of.

Glossary

• Amino acid: One of the many building blocks of proteins
• Antioxidant: Any chemical compound that inhibits oxidation; in common use, it refers to natural compounds believed to prevent cells from degrading
• Botulism: A condition caused by ingesting the botulinum neurotoxin or the spores produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria
• Ecology: The study of organisms, including humans, in their environment as they relate with each other
• Holistic: Treating the entire patient instead of focusing only on disease processes; including factors such as age, weight, general health, lifestyle, personality, and preferences
• Kibble: Dried processed meal formed into pellets composed of meat, plants, and additives
• Obligate carnivore: A living thing that must consume meat products for its main source of nutrition
• Reverse osmosis: The process of forcing water molecules through a filtering membrane that collects contaminants
• Pooh: A beloved fictional fuzzy yellow bear that talks to his animal friends and loves honey
• Sugars: Organized molecules of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (carbohydrates) that form chains and rings; since special enzymes or intestinal bacteria are needed to break down each kind into simpler forms, not all animals can digest all sugars
• Taurine: A specific amino acid necessary for many body functions; unlike many omnivores who synthesize taurine from other amino acids, cats need to get it from meat, fish, and eggs in their diet; deficiencies can cause blindness, heart problems, digestive disturbances, and poor development in kittens

Resources

Feline ability to sense sweetness:
https://www.npr.org/2005/07/25/4766556/cats-cant-taste-sweetness-study-finds#:~:text=The%20team%20discovered%20that%20felines,off%20millions%20of%20years%20ago.

Medicinal use of honey in veterinary practice:
https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2021/02/04/is-honey-good-for-cuts-in-dogs/#:~:text=Medical%20grade%20honey%20is%20sterilised,is%20presented%20in%20case%20reports.

Need for taurine in the feline diet:
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/dr-coates/2014/december/what-taurine-32287

That’s a great question: are ferns toxic to cats? The fact is that curiosity does NOT kill cats or people–having questions is how intelligent beings behave. Ignoring the answers, though, can be dangerous. Most true ferns are not toxic to cats.

Certain fern a-likes are, so we’ll go over that since cats have an inclination to sniff, nuzzle, taste, investigate, and bat at plants. Taking our exploration of cats and ferns a step further, we’ll show you how to use ferns to create a green wonderland for your beloved furbabies.

Are Boston Ferns Toxic to Cats?

Boston ferns are true ferns that came on the scene only a few hundred years ago. They’re cat- and dog-safe. Because they’re often hung in pots, you can control the height so your felines won’t be tempted to take flying leaps into them.

Boston ferns are particularly good for detoxifying the air, according to a 1989 study by NASA scientists who were trying to figure out how to keep their astronauts healthy. Using a process called phytoremediation, true ferns are among several plants that absorb toxins from the air, soil, and water.

Are Ferns Poisonous to Cats?

Poisons and toxins are not quite the same even though we often use the words interchangeably. A poison is any substance causing harm to living organisms. A toxin is a poison produced by a living organism.

True ferns are a very ancient group of plants with roots, stems, and photosynthetic green leaves but reproducing by spores instead of seeds or flowers. They first appeared more than 360 million years ago, long before dinosaurs, but many dinosaurs loved to eat them! Yes, they were dinosaur-safe. In asking “Are ferns toxic to cats?”, very few true ferns are toxic to cats. However, not everything we call a fern is really a fern.

Whether plants are labeled “toxic” or “poisonous,” avoid them if you have cats. No worries, there are plenty of safe and healthful plants for our feline friends to enjoy. Are ferns toxic to cats? The bracken fern is one of the rare true ferns that is.

Also known as bracken, brake, female fern, fiddlehead, hog brake, and pasture brake, all parts are toxic. One botanical expert referred to this plant as “nasty.”

Are Asparagus Ferns Toxic To Cats?

Asparagus ferns, also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern, are NOT true ferns. They’re related to asparagus plants. Sapogenin, the offending toxic agent, is in the leaves as well as the berries. Not only can it cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, but also skin inflammation. Are ferns toxic to cats? Many non-true ferns definitely are.

Toxic Non-Ferns

Here are a few others in addition to asparagus ferns. Be especially aware of the hemlock fern because it is spreading quickly and is hard to kill:

• Hemlock fern: Not a fern but has fernlike leaves; also called deadly hemlock, poison parsley, spotted hemlock, European hemlock, California fern, and Nebraska fern, it is very common and very dangerous
• Foxtail fern: Also called Meyersii fern, it is related to asparagus and not a true fern
• Winter fern: Not a true fern but resembles one; extremely toxic

Why Cats Need Plants

You can take the cat out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the cat. Even domesticated animals have an inner need to connect with the kind of environment they evolved in. Think of all the ways cats use plants:

• As hidey-holes for privacy and shelter
• As cover for their cat boxes, water bowls, and food dishes
• As camouflage while they stalk prey
• As the feline equivalent of social media to sniff who’s been around: prey, enemies, invaders, potential mates, dogs, mice, etc.
• As soft, healthful spots to sleep, heal from injuries, give birth, and breathe naturally purified air
• As sources of nutrients and natural medicine
• As shade to provide a cool escape from the hot sun
• As signposts claiming territorial ownership
• As surfaces for stretching and cleaning their claws
• As places to play with toys and with each other

You can see how much live plants contribute to the well-being of all cat species. Are ferns toxic to cats or are they necessary for feline health? They’re very necessary! Next, read about indoor cat gardens and outdoor catios (“cat” + “patio” = catio!) and how ferns and other plants make them into kitty spas!

