Could pooping on my bed be a medical problem?

Yes. Bed soiling can be linked to constipation, diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, anal gland problems or arthritis that makes using the litter tray painful. Any sudden change in toileting habits should be checked by a vet.

Can litter box problems make my Maine Coon poop on my bed?

Yes. A tray that is too small, dirty, covered, smelly, shared with other cats, or placed in a noisy or exposed area can cause a Maine Coon to avoid it. They may then choose the bed because it feels safer, cleaner, and more comfortable than the litter box.

How do I stop my Maine Coon pooping on my bed?

Start by ruling out medical issues with a vet visit, then upgrade to an extra-large litter tray, use unscented clumping litter, keep the tray very clean, and place it in a quiet, safe location. Clean your bed thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove scent markers and reduce stress with more play, routine and reassurance.

Should I add more than one litter box for my Maine Coon?

Yes. In multi-cat homes you should provide at least one litter box per cat plus one extra. Extra trays reduce competition, stop blocking or guarding behaviours, and give your Maine Coon safe alternatives if they feel insecure using a particular box.

What if my Maine Coon only poops on my bed at night?

Night-time bed soiling can point to separation anxiety when you are asleep, difficulty reaching the litter box in the dark, or insecurity about moving around the home at night. Providing a nearby litter tray, leaving a night light on and reducing overall stress can help.

Does age affect why my Maine Coon poops on the bed?

Yes. Senior Maine Coons may develop arthritis, hip dysplasia or cognitive decline that makes tall or cramped litter trays hard to use. Younger cats are more likely to poop on the bed because of stress, incomplete litter training, or a negative experience in the litter box.

Should I confine my Maine Coon to stop bed pooping?

Gentle, temporary confinement to a calm room with a large, clean litter box can help break the habit while you fix underlying issues, but it should never replace proper medical investigation or environmental and behavioural changes. Harsh confinement or punishment will increase stress and usually make the problem worse.

When should I see a vet about my Maine Coon pooping on the bed?

You should see a vet if the behaviour is new, if your cat strains, cries, has diarrhoea or blood in the stool, shows signs of pain, or if accidents continue despite improving the litter setup and reducing stress. Persistent or sudden changes in toileting always warrant a veterinary check.

Why Your Maine Coon Is Pooping On Your Bed & And How To Stop It FAST!

Q: Is my Maine Coon pooping on my bed out of spite?

No, cats do not act out of spite. When a Maine Coon poops on the bed it is almost always a sign of stress, illness, insecurity, or discomfort with the litter box, not revenge or bad behaviour.

Q: Why does my Maine Coon choose my bed specifically?

Your bed smells strongly of you, feels soft and safe, and is often in a quiet part of the home. A Maine Coon may choose your bed when they feel anxious or vulnerable because your scent and the cosy surface make them feel more secure while they toilet.

Q: Can stress make my Maine Coon poop on my bed?

Stress is one of the most common causes. Changes such as new pets, visitors, loud noises, owner absence, routine changes or household tension can make a Maine Coon anxious. They may then seek the bed, which smells strongly of you, as a comfort zone during toileting.

A Maine Coon will poop on your bed when they feel stressed, unwell, insecure, or unable to use the litter tray comfortably. Common causes include constipation, diarrhoea, arthritis pain, a litter box that’s too small, dirty litter, separation anxiety, territorial issues, or a negative association with the tray. Fixing it requires a vet check, improving the litter setup, reducing stress, eliminating scent markers with enzyme cleaner, and rebuilding the cat’s confidence.

Why Does My Maine Coon Poop On My Bed?

Discovering that your Maine Coon has pooped on your bed can feel shocking, upsetting, and even personal. Because the bed is your most intimate space, many owners mistakenly believe their cat is acting out of anger or spite. But cats do not think or behave this way.

Pooping on your bed is a form of communication. It means your Maine Coon is signalling distress, discomfort, anxiety, or a problem with their litter environment.

Beds are:

warm
Comfortable
Quiet
Elevated
Deeply saturated with your scent

Your scent is the single most comforting thing in your cat’s world. Because of that, Maine Coons instinctively seek the bed when they feel vulnerable – physically or emotionally. This behaviour is a symptom, not a deliberate act.

Below is a complete breakdown of every medical, environmental, and emotional reason this happens.

🔴 1. Medical Causes (Always Investigate These First)

Medical issues can cause pain, urgency, or discomfort during defecation, making the cat avoid the litter tray.

Large breeds like Maine Coons often suffer from gastrointestinal or joint problems that make toileting challenging.

⭐ 1.1 Constipation

Constipation makes defecation painful. When a Maine Coon begins to associate the litter tray with discomfort, they often seek softer, safer-feeling surfaces such as the bed.

Why the bed?

Soft bedding reduces pressure on the abdomen and joints, and the scent of the owner increases feelings of safety during a vulnerable moment.

