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Why does my kitten pee on the carpet upstairs? How to stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 months and 16 days old | 5 lbs

Our kitten keeps going on the carpet upstairs! (Yes, he does have a very clean litter box but it's downstairs.) Why does he do it and how can we stop this behavior?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on April 14th, 2017

It can sometimes be overwhelming for kittens to go all the way downstairs to find their litter box, especially if the house is fairly large :) I would recommend providing an additional litter box for Jinx upstairs so that there is one available nearby if he has to go to the bathroom while he's up there. Another option would be to confine him to a single room with his food and water bowls and litter box for the next 1-2 weeks to make sure that he is using it every time, then gradually begin to give him more freedom in the house as long as he is not having accidents. Also make sure to thoroughly clean the spots where he has had accidents, ideally using an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle or Urine Off, to make sure that the odor is completely gone - otherwise, it can act as a signpost drawing him back to the same places to use the bathroom in the future.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 26th, 2017

    Next time he uses the bathroom on the floor, then transfer it to the litter box. That way the odor is present. Put him in and show him how to scratch at the litter. If you catch him going somewhere else pick him up and put him in the box. He will catch on quickly. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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