Creating an Indoor Cat Garden

Your home will determine the layout of your indoor cat garden. Remember: you can always make adjustments. In fact, your kitty will tell you how! You can use an entire room or just a corner. Set it up in the laundry room, sunroom, mudroom, or in a well-ventilated garage with a window.

Like most critters, cats are territorial and need their own space. Are ferns toxic to cats? Au contraire, they absorb contaminants and help cleanse the air. As you read the feline basic needs below, notice how many of them are met by having plants around. When assessing the environmental suitability of a potential cat territory, consider his or her basic needs:

• Safety
• Cleanliness
• Shelter
• Comfort
• A window to watch what’s happening
• Food and water
• A catbox or two
• Privacy
• Places to explore and climb
• A stable, comfortable temperature

In creating this special conservatory, what are YOUR basic needs?

• Ability to move freely without knocking things over
• Ease of providing food and water
• Stress-free catbox care (read our Happy Tails post for wonderful catbox tips from experts)
• Quick cleaning
• Space to provide plant care
• Stability of plant pots
• Beauty
• Comfortable seating

In other words, if you set things up to meet your cat’s needs as well as your own, you will have a stress-free haven you both can enjoy. What do you see in your mind’s eye for the perfect indoor garden? Check out online resources and talk with other cat people for creative ideas to personalize your indoor cat garden.

The Best of Both Worlds with a Catio

Catios are just what you might guess they are: an enclosed patio designed for the safety and happiness of cats to be protected while experiencing the great outdoors. You apply the same principles as you would for indoor cat gardens but you can incorporate a greater number of plants including outdoor plants. If you’re still concerned (Are ferns toxic to cats?), read through this Happy Tails post with tips on using a variety of safe plants to beautify the catio space.

We’ve given you links describing beautiful cat-safe plants for decorating your indoor garden or catio. Next comes a list of nourishing herbs and grasses that most cats find irresistible. They’re pretty easy to grow, too.

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SuperGood Plants For Cats

You asked, “Are ferns toxic to cats?” but now you know that true ferns aren’t. Ferns are beautiful but not especially tasty. The herbs below are nutritious, although most seeds aren’t easily digestible for cats and many are toxic. Cat grass is usually a blend of different young grasses to be eaten before they send up seed spikes. All of these nutritious plants are ideal in indoor gardens and catios for sniffing, snacking, and even napping:

• Alfalfa grass: Fresh green alfalfa, not hay, is a good cat grass that may prevent and treat some feline kidney diseases
• Barley grass: Sprouted barley before it goes to seed
• Basil: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Bean sprouts: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Bermuda grass: Most clean, fresh, untreated lawn grasses are safe for cats
• Carrot greens: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Catnip: Feline stress-reliever; the scent is often an aphrodisiac
• Cat thyme: Slow-growing but a soothing feline stress-reliever for cats who don’t respond to catnip
• Cilantro/coriander: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Dill: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Fescue: Most clean, fresh, untreated lawn grasses are safe for cats
• Flax: Young flax plants shorter than five inches are good for an occasional cat treat; flaxseed is generally safe for cats but many may have trouble digesting them, especially ailing or older animals; ground flaxseed is unsafe if not immediately refrigerated or if given in improper dosages, often causing diarrhea

More Feline Friendly SuperGood Plants

• Kentucky bluegrass: Most clean, fresh, untreated lawn grasses are safe for cats
• Lavender: Not only appealing to the feline sense of smell but also reportedly repels fleas
• Lemongrass: Affects some cats like catnip; it may also be antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiparasitic as well as a digestive aid; the essential oil, however, is toxic
• Lemon balm: Not the same plant as lemongrass but it does have a pleasant citrus scent; safe when nibbled, chewed, or drunk as kitty tea; can help ease anxiety and stress-induced upset stomach; may repel flies and other insects
• Oat grass: Young sprouted oat plants not only provide several nutrients but also act as a calming digestive aid
• Parsley: Delicious and nutritious with reported properties supporting the immune system
• Rosemary: Enjoyed by many, also a natural flea repellent
• Rye grass: Young sprouted plants not only provide several nutrients but also act as a calming digestive aid
• Sage: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Sunflower sprouts: Cat-safe and enjoyed by many
• Valerian: Energizing and activating (just the opposite effect on humans)
• Wheatgrass: Read below!

A Special Note about Wheatgrass for Cats

Although cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they must consume prey animals for the bulk of their nutrition, they also ingest plant material; left to their own devices, they usually eat the green stomach contents of small herbivores and omnivores such as rabbits, birds, insects, rodents, and other critters.

They also voluntarily seek out grasses and certain veggies and fruits; among the grasses listed above, wheatgrass is especially beneficial.

The young green shoots of wheat plants are a rich gluten-free source of nutrients such as chlorophyll, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins such as B6, E, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin; offer minerals including manganese and zinc; act as a laxative by aiding indigestible matter such as feathers and hairballs to pass; given as a dietary supplement in small quantities, wheatgrass supports your cat’s immune system, helps scrub the teeth and gums, and aids in weight management.

