Cat Peeing in the Bathtub or Sink: Cleanup and Why It Happens

Finding cat pee in the bathtub, sink or shower is common enough that cat welfare groups list it by name. This guide covers what cat welfare groups say about why it happens, how to clean each surface using the tub and sink makers' own care guides, the bath mat, and litter box changes that help.

Why a cat pees in the tub or sink

International Cat Care says: "Common indoor sites for urination outside of the litter tray include carpets, sofas, duvets, baths or sinks, although it can happen anywhere."

None of the sources we checked explains exactly why a cat picks a tub or sink over other spots. What they do say points to two things: the surface itself, and a problem with the litter box. The Cornell Feline Health Center says:

"A cat with an aversion to her litter box will usually eliminate on a variety of surfaces. You may find puddles of urine or feces on soft surfaces like carpets, beds, or clothing, or on hard surfaces like tile floors or bathtubs."

On surface preference, Cornell says: "If she has a penchant for smooth, shiny surfaces, consider putting tiles in her box, covered with only a small amount of litter. Over time more litter can be added." PDSA's list of signs to watch for includes "Peeing in strange places such as the bath, sink, bath matt or hard/cold floors".

Sources: International Cat Care, Soiling indoors; Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling; PDSA, Urine problems in cats.

Get a check first

Because PDSA lists peeing in the bath or sink as a sign to watch for, start with your vet. The ASPCA article "Litter Box Problems" says:

"Have your cat checked thoroughly by a veterinarian."

Source: ASPCA, Litter Box Problems

Clean it up soon and fully

Cornell says:

"Cats will re-soil and spray areas they have marked with their scent, so cleaning cat-soiled items is crucial for breaking the cycle of elimination. Cleaning is most effective when it's done soon after an item was soiled, and odors must be neutralized, not just deodorized, to escape a cat's keen sense of smell."

International Cat Care adds: "The best way to break the habit of soiling indoors outside of the litter tray is to keep your cat away from the area as long as possible and remove any smell that your cat can detect." For more on odor, see how to get cat urine smell out on petcleanupkit.com.

Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling; International Cat Care, Soiling indoors.

Cleaning the tub, sink or shower without damaging it

Each maker gives its own care rules, so check the guide for your fixture first. Here is what the guides we checked say.

Acrylic tubs

Kohler's homeowners guide for its acrylic baths says: "Do not use abrasive cleansers or solvents on acrylic surfaces." and "Wipe out product with a soft cloth after each use." The same guide also says to avoid detergents and cleaning products in aerosol cans on acrylic, along with other kinds of products it lists, so read the full list before you use any cleaner on an acrylic tub.

Acrylic shower walls and bases

Delta's guide for its corner shower walls says:

"We recommend that you clean your bathing product with mild detergents. Use a terry cloth towel, soft cloth, or sponge. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads, steel wool, or sponges. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water."

"Before cleaning this product with cleaning products, test a small, inconspicuous area."

It also warns: "Never use cleaning products that state on their label that they are not suitable for use on Acrylic, ABS, Polystyrene, or Plastic."

Enameled cast iron

Kohler says: "Enameled surfaces can lose the original luster with improper care and cleaning. Abrasive cleaners are not recommended."

Porcelain (vitreous china) sinks

Kohler's guide for its vitreous china wall-mount sinks says:

"Clean the outside surface of your vitreous china lavatory with mild soap and warm water. Wipe the entire surface completely dry with a clean, soft cloth. You may use soft abrasive cleaners when necessary to clean your lavatory. Do not use strong abrasive cleaners, as they will scratch and dull the surface."

Sources: Kohler, Homeowners Guide: Baths; Delta, Corner Shower Walls Installation Guide; Kohler Assist, Enameled Cast Iron Sink Care; Kohler, Homeowners Guide: Wall-Mount Lavatories.

The drain and the area around it

We found no maker guidance written for urine in a drain. The makers' general advice is to rinse well: Delta says "After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water." For the drain itself, Kohler's sink guide says: "Clean your Kohler faucet and drain according to the Care and Cleaning instructions in your faucet Homeowners Guide." So check the guide for your faucet and drain finish. If urine reached the floor or wall tiles, see How to Clean Dog Pee From Tile and Grout.

Sources: Delta, Corner Shower Walls Installation Guide; Kohler, Homeowners Guide: Wall-Mount Lavatories.

The bath mat

PDSA's list names the bath mat alongside the bath and sink. For washing a soiled bath mat or towels, follow How to Get Pet Pee Smell Out of Clothes, Bedding and Towels, and check the mat's care label.

Source: PDSA, Urine problems in cats.

Making the tub or sink less inviting

Humane World for Animals says:

"Once the area is clean, make it unattractive and/or unavailable to your pet and make the appropriate bathroom area attractive. As long as your pet can smell their personal scent, they may continue to return to the "accident zone.""

Keeping the bathroom door shut is one way to make a tub unavailable for a while. You may have read about leaving a little water in the tub or sink. We did not find this advice in any of the cat welfare or vet school sources we checked, so we cannot point you to guidance on it. For more on repeat spots, see Why Do Dogs and Cats Keep Peeing in the Same Spot?

Source: Humane World for Animals, How to Remove Pet Stains and Odors.

Making the litter box more inviting

Clean enough

International Cat Care says: "Cats generally don't like using a tray if it's soiled." The ASPCA says to "Scoop at least once a day."

Enough boxes

The ASPCA says: "Make sure you have one for each cat in your household, plus one extra."

The right litter

The ASPCA says: "Cats generally prefer clumping litter with a medium to fine texture. They also usually prefer unscented litter." If your cat seems to like the smooth tub, Cornell's tip above about putting tiles in the box with a small amount of litter applies here.

Easy to get into

The ASPCA says: "Boxes that have sides that are too high or have a top-side opening might make it difficult for your cat to enter or leave the box. Try switching to a litter box with low sides." Cats Protection says: "Elderly cats or those with mobility issues need trays with low sides so they can easily get in and out."

A good spot

International Cat Care says: "Place your cat's tray in a quiet corner where they only need to watch in one or two directions." If the box is in the bathroom, Humane World for Animals says: "If placing in a closet or bathroom, make sure your cat can easily get in and out."

For more litter box steps, see Cat Peeing or Pooping Outside the Litter Box: Cleanup Steps. For a young cat, see Kitten Accidents: How to Clean Up and Stop Repeat Spots, and if the plants are getting hit too, see Cat Peeing in Plant Pots: Cleanup and Prevention.

Sources: International Cat Care, Soiling indoors; ASPCA, Litter Box Problems; Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling; Cats Protection, Cats & Toileting; Humane World for Animals, How to Litter Train a Kitten or Cat.

Using P-Cleaner

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Our rinse-free, water-based formula tackles the toughest stains and odors from urine, feces, vomit, and other organic messes on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard surfaces." The listing does not mention bathtubs or sinks. Check your tub or sink maker's care guidance above and test a hidden area first. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.