I have two cats at home, one female, the other male. The male is the younger one, and we've never experienced any problems with him. However, the older female we got from a shelter is a different story. She is very sweet and is quite the snuggler. While we enjoy her cuddlyness to the max, she has (what I think) an "ego" problem.
She holds herself as second in command, next to the parent of the house, and as equals to the children. However she has the habit of "letting it fly" whenever she pleases. I do believe we have tried everything short of using actual tools (sonic or electric alike) to discourage her from being a certain place. She has caused well over $ 1,000 in damage to our couches, and we've run through several of them just because of her. We have tried spraying anti urine and scratching chemicals. There have also been changes of the litter we use, where the cat box is located, even her diet.
A new couch? She'll pee on it. A new (expensive) rug? She'll pee on it. Large plastic trash bag left over night in the downstairs bathroom? She peed on that, too. Adult's bed? She peed on it. Younger child's bean bag chair? Peed on both of them. Newly carpeted crawlspace under the stairs? There was a pillow in there, and she peed on it. Also a blanket and she peed on that, too. Cover up blankets and pillows in crawlspace with plastic tarp? She peed on it. Three times in one day.
We are at the near end of our ropes, with one firm vote to take her back to the shelter. Another to clean up the mess (again) and keep her. And the last to find some possible explanation that may provide us with a way to stop her attitude.
We really don't want to get rid of her, but we will not have our house held hostage by this cat that feels the need to pee for whatever reason. Referrals to a cat psychology specialist or expert is honestly what I'm looking for as soon as possible.
Bee from Calabasas, CA
Have you taken her to the vet? My dog did that awhile back and we found out she had a bladder infection. After she took her medication she was back to normal. Hope you get something figured out. (05/16/2005)
By Felicia
First of all, is she spayed? Spaying your female cat will help very very much. Right now she is marking her territory and spraying everywhere she can think of. Her instincts are telling her to let all male cats know her presence and spraying on everything her way of doing that. She is probably going through her "cat heat" also known as "estrus".
You can try to move her litter box near the areas she sprays (pees) the most. Having your cat spayed whilst she is in heat can cause complications during the surgery like increased vessel size and lowered clotting ability. Consult your vet to determine the best time to get her spayed, if in fact she hasn't already been fixed.
Last of all, is her litter box cleaned everyday? Cats are very clean and like to maintain good hygiene, that's why they clean themselves so much. If the litter box is dirty, she will go to the bathroom elsewhere.
Here is a website full of information on this topic: hoosierkitties.com.
Believe me, you are certainly not alone in this. I went through it with all three of my cats. Best of luck to you. Check out the internet as their are endless topics and forums on this. (05/16/2005)
By Lisa
After re-reading your post I realized your cat is 6 years old. She is probably past her heat years and may have already been fixed. The comment Felicia made regarding a bladder infection is something to consider. If you brought in an addition to your family such as a new baby or another pet, she could be doing it out of spite, or if you were away on vacation for a while she may also spray out of spite. Cats can be quite spiteful and have very sensitive feeling. I do hope you can figure it out. (05/16/2005)
By Lisa
We had that problem with an older cat. Our vet gave him Valium for a short time. He was woozy for a day and then was fine, did not act drugged or odd. He did stop peeing everywhere though. Ask your vet, it's worth a try. (05/16/2005)
By pampredchefdeb
I have a male cat, who is 8 years old and he was doing the same thing. We had taken him to the vet numerous times, but each time it turned out that he wasn't sick. The vet recommended two things, both of which we tried. One is a medication that they can prescribe that is a kitty prozac. You rub it twice a day on the inside of their ear. We did that for a while which helped, but I didn't want him to have to be on this type of medication for the rest of his life.
The second, which by the way we are still using, is Feliway. They make a plug-in, similar to the Glade plug-ins. We have 2 of these plugged in now, and they have been a lifesaver. Petco sells these, but they are rather expensive there. I recently saw some on BizRate which are about half the cost. Good luck, I hope you find a solution, sometimes cats do this for no apparent reason. Mine was. (05/17/2005)
By Missy
Your veterinarian can help you sort out behavioral problems as well as physical ones. This is important for your kitty as well as your sanity. They can also suggest ways to eliminate the odors so the cat doesn't go back there. Medical attention is important and a lot cheaper than replacing a bunch of carpet and furniture. (05/17/2005)
By guest
Sounds like your cat has cystitis. It is caused by ash that is in certain brands of cat food and is very painful and will result in death if it is untreated. Please take your cat to the vet immediately. (11/16/2005)
By SNIGDIBBLY
I have a solution. I have the same problem. My elderly female cat pees on rugs, clothes, dog beds, floors, etc. and here is what we do:
I bought a ferret playpen, it is like a dog kennel, but has 2 ramps and 2 stories and and shelves to sleep on. (Dr. Fosters/Smith) She has to go in it at night and when we are not home. Pretty much like a puppy. I put newspaper all on the bottom, because even though there is a litter box in the kennel as well, she pees everywhere, but in the litter box. I have food and water in it, too. It is big enough for her to sleep in an unsoiled area. I keep a litter box, food and water inside and she can stay in it for hours. The pan slips out of bottom and I spray clean with OUT Petstain odor and remover daily. I change the newspaper on the bottom as much as I can, too. This way, she can live her days in a loving home and not drives us crazy or drive us to get rid of her. (10/05/2006)
By Paula
My eight year old cat is doing the same exact thing. I don't know what to do. My mother is considering putting her down if we don't get the problem solved. So we're going to take her to the vet as soon as possible. I hope nothing is seriously wrong with her.
The things I have heard about this issue are:
Peeing could mean she's stressed, the environment could be bringing it on, the lid on the litter box could be annoying her, a urinary tract infection, or emotional things.
(01/03/2007)
By Kortnie
They are marking territory, an old female cat I have at home doesn't like the other ones, another female and a male, coming over the bed, so he pees on it. Now no one is allowed in the bed, but it is a territorial thing. (12/10/2007)
By Luis
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