Grow Your Own Wheatgrass For Yourself & Fur Babies

You can grow your own wheatgrass by starting with organic pesticide-free hard winter wheat seed or wheat berries. Rinse and drain, cover, then soak for 10 hours or overnight. Repeat three times. Prepare a deep tray by lining it with chemical-free paper towels covered with about two inches of moist organic compost or potting soil. Sprinkle the seeds on top in a single layer and press lightly into the soil. Water gently and cover with a few sheets of moist newspaper.

To germinate, the seeds need to remain damp for a few days. Spray the seeds and newspaper every evening to prevent drying out. On the fourth day, remove newspaper and place the tray in partial sunlight. Water daily, avoiding direct sunlight. In about a week and a half, a second blade of grass will emerge next to the first. Known as “splitting,” this indicates that the wheatgrass is ready to harvest if around six inches high.

Cut above the root and refrigerate in a bowl. One tray will usually yield two or three crops when watered daily. Give your cat several blades every day or every other day. If you’ve kept several trays growing, share them with your other pets, and juice some for yourself as well. It’s a fresh and healthful treat for your entire household.

If You Need to Call the Vet

Hopefully, you won’t have to seek veterinary help for a pet eating a toxic plant, but it’s good to prepare in advance. Many dangerous plants are very common but good resources are available. Establish a good relationship with a reliable veterinary office that listens. For an overview of kitty health and knowing when a vet trip is necessary, check out our Happy Tails post.
Bonus: at the end is a promo code for a discount on Catio designs, so check it out!

Do Cats Like Music and TV in Their Special Spaces?

After hearing so many reports from cat lovers, scientists discovered in their research that many cats do enjoy music. They seem to prefer classical music instead of loud, pounding rhythms but they respond the most to music composed specifically for felines. Because of their ability to hear higher frequencies than humans, feline tastes focus on high-register sounds that resemble their own vocalizations.

Their alertness is automatically triggered by movement, so it’s not surprising that many cats also love TV and video games, particularly those that involve topics they love. Can you guess? Other cats, prey animals, toys, and food. The stimulation is good for them as long as they don’t attack highly placed screens that crash down. (Note: May require a vet visit.)

Have fun experimenting in your cat garden or catio to discover what pleases your furkids the most. Do an internet search to find music, TV programming, and games designed specifically for pets.

There’ll Be Peace in the Valley

You’ve heard the saying that when Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Cat psychology is not so different from human psychology. To put it another way, a household with happy cats is a happy household! What makes you happy? Having your basic needs met: air, water, food, safety, and comfort. What else?

Fun, opportunities to play, mental stimulation, an interesting environment, stability, variety, and things to look forward to. Even more, most critters (humans count as critters) need contact with their own kind. Specifically, friendship, bonding, belonging, family, a tribe, a pack, a community. Finally, a peaceful setting that allows each being freedom of choice.

Providing the feline members of your family with an indoor garden or an outdoor catio will satisfy every physical, psychological, and emotional need. Instead of constant expressions of frustration and desperation, there’ll be peace in the valley for all of you, just as Thomas A. Dorsey wrote for Mahalia Jackson’s gospel song.

Summing Up

Now you have the answer to your question “Are ferns toxic to cats?”. What’s more, you’ve learned about the fern family and about some of the toxic plants-called-ferns-but-aren’t. Best of all, you have ideas on how to put together an indoor garden or a catio for your beloved furbaby. In fact, when you spend time together in this haven, you and your feline companion will share peace and contentment. And your lush ferns will purify the air!

Glossary

• Cat grass: Any newly sprouted, untreated, cat-safe grass shoots without the seed heads, usually from a mixture of seeds for variety
• Conservatory: A glass-walled room, often with a glass ceiling, attached to a building and used as a sunroom or botanical garden
• Germinate: To sprout
• Obligate carnivore: Pronounced “OB-li-get,” the term refers to an animal that cannot survive without meat for the major part of its diet
• Omnivore: An organism that feeds on animals, plants, and a variety of other organic sources of nutrition
• Photosynthetic: Relating to photosynthesis, generally using chlorophyll and sunlight to make nutrients from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a by-product
• Phytoremediation: The process by which certain plants absorb and metabolize certain toxins from the air, soil, or water
• Poison: Any substance causing harm to living organisms
• Sapogenin: A fat-soluble saponin-related compound derived from plants that plays a role in steroid synthesis; while not usually fatal, it does interfere with healthy processes while causing negative reactions; concentrated in leaves and berries of asparagus ferns
• Toxin: Any poison produced by a living organism

References and Resources

Pet-safe indoor plants:
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/indoor-plants-safe-cats-dogs.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSome%20ferns%20%E2%80%94%20such%20as%20Boston,out%20of%20your%20pet’s%20reach.

Cat grasses:
https://www.epicgardening.com/cat-grass/

How Music Affects Cats:
https://www.cnet.com/science/the-right-music-can-soothe-your-savage-beast-er-cat/

In this post, we’ll explore the water needs of cats. Although dogs and cats are common animal companions, their needs are very different. How long can cats go without water? Not only are we going to answer that, but also explain how felines are able to use water even in the most inhospitable conditions. 

