Male Kittens Marking there territory?

Question

I recently got 2 male kittens and I can't get them fixed until they are 6 monthes old. They "marked there territory" on my couch. I was wondering how i can stop them because i have to wait until feb. to get them fixed.

Answer 1

Hi Ashley...most shelters will neuter as soon as a kitten reaches 2/3 pounds in weight. Consider ringing area shelters to see who can help you or contact 1-800-SPAY USA to find the nearest shelter in your region.

More on early spay/neuter by the Winn Feline Health Foundation: http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/early-spay-neuter.html

Until most people find that by confining the kittens a small room such as the bathroom (or rooms without carpeting that can be washed down) with their box, food, water and bedding is the best way to control and clean the urine spraying.

Answer 2

Young kittens don't spray. If they are less than six months old, that is probably not the problem. They are probably using your couch as a litterbox. I've never had a kitten under six months spray and I've been fostering strays for 40 years. It isn't even that common at a year, if the animal doesn't feel crowded, threatend, or have access to the scent of a female in heat.

The shelters like to do it, when possible, because some folks just forget about the neutering, especially with males, because they aren't going to be bringing any kittens home.

What is possible is not necessarily what is best. While a large majority of kittens who are neutered at an early age do well, there are the few oddballs who develop adhesions and other complications. One daughter ended up having to take her kitten to Cornell Veterinary Hospital (about an 8 hour drive from us) to have a messed up neutering job fixed, and it didn't work. The kitten is now in kitty heaven.

I would double check the litterbox training thing first. Try putting them in a small room, with the litterbox as their only choice for "using the facilities". Keep them in there for a few days, with their food and water, and see if they get the message.

Your problem is most likely a case of not being completely litter trained, or a litterbox that is inaccessible or otherwise unappealing to the kittens. The most important thing is to keep it clean. They don't like to have to sift through a lot of debris to do their job.

Answer 3

Cats can be neutered as early as 4 of age, most vets recommend between 4-6 months because the cat needs to weigh at least 4lbs. and some take a little longer than others to reach that goal. My little girl kitty didn't weigh 4lbs. until she was 6 1/2 months old, she was the runt. Many shelters neuter & spay cats before 4 months old because they are trying to stop the problem of overpopulation. They have the surgery done early so that way they know the pet is fixed and it isn't up to the adoptive owner to have it done. This is very risky because 1-putting such a young animal under sedation is dangerous and 2-if the surgery is not done properly you can still end up with a cat that thinks it's sexually mature when the time comes. This usually happens with female cats though. If the uterus isn't completely removed then the cat will still experience the hormone changes brought on by the remnants, therefore thinking she's in heat. This usually requires another surgery to remove any portion of the uterus left. You have to give the cat's body time for the reproductive organs to fully form, and this happens between 4 - 6 months old. That's why you never see pregnant cats that are under 6 months old, their bodies haven't developed to sexual maturity. If your boys weigh at least 4lbs then call around to different vets since they've reached the weight goal that most vets like for surgical patients. You can also contact your local ASPCA for information on low cost spay & neuter programs. As far as removing the urine from your furniture, I find that a product called Nature's Miracle works wonders. It's available at any pet supply store (like Petco) and comes in a white container with red lettering. Most cats don't like the smell of vinegar so after you've cleaned up your couch, dilute a small amount of vinegar in water and spritz it on your couch every couple of days. (Try it in an inconspicuous spot first to be sure it doesn't ruin your couch!) That's how my mom stopped her male cat from peeing on her bathroom rug. Good luck to you & your kitties!

Answer 4

Ashley, cats can be spayed/neutered as soon they weigh 2 or 3 lbs--but most vets are not comfortable to do the procedure because of the anesthetic they use that's why they usually state 6 months. Shelters use an anesthetic that puts them under in less time and is less traumatic for the kittens and their recovery. So Seattle is correct and I don't understand why anyone doesn't check with shelters to educate themselves more on this because nearly all shelters having been doing early spay/neutering for many years safely without any long term effects. See the article Seattle gave you which indicates the pros and cons of early spay/neuter.

Answer 5

Kittens probable gained't mark territory (with urine - in simple terms about all cats and kittens mark with their pheromones with the help of rubbing adversarial to issues or scratching/pawing issues) . Non-neutered male cats are extra probable to mark and to run away than neutered men. woman cats ought to mark or run away, too. back, in the experience that they are spayed that's a lot less probable to take position than in the experience that they are not.

Answer 6

Honey, somewhere the wires got crossed. Male cats should be neutered at about 16 weeks, which is 4 mos old. That way they don't suffer the urinary tract infections that young toms suffer when neutered too soon. Your babies are just doing what comes naturally...there is a coupon from SNAP that reduces the cost to you and many many vets take the coupon. Just ask them. I had the same problem (2 male brothers) I used oxy products to clean the areas and there is a product out called STOP that will get the odor out. 200 Mule Team Borax mixed with soap is also very effective. You have to make sure to get the spray out completely or they will continue to spray the same area. My boys spray my son's backpack. Poor kid. We didn't find it until he went to turn his papers in at school and they were not only stinky buy stained! How embarrassing. Best of luck and try asking your vet again. If you get the same answer, go elsewhere. Best of luck, dear. Nana

Answer 7

my cat is fixed and he still marks his territory but do not lose hope getting them fixed before they are a year should help.

Answer 8

I would definately consult another vet. Here in Indiana they have to be 4 months or weigh 5 lbs. My cat was neutered at 3 months old because he met the weight requirements. As far as getting rid of the urine, Urine Gone has worked miracles for me! (new puppy and cat with nervous bladder)

Answer 9

Keep showing them litter tray and get some cat deterrent www.vitax.co.uk have a good range, its worked for my kittens on the areas outside i didn't want them to use. the do household products as well

Please don't squirt water at them

Answer 10

This may just be an accident--it's pretty unusual for young kittens to show marking behavior. If you know they're litterbox trained and they're not sick, you might use a squirt bottle of water to discourage them from this and any bad behavior--but it'll only work if you're right there to squirt them when it happens.