Signs of constipation:

Dry, hard stool
Infrequent bowel movements
Straining or vocalising
Stool was deposited right outside the tray

⭐ 1.2 Diarrhoea Or Urgent Bowel Movements

Loose stools often come with urgency. The cat may not reach the tray in time, especially if it is far away or difficult to access.

Beds are often the closest familiar surface.

⭐ 1.3 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD causes unpredictable discomfort. During a flare-up, a Maine Coon may avoid the tray because it is associated with pain or stress.

Symptoms:

Soft stool with mucus
Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
Vomiting
Chronic weight loss

⭐ 1.4 Arthritis Or Hip Dysplasia Pain

Many Maine Coons develop joint problems due to size and breed genetics.

If stepping into a high-sided tray or holding a squat position is painful, the cat will look for a flat, stable, accessible surface – like your bed.

⭐ 1.5 Anal Gland Issues

Pain from impacted or infected anal glands can cause sudden avoidance behaviours, and the cat may instinctively seek a comfortable location during discomfort.

🩺 Medical Diagnostic Table

Symptom	Likely Medical Cause	What It Means
Hard, dry pellets	Constipation	Pain triggers avoidance
Very soft/liquid stool	Diarrhoea, infection	Urgency → nearest safe spot
Mixed stool patterns	IBD	Chronic inflammation
Reluctance to jump	Arthritis	Tray is painful to enter
Scooting or licking	Anal glands	Pain on defecation

🟠 2. Environmental Causes: Litter Tray Problems (Extremely Common)

Because Maine Coons are so large and so clean, any problem with tray size, cleanliness, or placement can trigger bed-pooping behaviour – even if everything else in the home seems normal.

⭐ 2.1 The Litter Tray Is Too Small

This is the #1 non-medical cause of toileting issues in Maine Coons.

A Maine Coon needs a tray large enough for:

Stretching
Full-body turning
Deep digging
Comfortable posturing

Standard cat trays are not suitable for an 8-12kg cat.

Ideal measurements:

Length: 30-32 inches
Width: 18-22 inches
Side height: 10-12 inches (with a lower entry lip for older cats)

👉 Take a look: Best Litter Trays for Maine Coons

Why small trays cause bed accidents:

If the tray feels cramped, precarious, or uncomfortable, the cat will not use it. Your bed becomes a spacious, stable alternative.

⭐ 2.2 The Tray Is Not Clean Enough

Maine Coons are extremely sanitary. If the tray smells even slightly unpleasant, they will find somewhere else. Beds smell clean and comforting – exactly what a stressed cat seeks.

⭐ 2.3 Wrong Litter Type

Scented or dusty litter causes:

Sensory overload
Airway irritation
Discomfort with large paws

Cats may avoid the tray entirely.

⭐ 2.4 Tray Placement Problems

Cats avoid trays placed:

Near loud appliances
In hallways
Near dogs
In cold rooms
In areas with poor visibility

Beds feel safe, predictable, and elevated – the opposite of a poor tray location.

⭐ 2.5 Multi-Cat Conflict

If another cat guards, blocks, or dominates access to the litter box, your Maine Coon may not feel safe using it. The bed becomes a neutral territory that is harder for another cat to control.

Formula for multi-cat homes:

# of cats + 1 = Minimum number of litter trays

🔵 3. Emotional And Behavioural Causes

This is where many bed-soiling cases originate. Maine Coons are highly sensitive, intelligent, and bonded to their owners. Emotional disruption plays a major role.

⭐ 3.1 Stress And Anxiety

A stressed Maine Coon seeks the safest-smelling place – your bed.

Triggers include:

Arguments or tension in the home
New furniture or renovations
Change of routine
Owner’s absence or long working days
New animals or visitors
Boredom due to lack of stimulation

Your scent is calming. Your bed becomes a “safe zone.”

⭐ 3.2 Separation Anxiety

If your cat soils the bed when you’re away or after a long absence, this behaviour is almost certainly tied to separation distress.

A bed saturated with your scent helps your cat feel connected to you.

⭐ 3.3 Territory And Resource Insecurity

If your cat feels their territory is threatened, especially by other cats, they may counter this by placing stool where your scent is strongest.

This blends their scent with yours, creating “shared territory.”

⭐ 3.4 Negative Association With The Litter Tray

Even a single painful or frightening litter box experience can create a lasting avoidance.

Your bed provides:

Warmth
Safety
Vertical security
Owner scent

If the litter tray feels risky or unpleasant, the bed becomes the clear “better” option in your cat’s mind.

⭐ Behaviour Diagnostic Table

Behaviour Seen	Likely Emotional Reason
Poops on the pillow	Strong separation anxiety
Poops on the blankets you used recently	Seeking your scent for comfort
Only poops when you’re out	Stress /Insecurity
Poops after a conflict between pets	Territory insecurity
Poops after a routine change	Environmental stress

How To Stop Your Maine Coon Pooping On The Bed

Use the following steps in this order. It stops nearly every case.

✔ 1. Vet Check First

Rule out:

Constipation
Diarrhoea
IBD
Parasites
Arthritis
Anal gland problems

Medical issues must always be eliminated before addressing behaviour.