There is not a cut and dry answer to this question because if you are feeding a fresh raw diet to your cat, invariably, you won’t see them hanging over the water bowl very often anyway. They acquire most of their moisture from their food. We’ll explain other scenarios where a cat’s water consumption may be in question though.

You’ll learn about different kinds of water and, most important of all, how you can give your special kittycat the best life possible. You’ll never have to find out the hard way how long can cats go without water.

By the way, we’ve posted a short glossary for you at the end of this article to explain some of the terms.

Your Feline’s Diet Determines Its Water Consumption

Have you ever thought about the many forms water takes in our lives?

• Out of the faucet
• In rain puddles
• In human-made puddles from watering gardens, hosing down things, water sports, birdbaths
• Morning dew and other condensation
• Natural sources such as streams, ponds, and lakes
• In FOOD! Juicy meat is where cats normally get most of their water

However, not all water is the same. Does the question “How long can cats go without water?” refer to water in bowls or any water at all? The answer is that it depends on the age, weight, and health of the cat as well as the temperature and humidity in the cat’s environment. Let’s look at dehydration next.

How to Identify Dehydration & What to Do

Most animals with backbones, including humans, consist of 60-80% water. Water keeps the body’s cells and tissues functioning:

• Transport–via blood, lymph, urine, and other fluids
• Electrical conduction–in the brain and heart and along cell membranes
• Digestion–from saliva to pee and poop
• Maintaining pH balance–Do you remember hearing about pH in school? It stands for “power of hydrogen” and refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. What that means is how acidic or alkaline a solution is. Chemical reactions won’t take place without an environment with the correct pH. Discussions about pH are common when referring to medical lab tests, bee sting remedies, tooth decay, gardening and agriculture, cooking, ocean ecology, and climate change, among other things.

You can see that water is a necessary nutrient–without it we would all resemble strips of jerky. Felines are able to concentrate their urine so they need less water to survive. Since they gain most of their water from food, they have a low thirst drive.

For that reason, searching for water is not a major activity most of the time. How long can cats go without water? Some healthy cats without any water may live 3-5 days. A severe episode of dehydration weakens the immune system and can cause a lifetime of kidney and bladder problems, though. It is a serious and potentially fatal condition for any living thing. 

Signs of Dehydration

Because measuring the amount of urine your kitty puts out is challenging, you can use check for these signs to assess for dehydration:

• Dry, sticky gums and mouth
• Loose, stiff skin that lacks stretchiness
• Loss of interest in surroundings and usual activities
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Panting
• Elevated heart rate
• Urinating less or passing dark, strong-smelling urine
• Recent diarrhea and/or vomiting can result in dehydration

How long can cats go without water? You want to prevent the above signs because they indicate advancing dehydration. If you believe your cat has become dehydrated, it’s time to contact an expert.

Your best bet is an open-minded veterinary office that provides integrative medical care options including modern Western medicine as well as alternative methods like herbalism and acupuncture. This site offers a vet directory in the US from the Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. 

If you want to know more about when to take your cat to the vet, we wrote this article just for you.

Cats Are Designed to Get Their Water from Food

Current theories hold that today’s housecat descended from desert-dwelling felines in the Middle East tens of thousands of years ago. Because of the lack of precipitation, they evolved the ability to concentrate their urine in order to conserve water. Instead of relying on water holes and rivers, they absorbed most of their water from the prey they killed.

Most modern housecats retain a strong prey drive. How long can a cat go without water in the desert? It doesn’t matter as long as they can catch prey.

MDR – Minimum Daily Requirement Water

For these reasons, the ideal housecat diet consists of a variety of fresh, clean, raw, natural prey sources. Dry cat kibble only provides 6-10% of cats’ MDR (Minimum Daily Requirement) of water while a natural, fresh, wild vertebrate prey animal diet contains 60-80% water. Since preparing such a diet can be challenging but can be done, offering pre-made fresh frozen raw or freeze-dried is the next best choice.

If you can’t give your cat a daily raw diet, you can still supplement each meal with additions. Many new feeders of raw food notice that their cats consume less water from the bowl because of the high percentage of moisture coming from the food. You won’t need to worry about how long can cats go without water because they’re getting it just as they would in a natural environment.

An increasingly popular style of feeding pets is referred to as BARF: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. One reason among many is that a BARF-type diet may contain as much as 70% of your pets’ daily water requirements. If you want some ideas for nutritious and delicious feline foods, check out our post on what cats like for breakfast. 

What if a cat doesn’t drink water but eats wet food or raw food? 

If you’re concerned because you don’t see your kitty drinking from the bowl, it might be happening while you’re not watching. Many pets are nervous about their vulnerability to attack while they’re distracted by eating and drinking. Your cat might also have discovered alternative water sources such as the bathtub or the toilet.

As we mentioned, quality raw or wet/canned food is the next best thing to supplying your cat with adequate water the natural way. Each species of pet as well as each age group has individual nutritional needs, so you need to choose what’s right for your cat. The most healthful food contains few or no artificial dyes, fillers, preservatives, or unidentified ingredients. Cats don’t need food coloring, cornmeal, or meat scraps that could be anything from mouse tails to euthanized cat parts. 

