Which is more humane for a cat with a behavioral issue?

Question

I have a 7 yr. old indoor male cat. Since the birth of my 2nd son he has taken to urinating (not spraying) all over the house. It's been almost 2 yrs now and after numerous tests, the vet tells me he is perfectly healthy, just has an attitude and there is nothing I can do about it. So tell me, is it more humane to euthanize him or make him an outdoor cat only? I've had both recommendations from different people.
BTW - I am against euthanizing him for this. He ISN'T starving for attention. We play with him and cuddle with him constantly, he's just po'd. AND, I've contacted a ton of rescue agencies and NO ONE will take him because he is considered "unadoptable" with this behavior. SO, I after kicking him outside, I want to make sure I was doing the right thing. I guess I need some validation to make me feel less guilty about the situation as a whole.
PLEASE no sarcastic answers, just real pet owners who can offer some sound advice.

Once again, I'd like to state that I really don't think I could euthanize over this, but I raise the question because it have been recommended to me by many cat owners.

And YES the cat is neutered.

Someone just had a good recommendation. Anyone on here who lives in So. Cal interested in taking him as their pet?

Answer 1

Being the Vet Tech at a cat shelter, I can attest to the unadoptability of the cat. We get calls all the time about cats that have "litterbox issues" and the people want to "give them" to us so we can find them a home. If we are forced to take them in, they are usually euthanized. People of course are not going to sign up for a cat that pees all over the house.
Really, I think if it becomes unbarable, euthanasia is the only answer. Hopefully him going outside will solve the problem, and I think that is a good choice. Death is the other choice and at least you are trying something. IF it comes to the other choice, I hope you will at least be the one to take him. I have respect for the people that do that as opposed to dumping the cat on the shelter and making them do the dirty work.

Good luck!! I hope he gets the point!!!!

And forget the plug in thing...Feliway or what ever it is...we have tried it in SEVERAL foster homes with these type of cats and it did nothing.
And for the idiot that thinks it is the "job" of the shelters to take these cats in.....what do you think will happen to ADOPTABLE cats when the shelters are filled with UNADOPTABLE cats?????
In a shelter, you have limited space and funds. A decision HAS to be made to help a few or help many. Unless YOU are willing to step up and adopt several cats with this type of issue, don't judge the shelters!!!!!!!!!
And a behaviorist is going to COST and they often do not have a lot of success with cats. Been there and did that with a cat of my own!!!

Answer 2

If it comes down to a choice between killing the pet and putting him outside then put him outside. If you leave his food out there he'll come back for food unless he finds a better home. I had an outside cat that had several "owners". Cat's have a more sensitive sense of smell and the new baby is likely the cause of his new behavior. Scold him when he does the spraying or take him over to the spot and tell him NO. Be firm but not violent so he doesn't get overwhelmed by fear to miss the point. Cats are smarter than most people give them credit and they will learn and change behavior if you take the time to help instead of looking for a quick fix for this problem. Remember, the cat doesn't really care ( or mind ) that you have a new kid, it's the smells that are probably causing this. I've had several cats in several different situations for over 15 yrs.

Answer 3

Don't kill that cat, especially if you love it. I've had 4 cats euthanized, but all because they were sick and dying and I wanted to stop their suffering. I can't imagine doing it for a reason like this. Suggestions:

(1) Don't give up on curing him of the problem. Try the first link I put under sources. It runs a web search on { feline urination problems }. The 2nd & 3rd links will run a similar searchs on Yahoo! Answers. Also try similar queries. Look through the results to get ideas. Also, try things suggested here, etc., etc.

(2) Build an outdoor enclosure for him and bring him in the house occassionally when you can keep an eye on him. I just asked a question about this here. I put the link under sources. Add it to your watch list. I also put a link under sources that will run a related web search and, below that, I put what looked like some good results. I've been researching this for myself.

(3) Make him an outdoor cat, but still bring him in from time to time and make sure he gets enough attention, food medicine, etc. Also be sure to put him in the garage (or something) on very cold nights.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Maybe you have a friend or relative willing to give the cat a "trial" at their home? (with the agreement to give the cat back to you if it doesn't work out) Maybe this cat needs a childless home, or better yet, a single person home so he can be the canter of attention.

Did you change litter brands? Cats often don't like that.

Could you cat be associating the fact that your baby gets attention after soiling his diaper to the idea that soiling = attention? Try NOT letting your cat see you change diapers. If this is the cause, maybe the bad behavior will stop once your baby is toilet trained.

