Peeing when scared is a natural phenomenon in cats. Cats are very fast runners and can easily escape their predators.
They can also climb up a tree to save themselves from their predators. But when this isn’t an option, they resort to their natural weapon.
Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and they can smell their predators from a distance. When they sense any danger, they feel scared and start peeing.
In this article, I will explain five common reasons why cats pee when scared and how to help a scared cat.
How Cats Use Urine As A Weapon
Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and when they get scared, they start peeing in order to scare away their predators. When the urine comes in contact with the predator, it has a very bad smell.
The predator also gets affected by the smell and feels disgusted. This makes the predator run away from the cat. Cats can use urine as a weapon in many ways.
They can urinate on the predator directly or urinate near the place where their predators are. This will make them feel disgusted, and they will run away from there.
Reasons Why Cat Pee When Scared
1. To Mark Their Territory
Cats are very territorial animals, and they do not like any outsider to come near their territory. When a cat feels that the predator is coming towards their territory, they start peeing to mark their territory.
This is a way of warning the predator that they are not welcome in their home. When the predator gets scared and runs away, the cat feels happy that they have marked their territory.
2. To Save Their Life
Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and when they get scared, they start peeing in order to save their life. When the urine comes in contact with the predator, it has a very bad smell.
The predator is also affected by the smell and feels disgusted and runs away from the cat. In this way, the cat saves his life.
Also, when the cat is fighting another cat or predator, they can use their urine to scare the opponent and make him run away from there.
3. If Upset or Anxious
When a cat gets very upset or anxious, they start peeing in order to release the tension. They can’t control their emotions, and they can’t control their urine.
When they do this, it is called a “marking behavior.” For example, if a cat is taken to a vet, you will tell you that the cat is upset or has fear when the urine is seen.
4. To Get Attention
When a cat gets upset or anxious, they feel the need to get attention. They are emotionally affected, and they pee in order to get attention from other cats.
Peeing acts as a way of communicating with the other cats in the area or their family. It will show the other cats that it is not okay, and they will try to help the cat.
5. As A Sign Sign Of Surrender
When a cat is attacked by a bigger animal, and they do not have the strength to fight back, they pee. They feel the need to surrender, and that is where peeing comes in.
Peeing acts as a coping mechanism to surrender, and it usually happens when a cat is scared, upset, or threatened.
How Can You Help A Scared Cat?
1. Reduce The Anxiety
The best way to help a cat that is scared is to reduce the anxiety by giving them, love.
There are many things that you can do, and the best thing you can do is give them love and assurance.
When you do this, the cat will feel safe and protected and forget that it is scared.
2. Provide Them A Place To Play And Relax
Providing a cat with a place to play and relax is the best thing you can do for them. When a cat is scared, they need someplace to feel safe.
It will help them to get rid of their fear and anxiety. When they feel safe, their anxiety will get reduced.
3. Provide Them With A Place To Hide
Providing a cat with a place to hide is also a good thing to do. When it feels safe and comfortable, it will not feel the need to pee on the floor or the furniture and mess up your house.
The cat will feel relaxed, and this will help them to reduce their stress.
4. Talk To Them While Soothing Them
When a cat is scared, it will feel more comfortable if you talk to them. It will tell them that everything is okay, and it will help them to reduce their anxiety.
This is one of the tricks that have worked for me many times, and you try this.
Conclusion
The information above has proven that cats pee when they get scared, and it’s a normal thing, so you should worry if it happens.
I have also given you the reason why your chat might when scared, such as;
- To mark their territory
- To save their life
- If they are upset or anxious
- To get attention
- As an act of surrender