Water for Cats to Drink

Like dogs, cats have highly acidic stomachs with a pH ranging from 1.0-2.5. That’s almost as acidic as it can get! Having a low pH (high acid) means that raw meat protein as well as less easily digestible tissues such as bone, gristle, and fur are broken down. Most pathogens can’t survive in such an environment.

Even so, most cats prefer water from clean water sources. Many cats LOVE a natural water source and will often drink water that has been sitting outside for some time. Think of all those tasty little insect flavor bits! 

Stomach acid won’t dissolve toxic chemicals, though. The quality of tap water varies from location to location as well as from variations in atmospheric pollutants and groundwater contaminants. Cats can definitely smell the presence of chemical additives like chlorine.

Bottled water is proven to vary from source to source regardless of claims on the label. Distilled water is reportedly pure originally but may contain substances leached from the plastic containers. The most reliably safe water for your pets as well as the humans in your household is processed by a home purification unit. To give you an idea of an efficient home system, here is a link for an under-counter reverse osmosis system.

The Best Water Bowls for Cats

How long can cats go without water? There’s no reason why your cat–and the neighborhood cat colony–should ever have to go without water. Give them lots of safe places to drink. Tuck different-sized bowls in a variety of locations so there’s more than one watering hole. Most cats don’t like feeling their whiskers bent by the rims of bowls because whiskers have so many nerves at the roots.

Imagine how you would feel being tickled or blown on every time you opened your mouth to eat or drink! Use water bowls with wide openings. A wide base is advisable, too, so the bowl won’t turn over. Although anything can be used to hold water, a stable metal such as stainless steel is easy to keep clean. Scratches in plastic, ceramic, and glass often collect who-knows-what and acquire a bacterial film just like dirty teeth. 

Specialty bowls: For outdoor pets, large bowls are available that generate low heat in sub-freezing weather by using either electrical or battery power. They don’t get hot, but just maintain the water above freezing. Likewise, you can get insulated water bowls that keep water cool for hours if your cat prefers cold water. Some cats even like a bobbing ice cube or two in their bowls.

Other temptations: But wait! There’s more! Not only will bowls in multiple locations encourage your kitties to drink, but you can add flavor to the water. Assuming that you’re cleaning the bowls daily and replacing the water, add a few drops of clam juice, tuna juice, or salmon juice, or unsalted chicken broth without any garlic or onion. Last but not least, sprinkle a bit of catnip to make catnip tea! 

The Optimal Watering Hole: Cat Water Fountains

Most cats love running water. In the wild, flowing water is usually fresher and cleaner than standing water. Another reason for their preference is that the feline sense of hearing is sharper than their vision. They can hear running water from a distance. Their sharp visual ability to detect motion responds to the water’s flickering movements.

In addition, most cats like high places to perch, and most home faucets are higher up than water bowls on the floor. A stream of running water doesn’t confine their whiskers in the way that small bowls do. Finally, running water is just more fun to play with.

Someone someplace adapted small water fountains for cats to use, and the market has exploded. They’re available in a wide variety of materials and prices. Many veterinarians recommend them because they often encourage cats to drink more water. Fountains are ideal if they’re kept clean and refilled with fresh water often.

They’re not a necessity but they will provide your kitty with abundant fresh water to enjoy in a novel way. Is this manipulation to get you to buy expensive fun toys? Maybe. But why not? You love your fur kids. How long can cats go without water? well, how long can cats go without playing? 

Location, Location, Location

Many people say “cats are picky,” but cats have good reason to be picky. It’s a matter of survival. In terms of the location of their water bowls and food dishes as well as litter boxes, they want to avoid other cats and marauding animals. Most all cats prefer their food and water located away from their litter boxes.

How long can cats go without water? You won’t win in a contest between you and your cat about where to put their personal items! You will win by understanding their need for safety, privacy, cleanliness, and their convenience. To learn more about what’s important to cats in their personal environment, look at our post on litter boxes. 

FAQ–Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats drink water or milk? 
Milk contains water but is classified as a special type of food. What’s more, milk is species-specific, produced by lactating females to help their young grow quickly. Cow’s milk is made up of proteins and other nutrients for young ruminant herbivores.

Cat’s milk is made up of proteins and other nutrients for young carnivores. Not only is milk unnecessary for adult cats, but many cats are lactose-intolerant, meaning that they can’t physically digest the kind of sugar found in milk. It can result in abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Can cats get infections from water?
Contact with areas of standing water, especially outdoors in warm weather, can cause pythiosis, also called water mold infection. It can be fatal if not treated early. Leptospirosis is another serious infection that infected animals can pass on to other animals as well as humans via contaminated water. 

Can cats get water by eating snow?
Although unmelted snow can provide water, it lowers the body temperature. The critter eating the snow uses up valuable energy trying to maintain body warmth brought down by the frozen flakes. What’s more, melted snow in puddles often contains oil, antifreeze, and other toxic substances.

Final Thoughts

We’ve given you lots of information on how long can cats go without water and how to get cats to drink more water. Cats are intuitive beings and we have a lot to learn from them. We have one last suggestion for you to try–we invite you to test this with your pets.

You know that felines of all kinds love to sit in boxes, so much that many of them will even sit in the middle of corners painted onto a flat surface. If your cat isn’t drinking enough, what might happen if you painted a fake box in a safe, quiet, low-traffic spot near the location of your cat bowl? Let us know!

