Question:
I have a 2-3 year old female (was a stray) and a 1 year old male. Both are fixed. The female persists in peeing on various spots on the carpet and has recently taken to peeing on our bed. We cleaned all the bedding and everything was ok for 3-4 weeks then she did it again. She even will pee on plastic or aluminum foil!
The boy won't use the litter box to poop in. He had been ill (making accidents and loose bowels) but we've got that under control now. The problem is that he'll urinate in the box, but will poop right in front of it or just a few feet from it. We tried adding a second box, placing it in a different location in the house and also trying it near the original box where he makes his accidents now but that hasn't helped. He has not pooped in the box in I don't know how long. One technique we've been told to use was to put food where they make their messes, but we can't try that. The reason he was sick in the first place was because he was overeating and making himself sick.
The previous owners of our house (we move last July) had multiple dogs and cats, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. We just can't get it contained. We've used "natures miracle" and "get serious" but either the old animals' smell is too deep into the carpeting or we can't find all the spots.
We're at our wit's end so any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Noodle-and-Spence
Answer:
Ok, let's start at the beginning...or the end in your case.
The previous owners had pets that left a mess in their wake and you can't find it all. I posted a cleaning method that is now a sticky at the top of Behavior. It takes a while, but it helps. This may be hard if you can't afford a deep cleaner though. Check that out for cleaning methods.
Next, the box situation.
1. How many boxes do you have? The recommended amount is 1 box per cat plus one. Since you have 2 cats, that mean 3 boxes. Many cats like to pee in one and poo in the other. Often the third is used for a combination.
2. Are the cats declawed? Something that is not often told to people before declawing is that it can lead to litterbox problems. If they are declawed, try placing a carpet remnant or some cardboard under the box so it is softer when they step in.
3. How often do you scoop? Some cats are picky or suddenly become picky and want it VERY clean. Try scooping every day.
4. What kind of litter do you use? Try something different and see if it helps. Some cats prefer scoopable or crystals bacause it's softer. Texture can be a major factor here.
5. Litter depth. Vary it in the multiple boxes. Some cats like it deeper, some shallow. I have one that scratches to the plastic then goes.
6. Location, location,location. Is it noisy orclosed in where the box/es are? Put them somewhere quiet and not claustrophobic for them.
7. Does the box have a cover? If yes, take it off. If not, get one with a cover. Some cats HATE being seen when they go and others don't like the tight space. You need to figure out which THEY prefer. Remember, the covers are more for us than they are for them.
Lastly, take them to the Vet. The female may have an infection or crystals in her urine. And the male's problem may not be as under control as you think.
**Lenore**
Cats are our inspiration, comfort and joy. No matter what we do, they're always there.
Answer:
And, if the cat doesn't like the type of litter you've been using (I seen cats change their minds, just like humans will do!), try Cat Attract litter. It really does work.
When you scoop their production, be sure to toss it away in a trash can that's not near their litter boxes. Cats are really way more sensitive to smells than you or I.
One thing I don't know about your situation is, did the litter box problem with the female start when you moved? If she's still stressed out about the move, try using the Feliway Plug-Ins and/or Bach's Rescue Remedy to calm her down. It might also work for the male.
If the house you moved into has wall-wall carpeting, and it was repeatedly blasted by the previous owner's pets, it may need replacing, if you can't remove the cat urine smell and stain. That stuff stays around for a really long time.
Check back with your vet, or get another one's opinion on any medical issues. My boy has megacolon. He would not poo in the box, because when he was able to, it hurt.
Once we got him diagnosed and on medication, he started using the box again. I have to wonder if your male cat is still experiencing some problems.
Good luck; keep us posted.
Nancy E. Wigal
Answer:
Celebsilmare wrote: Lastly, take them to the Vet. The female may have an infection or crystals in her urine. And the male's problem may not be as under control as you think.
I think this is a great idea, but shouldn't be a "lastly" because if it is a health problem it could get serious quickly. Stones that block up the urinary tract can be deadly if left untreated... it can be a matter of hours that save the cat.
I don't know how likely a UTI is for your cat, but if you can rule out health first and foremost, then you can begin figuring out what the behavioral side of this issue is.
Good luck!
Jessie
"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast."
Answer:
I didn't mean as a last resort... probably shouldn't have used that word. I meant Lastly as in my last bit of advice....That's what I get for posting late at night..... Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.
**Lenore**
Cats are our inspiration, comfort and joy. No matter what we do, they're always there.