Cats who are lifetime indoor dwellers are often very scared outside. Good luck, your in a tuff situation.

Where do you live? Maybe someone in here would be willing to take the cat.

Answer 5

I will be the voice of controversy here. As a cat breeder and an animal lover....we must consider the purpose of a cat. A domesticated cat was created for the purpose of being a pet. Regardless of how much we love them, they ARE animals, NOT children. Further more they are not "wild" animals that should be allowed to roam the countryside. If you see a "wild" feral cat, roaming they are to be considered the same way a homeless dog is. You cannot let it roam outside and cease taking care of it. This is akin to abandonment. Regardless of what you may hear...an outside cat is a danger to itself and to others. It harbors disease, if not spayed/nuetered can INCREASE the feral cat population.
If your cat has ceased to be a "pet", and you have truly tried everything..there may be nothing BUT euthenasia. Giving him to a shelter, simply passes the problem to someone else. They must either find him a home....where he will probably repeat his transgressions and end up back in the shelter, or the "rescue" shelter will have to euthanize him for you. This is the reality of the situation. Sticking him outside and making him a feral cat...is not a humane solution. It is failing to do anything at all. Talk to a liscensed vet and they will tell you the same thing. You are doing him no favors by turning him loose on the neighborhood. In fact many of the problems addressed on this site ie..."Neighborhood cat spratying in my garden".."feral cat attacking me at my door" "hungry lost cat won't go away"....these common situations are caused by letting him go free. I would NEVER suggest euthansia as a cure to a temporary problem or an inconvenience issue. By your story, this isn't a spur of the moment consideration, nor are you a pet owner that doesn't care about your animal. It sounds as if you are having to prioritize as a homeoner and new parent. Unfortunately some animals refuse to adapt to a new situation, even after years. Good luck with this

Answer 6

There are so many dangers you'd exposing your cat to.:Cars, Rabies, Dogs or Other Animals, Parasites, Wildlife, Neighbors (good or bad), Getting Lost or Trapped, Diseases and Cat fights, Poisons, Pet Theft, Abuse, or Torture.
Do you really think it would be better to have your cat sick, injured or suffer and die from outdoor dangers?
At least if you euthanize your pet will not suffer, and since he will not know what is happening he will not feel any anxiety about being put to sleep (only us humans have that to suffer).
Have you tried to re-home him, on a temporary basis maybe with a Friend, to someone who has no other pets or children to see if the behavior stops? If it does, maybe a rescue group or humane society would be able to adopt him out with special considerations.
I have seen far too many outside cats get into serious trouble and suffer greatly. I seriously think it better to put to sleep than to make a loved live outdoors.

vet tech

Answer 7

I would make him an outdoor cat. We had a similar situation, and the cat now lives happily outside. If you live in town, it's possible he could get hit by a car, but if his other option is getting euthanized, then I'm sure that's a risk the cat is willing to take. Neighbors may complain if you have any that live close by, but that's something you will be able to find out once you start. I would let him out and see how it goes. Either way, I would make sure to put food and water out for him, but other than that, I don't see anything cruel about it. More cruel to kill him, in my opinion.
Good luck with your kitty.

Answer 8

whoever recommended that to you is a complete *** and should not be a pet owner. Animals should not be euthenized over behavioral issues. Is the cat neutered? It's possible he is being territorial and therefore marking everything. If he's not neutered then get him neutered and see if he calms down. If that doesn't help then i think he should be kept as an outdoor cat, but be sure to provide some kind of shelter for when he's outside.

Answer 9

If your cat still has his claws then the outdoor option would be a good one. It is true that many things can happen to an outside cat but at least he would have some kind of life. You could still take care of him and give him a good life. Just be sure that he has all his shots especially a feline leukemia vaccine. So that's my opinion. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Don`t listen to those cat owners, they are obviously VERY ignorant.


This is a difficult situation. Like you said, the animal rescuers won`t take him because of his behavior, which is what they are required to do. Don`t feel bad, they arent picking on.

I do not believe in making my animals live outside (unless they are farm animals, like my chicken). But in your case, it seems like it would be an acceptable thing to do. So yes, If I were in your shoes, I would make him an outside cat.



Have you thought about contacting an animal behaviorist? They might have some suggestions and help you work with your cat to stop the behavior.