Glossary

Carnivore: An animal that survives primarily on flesh and organs from other animals; examples are cats and sharks.

Herbivore: An animal that survives primarily on plants; examples are cattle and ostriches.

Lactating: Actively producing milk from mammary glands.

Omnivore: An animal that survives on a variety of foods from animal and plant sources; examples are humans and dogs.

Osmosis: The process of a liquid with little or no dissolved or suspended material being drawn through a membrane to a liquid on the other side of the membrane that contains dissolved and suspended material, thus balancing the concentration of material on both sides of the membrane.

Pathogen: A disease-causing microorganism.

Permeable: Able to allow a liquid to permeate or pass through; examples of semi-permeable membranes include tea bags and coffee filters that allow tiny particles to pass through special paper.

pH: The acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Neutral is around 7, while lower numbers rate acid intensity and higher numbers rate alkaline intensity.

Reverse osmosis: The process of a liquid with a large amount of dissolved or suspended material being drawn to pass through a semi-permeable membrane to a liquid on the other side that contains little or no dissolved or suspended material, thus balancing the concentration of material both sides of the membrane.

Ruminant: An animal that chews its cud; examples are goats and giraffes. 

Vehicle: Anything that serves as a source of contamination by disease-causing agents; water can carry viruses, bacteria, parasites, neurotoxins, and chemical contaminants.

Vertebrate: Any animal with a backbone (vertebrae)

For More Info

How pH Affects Our Everyday Lives:
https://collegedunia.com/exams/importance-of-ph-in-everyday-life-science-articleid-307

Purifying water with reverse osmosis:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/reverse-osmosis.htm

Possible reasons why cats love to sit in boxes:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/if-i-fits-i-sits-experiment-shows-felines-also-sit-illusory-boxes-180977681/

Periuria! It’s a little hard to say it but if you’ve lived with a cat, then you’ve likely encountered it. “Peri-” means “around” and “-uria” means “urination.” Periuria refers to urination on your couch and other places instead of the cat box or outside. To answer your main query on “how to get cat pee out of the couch,” we’re going to give you some practical ACTION steps to take immediately.

We are here to provide you with real solutions. What’s more, we’ll cover the answer to the cause of the problem in the first place of why cats are not peeing in their litter box. 

What Does Cat Pee Smell Like?

Bet you didn’t know that experienced wine tasters refer to the scent of feline urine as a desirable characteristic of some white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, a tasting panel of New Zealand winemakers described the cat pee character as “a pungently ‘perfumed’ mix of herbs, asparagus, green bean and bell pepper.” However, many cat lovers choose words such as “reek,” “stench,” and “permeating funk” when the fumes waft up from their couch!

No wonder you want to know how to get cat pee out of the couch. Amazingly, cat pee is about 95% water. The remaining 5% contains ammonia, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and other compounds filtered out of the blood to be excreted. Cat urine also contains felinine, a sulfurous amino acid that only domestic-type felines and smaller wild cat species have.

The urine of unfixed males has the highest concentration of felinine along with potent hormones and pheromones. The substances in urine are unstable, meaning that they break down quickly and are readily metabolized by environmental bacteria. In other words, the scent of cat pee changes over time. And it doesn’t improve. 

Cat Urine Remover: Natural & Pet-Safe Methods

Don’t despair. If you need to know how to get cat pee out of the couch, save money, and help the environment at the same time, we’ve got you covered. The first thing to remember is to act fast in order to neutralize rather than deodorize! Are you unsure of the exact location of the invisible puddle? Use a pet pee detector black light because pee will glow when illuminated by strong ultraviolet light. Then gather these supplies:

TIP: You want to NEUTRALIZE rather than deodorize

Supplies:

• Lots–lots!–of clean white rags and/or paper towels; dyes in colored fabric might transfer to the carpet
• Black Light Pee Detector
• A large bucket
• Natural Plant-Based Pet Enzyme Cleaner or your natural pet-safe cleaner of choice
• Baking soda (not baking powder)
• Disposable gloves
• Spray bottle if desire

Steps: Part 1 ~ NEUTRALIZE

1. BLOT LIQUID PEE or if pee is already dried add a little water to spots then continue with step 2
2. POUR BAKING SODA ON THE SPOT
3. AIR DRY or for quick drying use FAN
4. VACCUM
5. REPEAT IF NECESSARY
6. Now you’ve NEUTRALIZED which should help with the odor
7. See Part 2 to clean the spot now that it is neutralized

Steps: Part 2 Clean

1. Spray Natural Plant-Based Pet Enzyme Cleaner or your natural pet-safe cleaner of choice on the spot
2. Blot and gently rub/clean area over spot
3. With a dry towel absorb remaining moisture

More Home Remedy METHODS

Method #1

• Mix five parts hydrogen peroxide with two parts dish soap;
• use a mild, nontoxic soap without additives such as disinfectants, fragrances, insecticides, or dyes; acceptable soaps include baby shampoo, castile soap, and dish soaps recommended by animal rescuers because they’re known to be gentle on young and medically challenged critters.

Method #2

• Liberally sprinkle dry baking soda onto the carpet and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes; then pour a mixture of two cups lukewarm water with two cups distilled white vinegar onto the baking soda and let it finish fizzing; then blot, blot, blot, blot until it appears to be gone; sprinkle on more baking soda and allow the spot to dry for a few hours; vacuum; repeat as needed, especially if the stain is old.

