Cat not peeing in cat box! Help!?

Question

I've had my male cat, Henry, for almost 4 years now and he's never had problems peeing in his catbox, I moved into a new apartment and I have an extra bedroom, that I store some work out equipment in and his catbox, he poops in his catbox but pees all over the room, it's like he thinks the whole room is his personal catbox, how do I get him to pee in the catbox again!?! I'm so lost, I've tried everything, I guess I should mention he's an older cat, I'm not sure how old because I adopted him, he's not OLD, but older...(if that makes sense)

Yes, he is fixed, and I should mention I've lived in my new place for almost 6 months and he didn't start doing this until about last month....so I don't think he's marking territory after all this time...

Answer 1

Hi there...generally when a cat begins to inappropriately soil it is either due to several factors...one of which is a medical problem due to urinary tract infection. An affected cat is likely to eliminate outside the litter box if he comes to associate the box with painful urination, or if he has an increased urgency to urinate. In addition, kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases often lead to increased drinking and urination.

Here is a website by Cornell Unviersity College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline health about the details why a cat would suddenly soil inappropriately: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/housesoiling.html

It never hurts to have a vet evaluate your kitty as soon as possible. The longer the inappropriate soiling continues the more difficult it will be to stop the bad habit as well.

Answer 2

Ask your veterinarian or check your local grocery store (I know Wegmans carries it) for "Cat Attract." I had problems with my cat when my roommate and her cat moved in with me. This cat litter works! I think it has something to do with the smell and texture of the litter. Also, I'm not sure of any specific product names, but I think there is a spray that you can use on the spots where Henry peed and I believe it will mask his scent and deter him from peeing there. If you have trouble locating the spots on the carpet try a black light. Good luck and thank you for adopting!

Answer 3

Well this is probably not a health issue but you should take him in just in case he has a urinary tract infection. I think your kitty is just stressed from the move and wants to make sure that his territory is marked. Perhaps there was another cat that lived there previously and your cat smells it. Try to put some things that have his scent already on it in the room (scratching post...bed...blanket...toys. Ask you vet for advice too.

Answer 4

It makes sense. ;)

Have you had him checked for urinary tract problems? That can be a problem for older neuterred male cats.

Otherwise- Hmm- Have you tried laying one of those rubber mats down under his box?

Now, I had a male cat once that came down with urinary tract syndrome- and I had trouble with him peeing on the bed even after he was well again. What I ended up doing was keeping a plastic tarp over the bed until he got used to using his box again. Perhaps some variation of that will work for you.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Hey!

That cats too old to learn new tricks. He thinks you are too. I say its time to get a divorce. Look him in the eyes and say clearly, "If you don't start using the litter box when you urinate, I am getting rid of you. I will not tolerate you stinking up the whole place, because you've got a personal problem! Let him know you will have it. Then put him out.

Honey

Answer 6

Try moving his box to another room. Something tells me they had cats there before even if they cleaned well he will smell them. He is marking the new territory as his own. When you catch him doing it repremand him somehow like spritzing with water and put him in his box.

Answer 7

i think its just a sign of old age my sister has a cat that does this peeing on everything and she has three litter boxes for him and yes he is fixed

Answer 8

Take him to your vet to rule out anything that may be bothering him with kidneys, bladder or other that may be causing him to do this. Stress can sometimes cause an illness to kick in.

Answer 9

You might want to take him to the vet. Older cats do develp UTI's.

Are you changing his liter box regularly? Try changing brands.

Answer 10

you know, cats are very sensitive when they are moved into a new house. or about a new person... they usually get annoyed by someone else than it's owner, and do things like that.