I have two cat questions. Can you help me?

Question

First of all, I have four cats (all of them brothers and sisters) and now that they're all grown up, they hate eachother and want to fight, scratch, hiss, and growl everytime they're near. Is there any way I can make them get along?

My second question, three of my cats are come-as-they-please and go in and out of the house when they want, the fourth cat is inside all the time and hates going outside. She is the only one that will use the litter box, the other three absolutely refuse and before you can catch them to throw them out, they will do their business anywhere and everywhere outside the litter box! I was told by a vet that they won't share a litter box because they don't like the scents of the other cats. But this is really pissing me off and I'm not about to set out different litter boxes around my house. Screw that! Is there anything I can do to fix this?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Are they neutered and spayed? That's the first step.
And sorry, but you'll have to get more litter boxes. Even just one or two small ones would probably help. And, thoroughly clean the areas that they are using because they are drawn to that scent.
Alternatively, keep the three in/out cats outside permanently, and the inside cat indoors permanently.
(yeah, i know that's not the best solution--ideally if you don't want to care for all those cats, find a home for them! i have four cats, two scratching posts, four litterboxes, countless toys--it's a lot of work but to me it is worth it)
Good luck.

Answer 2

Have you had them neutered and spayed? If not, that's the problem as far as the fighting. Cats are territorial by nature anyway....unaltered cats are worse. And don't think that they won't mate just because they're related. Unless you want a couple litters of inbred cats, I highly suggest having them all fixed.

I'm sorry for your cats that you feel that way about the litter boxes. Part of being a pet owner is taking on the responsibility of providing everything they need. In this case, the vet has told you how to help solve the problem of them not using the litter box, but you refuse to do what is necessary. So I really don't know how to help you. One box is not NEARLY enough for 4 cats. Sorry.

Letting your cats roam outside is not safe. There are so many dangers out there....and some of them can be brought home to your indoor cat by your outdoor cats. Read this;
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/humane_society_magazines_and_newsletters/all_animals/volume_4_issue_1_spring_2002/a_safe_cat_is_a_happy_cat_and_your_cat_is_only_safe_indoors.html

Answer 3

The rule of thumb is that you should have one more litterbox than the number of cats. So if you have 4 cats you should have 5 litterboxes, that's just the way it works in the cat world. If you weren't willing to attend to the needs of the cats, you should have thought about that before you got them. Whether you bought them, rescued them, or got them from someone that had too many cats, it's not fair of you to get upset with the cats. Their needs are very specific. They are much pickier than a dog. The cats that won't go potty in the litterbox are probably just telling you that the litterboxes aren't clean enough. When they are outside and able to go potty, they can search forever for the perfect clean spot to do this, that's what cats do. As for the fighting, that could stem from lots of things. Fighting over territory (ie to few litter boxes), or if you live in a small home they could be fighting for dominance of a particular room even. If you don't already have it, get a cat tower or two from petsmart or petco. Get the really tall ones if you can. I have four cats (they've never fought though), and I bought one of these. Each cat has it's own level that it claims, that the other cats USUALLY don't go on. They'll decide who's top cat, he'll get the top level and so on. At least, that's how it worked with my guys. Good luck to you though! :)

Answer 4

Get them fixed - that might help with the aggression ; especially with the males. This will also prevent them breeding with one another. Unless you get a multiple cat litter (which might not even work) I dont think they will all use the same litter box. I'm not really sure if it's safe to let them in & out as they please. While out doors they can catch several things such as Feline Lukemia which is deadly & I believe it's contagious as well. There are also things like fleas & ticks that they may catch. Perhaps 4 cats is too many ; I would keep them either inside or outside but that's just me. Good luck though -

Answer 5

I don't know what to do about the cats not liking each other but about the litter box deal, there are several cat litters that you can use for multiple cats one is a litter that has pine scent that works pretty well also the litter box must be cleaned alot I got a atomatic cleaner that worked great hop this helps Sue

Answer 6

well i use tidy cats litter ( multiple strength for multiple cats) it hides the sent so the cats dont mind, also try to scoop out the litter box pretty frequent since u have alot of cats and to get them to go in it, it will be difficult cuz its easier if they learn when there kittens, but what u need to do is keep putting them in there, even if they run out just keep doing it and finnaly they'll get the picture. and well for ur 1st question, there are different ways for them to get along one is to sray the cats with water when they hiss at each other or something and also play with the cats together and maybe they will have fun. hope this helps!

Answer 7

Answer to your first question you can't force cat's to do much of anything they probably get along just fine when your not thier I have to that don't seem to get along but i've caught them sleeping side by side they saw me and started hissing at each other go figure cat's just like to push your buttons when they start hissing at each other use a tone of voice and say settle down.that's really all you can do to your second question let them stay out during the day if your worried about them at night put them in a pet carrier once a cat starts using the bathroom in the house and you have more than one it's a hard habit to break

Answer 8

Get the cats fixed, and find them an owner who will provide properly for thier needs: # of cats + 1 = # of litter boxes. If you cannot or will not provide what they need, find them an owner who will. Do not let them roam outside. Cats are natural predators and kill other wildlife. If you choose to have a pet, choose to be responsible for it.That responsibility can mean choosing a new home for them when you cannot/will not provide for them.

Answer 9

A multi cat household is difficult to manage with only one cat pan, especially if some are urinating and deficating outside the box. You really need one pan per cat, cats are territorial and prefer there own cat pan. are they all spayed or neutered as that may also help. if you are not willing to provide one box per cat you may be unable to solve this problem effectively, and may have to consider rehoming one or two of your cats. you may also want to speak with your vet about a DAP Diffuser which may also help with the behavior problem. I would certainly clean all of the areas that have been urninated and deficated on with Natures Miracle to remove the residual smell that may still remain after the initial cleaning.

Answer 10

Your vet is entirely right. The litterbox rule: number of boxes = # of cats + 1.

You might get some clues about litterboxes by reading at Dr. Jean Hovfe's website: www.littlebigcat.com. She has four articles there entitled, "Litterbox Secrets" I-IV.

She also has spirit essences you might use to treat the animosity among your cats.