Method #3

• Mix two cups of lukewarm water with two cups of distilled white vinegar in the bucket, then slowly add 4-5 heaping tablespoons of baking soda; pour the fizzing mixture onto the stained area and let it continue to bubble for a few minutes; blot, blot, blot, blot until it appears to be gone; sprinkle on more baking soda and allow the spot to dry for a few hours; vacuum; repeat as needed, especially if the stain is old.

Method #4

• Enzyme cleaners are made of natural, biodegradable proteins; in the body, they act by attaching to toxins and other molecules and speeding the breakdown process; they’re safe for pets and effective for old stains as well as new puddles.

Why It’s Important NOT to Use Chemicals around Your Pets

Although you can find effective cleaning products on the market, there’s a catch: many of them are dangerously toxic. They’re bad for the environment because they seep into the soil where they remain for years affecting plants and wildlife. They also remain in your home as surface films, microscopic particles, droplets, and gases where they remain.

As if that weren’t bad enough, ammonia is actually a lure for cats seeking places to repeatedly mark with their own scent. And did you know that chlorine bleach, either mixed with ammonia to create a cleaning solution or when used alone to clean up urine, undergoes a chemical reaction that produces chlorine gas? Chlorine gas was used extensively in World War I as a deadly chemical warfare agent–in 1997 an international agreement banned its production and stockpiling as a weapon. 

The good news is that there are safe substitutes for almost everything that’s poisonous.  

First How to Get Cat PEE out of the Couch & Then How to Get the Urine SMELL out of the Couch

As it dries, the uric acid in pee bonds to surfaces more and more strongly with the passage of time. The uric acid crystals are activated when hydrated by humidity or any other kind of moisture, and the stench is released all over again. Your job is to continue using one of the methods outlined above, whether the stain is recent or not. The techniques for neutralizing pee and neutralizing odor are the same.  

How to Get Cat Pee Smell out of Carpet

How to get urine smell out of carpet is similar to how to get cat pee out of the couch or your mattress. First test a small patch of the fabric in a spot hidden away from public view to see if your chosen cleaning product damages the dyes or the fibers.

Depending on the size of the stain, the type of fabric, the weave of the carpet, and the age of the urine, you may need to repeat the process. Keep a close eye on your kitty to observe whether the spot is still arousing interest–you may not smell anything but you can be sure that your feline pal can. ACTION: SEE THE EXACT STEPS ABOVE

Will Vinegar Get Cat Pee Out of Carpet?

Vinegar–white vinegar–is part of your toolbox when you’re wondering how to get the cat urine smell out of carpets as well as walls, certain types of flooring, and other materials. Acetic acid is the antiseptic in vinegar that kills bacteria, dissolves limescale (calcium carbonate deposits), and breaks down grease. Before using it, verify the composition of your carpet. Natural fibers such as wool and silk are too delicate to tolerate much exposure to vinegar.

Marble and other kinds of stone can be etched by acetic acid. The pH of cat urine ranges from acidic to alkaline, but vinegar is especially helpful in eliminating odors from alkaline pee residue. As the vinegar evaporates after a few days, it takes the urine smell with it. Use one part vinegar diluted with one part water.  

Why Do Cats Pee on Things?

Think about what your couch means to a cat. Don’t sniff it if you don’t want to, but be aware that couches and beds are bouquets rich with a variety of enticing scents for cats and their incredibly acute sense of smell. “How to get cat pee out of the couch,” indeed! To understand why cats spray urine, check out some of the reasons:

• Marking: Cats smell each other’s chin rubbings, paw trails, and urine sprays in the same way humans might follow Facebook and YouTube. 
• Genetic predisposition: Some cats inherit a strong urge to spray from one or both of their parents.
• Excitement and/or stress: We have a whole paragraph on cat stressors later in this post.
• Hormonal urges: The search for love is never-ending, especially for males who haven’t been neutered.
• Cat conflicts: Cats make strong olfactory statements to express aggression, territorial claims, or announcements such as “I’m the new Top Dog around here!”
• Changes in the home: Any kind of change such as a new pet, new scent markings, new objects, or the rearrangement of familiar objects will stimulate the need to reassert ownership.

In fact, take a look at our Happy Tails article on cats peeing outside the litter box for more useful information about kitty litter and cats’ bathroom habits. 

Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? INSTANT Fix For This Problem

How to Stop My Cat from Peeing Everywhere

You need to be a detective and collect evidence, focusing on why the cat isn’t peeing in the litterbox. The first priority is cleaning up urine immediately so it won’t “set.” The older it is, the harder it is to neutralize. The second priority is objectively observing your cat in his or her environment.

What’s changed? Is your cat showing signs of ill health? Are you consistent in maintaining a clean litter box in a suitable location? Once you’ve assessed all the facts, they’ll point the way to a solution. Let’s start with the litter box.

