I have 2 male cats that have been peeing on dirty laundry, but tonight I washed my sons bed sheets & I put a littel bit of amonia in the wash. Then tonight one of the cats craped on the bed!!Did they do it because of the amonia or maybe they were mad at one of us ? Is there something I can buy to spray on things so they wont chew or pee on our things?
2006-11-30 13:07:45 · 8 answers · asked by tony05 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi Tony...if neither cat has been neutered this could be territorial marking. If they are neutered then it could be as a result of another underlying medical problem such as a urinary tract infection.
Here's an article about inappropriate house soiling causes and treatments by Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine of Feline Health: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/Housesoiling.html
House soiling is the most common behavior problem reported by cat owners. It includes urination and/or defecation outside the litter box, as well as urine spraying.
Why do cats eliminate outside of the litter box?
One common misconception is that cats soil in inappropriate places for revenge. It is tempting to conclude, "He defecated on the living room carpet to punish me for leaving him for the weekend." But this kind of calculation requires sophisticated cognitive abilities that cats aren't believed to possess. Furthermore, this conclusion assumes that cats view their urine and feces as distasteful, when in fact they do not. It is only we humans who view it that way.
Medical Problems
So why do cats urinate or defecate on your bed or carpet? Medical problems are one possibility. Inflammation of the urinary tract may cause painful or frequent urination, inability to urinate, bloody urine, and crying during urination. 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. Inflammation of the colon or rectum, intestinal tract tumors, intestinal parasites, and other gastrointestinal conditions may cause painful defecation, increased frequency or urgency to defecate, and decreased control of defecation. Age-related diseases that interfere with a cat's mobility (for example, arthritis, nervous system disorders, or muscular diseases), or with his cognitive functions can also influence his ability to get to the litter box in time. In short, any medical condition that interferes with a cat's normal elimination behavior can lead to house soiling.
Litter Box Aversions
Behavioral problems, such as litter box aversions, inappropriate site preferences, or urine spraying can also lead to house soiling. An aversion implies that there is something about the litter box that your cat finds unsavory. It could be the box, the litter, the location of the box, or all three.
...please see website for more details
2006-11-30 18:30:01 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
First thing you have to do with cats is keep the litter box clean. That means every day take out the waste and use a good litter. If the box smells to you, it smells worse to them, and they aren't going in there and pawing around.
The next thing you do is don't let things lay around that can be dug in, like a clean litterbox, and the cats won't use your dirty laundry. Why would you put amonia in your laundry???? Detergent, bleach even, but why amonia. Sure it drew the cats. Are you trying to set them up so that it will be OK with the rest of the family to get rid of them?
2006-11-30 13:13:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hmmm.. I know that often when dogs do a similar thing, it may seem like they're mad at you or getting back at you for something. But it's usually related to a seperation anxiety problem. I haven't really heard of cats having seperation anxiety, but I'm sure its possible. Are people at home enough, giving the cats enough attention?
Another issue could be their litter box. Is it cleaned regularily? Do they have seperate litter boxes? Some cats will not share a litterbox.
Just some ideas. Hope that helps!
2006-11-30 13:15:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
anytime you have a litter problem with cats start with the smallest possible confined space, i.e. a bathroom, a basement -- just the cat, water and litter box. If you have 2 cats you need 2 litter boxes. Neuter your cats if they are not neutered because they will mark things. They don't like citrus smell but you don't want to be putting orange peels on everything you own, you need to retrain your cats in a hurry. Buy scoopable litter, pour it 4-5 inches deep or deeper, put litter boxes wherever they have been relieving themselves and then move them gradually to where you want them.
2006-11-30 13:26:00 · answer #4 · answered by it's me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep litter box clean. keep litter vbox in clean area.
do not allow cat to pee or defecate anywhere but the box--if you see kitty squatting over the bed or clothes, pick him up and place him --do not throw him- into the litter pan.
usenatures miracle before and after washing the laundre--and saturate the mattress with it. then wash the stinky area and re-treat with natures miracle.
for chewing--that is from insecurity. they are not being loved and attended as much as they need. i supply my kitties with toys and knotted ropes for chewing.
if you do not have the patience needed for dealing with the kitties, find a rescue shelter of find a new home for the kitties.
kitties need love and attention, and will behave poorly if not finding what they need--they are trying to tell you something.
it takes great patience and lots of love to raise cats--moreso than even children.
consider theuir needs as well as your own, please, so the kitties will be happy, too.
happy cats do not misbehave.
2006-12-01 02:55:17 · answer #5 · answered by z-hag 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are your cats neutered? If not, why? Male cats spray to mark their "territory"...sort of like bad human male behavior.
If they are neutered, then perhaps they are jealous of either you or significant other/kids?
Don't give up on the cats. Think of YOUR relationship to them and what might have caused their behavior. There are WAY too many unwanted, dumped cats/dogs in kill-animal shelters. Remember why you got them in the first place, and be patient with them.
2006-11-30 13:15:59 · answer #6 · answered by Cara S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you had your cats neutered? Cats will spay to mark their territory.I have one male and one female , both have been "fixed" so i don't have that problem, Maybe you should try different litter in the box also..and try to keep it ,cats don't like a dirty box,, If all fails turn out side more ofton..
2006-11-30 13:19:05 · answer #7 · answered by ocbeachmama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
firstly your cats should be neutered.. unneutered cats will mark...
now if they are neutered then I would ask if you have had them at the vet to check for urinary tract infections or stones
when cats urinate in places they shouldnt its often a sign of internal problems - a urine sample is all that is needed to test for this...
amonia has a very strong smell.. cats will try to cover up any offensive smells with their own smell..
I would keep the doors to your sons room shut and have the kitties vet checked (and neutered)
2006-11-30 13:13:59 · answer #8 · answered by CF_ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