✔ 2. Upgrade To Giant Litter Tray

This single change fixes 40-60% of cases.

Use:

Under-bed storage boxes
XXL high-sided trays
Low entry for older cats

✔ 3. Switch To Comfortable Litter

Use:

Unscented
Clumping
Low-dust
Soft granules

Stop using:

Perfume-litter
Crystal or sharp textures
Strong cleaning chemicals in the tray

✔ 4. Scoop Twice Daily

Cleanliness is essential for litter box confidence.

✔ 5. Improve Tray Placement

Put trays in:

Quiet
Warm
Stable
Private
Low-traffic areas

✔ 6. Add More Litter Trays (If You Have More Than One Cat)

Reduces conflict and insecurity.

✔ 7. Enzyme-Clean The Bed Thoroughly

Standard detergents don’t remove feline scent markers. If your cat can smell even a trace of previous stool, they may reoffend.

✔ 8. Temporarily Close The Bedroom Door

Use this only while fixing underlying problems. This breaks the habit loop.

✔ 9. Reduce Stress And Provide Enrichment

Regular play
Climbing structures
Predictable routine
More human interaction
Pheromone diffusers
Reduce environmental chaos

Maine Coons need a stable emotional landscape to toilet reliably.

✔ 10. Rebuild Positive Association With The Tray

Keep the tray clean
Add soft bedding nearby to promote calm
Allow the cat to explore without pressure
Offer gentle praise when they use it

Never punish accidents – punishment increases stress and worsens the problem.

⭐ FAQ List

1. Why is my Maine Coon suddenly pooping on my bed?

A sudden change in litter box behaviour is usually caused by stress, anxiety, pain, or a medical issue such as constipation, diarrhoea, or a urinary problem. Maine Coons are highly sensitive to environmental changes, so even minor disruptions, such as new smells, visitors, or routine changes, can trigger bed pooping.

2. Is my Maine Coon pooping on my bed out of spite?

No. Cats do not act out of spite. A Maine Coon pooping on the bed is always communicating distress, illness, fear, insecurity, or discomfort with the litter tray. It is a behavioural signal, not a revenge action.

3. Could this be a medical problem?

Yes. Pooping on soft surfaces is often linked to constipation, colitis, IBS, parasites, anal gland issues, or pain when using the tray. Any sudden behaviour change should be checked by a vet, especially if the stools are hard, bloody, loose, or unusually frequent.

4. Why does my Maine Coon choose my bed specifically?

Your bed smells strongly of you, feels soft, and represents a safe, secure place. Cats often choose the owner’s bed when they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or are seeking comfort. It’s a sign your cat feels unsafe elsewhere.

5. Can litter box problems cause bed pooping?

Yes. A box that is too small, covered, smelly, placed in a noisy area, or shared with other cats can cause avoidance. Maine Coons need large, open trays, low-scent litter, and a quiet, private location.

6. How do I stop my Maine Coon from pooping on my bed?

Start by cleaning the bed thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove scent markers. Then increase litter tray cleanliness, add a second tray, reduce stress, and address any medical concerns. Never punish your cat; it increases fear and worsens behaviour.

7. Should I add more than one litter box?

Yes. The rule is one litter box per cat + one extra. A second box gives your Maine Coon options and reduces stress, especially in multi-cat homes.

8. Can stress make my Maine Coon poop on my bed?

Absolutely. Stress is one of the top causes. Triggers include new pets, new people, loud noises, moving house, changes in your schedule, or even rearranging furniture. Maine Coons are extremely routine-oriented and can react strongly to household disruption.

9. What if my Maine Coon poops on my bed only at night?

Night-time accidents often point toward anxiety after you go to sleep, separation anxiety, or discomfort navigating the home in the dark. Try adding a night light, keeping doors open, or placing a litter tray closer to your bedroom.

10. Does age affect this behaviour?

Yes. Senior Maine Coons may struggle with arthritis, mobility issues, or cognitive decline, making tall-sided litter trays difficult to enter. Younger cats may poop outside the box due to stress or incomplete litter training.

11. Should I confine my cat to stop the behaviour?

Mild confinement can help only if done humanely, for example, keeping your cat in a small, calm room with a clean box overnight. However, confinement should never replace medical or behavioural investigation.

12. When should I see a vet?

If there is any sudden change, diarrhoea, constipation, blood, pain, repeated accidents, or if the behaviour persists after addressing stress and the litter box, you should book a vet visit immediately.

⭐ Take A Look At These Articles

Author

Katrina Stewardson

A Maine Coon cat enthusiast with 13+ years of experience owning three Maine Coon cats. I have first-hand experience with many Maine Coon health issues, e.g., hip dysplasia, bent tail canal, and arthritis. I have experience in training Maine Coons, registered breeders, adopting Maine Coons, and caring for a Maine Coon. I currently own two male Maine Coon cats, named Mika and Bali.

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