Litter Box Principles

In case you hadn’t noticed, cats have strong individual preferences! Each cat will prefer certain features of his or her cat box: a particular type of litter, a particular depth of litter, a particular granule size, a particular location, uncovered or covered, with or without box liners, and so on. Here are some more guidelines on creating the perfect litter box:

• Cleanliness: All cats prefer clean litter. Scoop twice daily and replace litter weekly after scrubbing the box with unscented soap and warm water.
• One box per cat: Although cats will share if they have to, they naturally prefer to have their own litter pan.
• A good location: Just as you prefer privacy during your toileting moments, so do cats. They need to feel sheltered and safe in a low-traffic area away from loud noises, interruptions, and bright light.
• Natural litter: For their health and that of the environment, find a dust-free, tracking-free, chemical-free, perfume-free litter made of recyclable sustainable materials.
• Large box size: Consider your cat’s point of view. Would you rather have airy, commodious, uncluttered facilities or a tiny, cramped cubbyhole? Cats love having a spacious box with ample room to sniff, turn, scratch, and indulge in all those other normal feline rituals.

Understanding these principles will help deter your cat from peeing on your couch. Preventing it is easier than figuring out how to get cat pee out of the couch once it’s there. 

What Does Normal Cat Pee Look Like?

Do you look at your own leavings in the toilet? You’re not weird–you’re smart! Checking waste material is like checking vital signs to evaluate health. Examine your cat’s pee when they go on the floor, in the bathtub, or in the sink. The urine of healthy cats appears clear yellow to amber.

Look for tiny crystals resembling sand, mucus strands, or blood. Assess the scent as well because illness changes the chemistry of urine. If you discover abnormalities, continue to monitor it closely, observe for behavioral changes, and contact your holistic vet if you have questions. 

Just as every human needs to have a reliable, progressive healthcare provider, so does every pet. You can save a lot of money and prevent a lot of tragedy by establishing a relationship with a veterinarian you trust. To find a directory of holistic vets who practice integrative medicine — integrating modern western medical practices along with holistic and alternative methods according to the needs of the pet — check out this list from the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. 

Maintaining your feline friend’s urinary health involves encouraging fluid intake with easily accessible containers of fresh, chemical-free water, offering a variety of natural, unprocessed wet foods instead of restricting the diet to dry kibble, correcting obesity, and providing opportunities to exercise. Last but absolutely not least is keeping each cat’s litter box clean and inviting.

Communication Behavior

Speaking of behaviors, our pets try to tell us when something’s wrong. A change in behavior indicates a change in conditions. Cat communication includes body language, vocalizations, and scent marking. Aware when something is wrong, a sick cat might deliberately eliminate anywhere but in the litter box to divert potential predators away from its usual home turf.

Researchers have yet to decode all of the messages in feline chemical signaling. Knowing that humans don’t respond to scent language, cats are generally much more vocal with people than with each other. When you notice a new onset of “pestiness” in your furbaby, it likely indicates that he or she is trying to tell you something. Try to catch the problem early so you won’t be left wondering how to get cat pee out of the couch.

Medical Conditions 

Requiring professional diagnosis and treatment, these are a few of the conditions that often drive your cat to pee outside the box:

• Age-related conditions such as arthritis, cognitive impairment/senility, general weakness, and sensory changes including worsening vision and ability to smell
• Bladder conditions such as FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) and kidney conditions such as stones and urethral plugs
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Hormone imbalances
• Hyperthyroidism
• Liver problems

Stress in the Home

Stress and anxiety can definitely cause cats to urinate outside the litter box. Causes of stress for cats are similar to things that cause you stress: lack of privacy, overcrowding, loud noise, human conflict, changes in the environment or routine, and fear of danger from aggressive animals in the area.

Another kind of stress known to affect dogs but not always recognized in cats is separation anxiety. Your kitty loves you and misses you when you leave, especially when there are no other companions living there. One theory contends that the scent of their own urine helps them feel safer and less alone because they’ve declared ownership of their territory.

The Tempting Scent from Previous Pee Spots 

Most all vertebrates mark their turf, often with scent. Think how reassuring it is for you to see a place card with your name on it at a big table–that spot is officially yours. Your feline friend feels the same way after officially labeling areas throughout your home.

We don’t recommend that you pee over your cat’s previous pee spots, though! We’ve given you better suggestions on how to get cat pee out of the couch, carpet, bed, and other surfaces. 

Final Thoughts

David DeNotaris, an inspirational speaker blinded by an incurable eye disease, said that “Whatever the problem we have in our life, someone has faced it and overcome it.” That’s why connecting with other people is important to share knowledge with each other. That’s why connecting with Happy Tails is important because we seek out the best actionable answers and solutions for you that we can find! 

You love cats because each one is a unique, intelligent, playful, affectionate individual. Cats are good for people’s mental health. To make living with them easier, you just need to know a bit of cat psychology plus a bit of chemistry. Hopefully, school systems in the future will help teach people how to apply science in their everyday lives. For example, how to get cat pee out of the couch! You deserve to be able to bond with your cat in the peaceful, fragrant home you share together.

Recap + LINKS:

Arm & HammerBaking Soda
Distilled White Vinegar
Pet Pee Detector Black Light
Natural Plant-Based Pet Enzyme Cleaner
Spacious LITTER Box With Ample Room
Chemical-free, perfume-free Litter made of Recyclable Sustainable Materials
American HOLISTIC Veterinary Association

To Learn More

How To Use A Black Light To Find Urine
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Cat-Urine-With-a-UV-Light#:~:text=Instead%2C%20try%20using%20a%20UV,urine%20with%20an%20enzyme%20cleaner!