cat experts please help?

Question

I found this wonderful stray cat about 1 week ago.The vet said he was a neutered male about 10 yrs old.The poor guy had ear mites,fleas,worms and a tick!He's a great cat loves my kids and i really want to keep him.The problem is he urinates in the house.We have a litter box and he will use it 70% of the time.He is the only other pet we have and he never goes out since we found him.When he urinates in the house its always in a different spot.Can anyone please tell me how to fix this or why he would do this?Someone told me it cound be a uti but i thought cats that had that urinate alot he only goes about 2-3 times a day.

Answer 1

I would check him for a UTI... it's not that expensive and if that's the problem, then your problem is solved. It could be just in its mild stages right now and it also depends where he was in the house (i.e. was he close to a litter box when he peed?) Is the litter box kept clean too?

Answer 2

I would definately get him checked for a urinary problem. If all is well there, you can try a product called "Cat Attract" it is a litter additive that is supposed to be designed to lure your cat into using his litter box. I would also recommend that you clean all of the spots where he has urinated with a product called "Natures Miracle" you can find it in any local pet supply store. Follow the bottle instructions, the product is designed to work enzymatically therefore, you will smell the urine for a time and then not, then you will smell again and then not, this is how you know the product is actually working. Also, as some of the others have mentioned he may not like your choice for his litter, if all else fails, try changing the brand of litter to another. Hope some of this helps. Good Luck and God Bless you for taking in this kitty.

Answer 3

Stress can lead to urinary problems. I would check that out with the vet to be sure that is not the issue. He probably should be confined to a small bathroom or such at night if that is when he is not using the box.

Sometimes a cat who has lived outdoors will respond better to his box if you put a thin layer of garden dirt on the top. You could try that. There is also a litter called Dr. Elsey's "Cat Attract". Pet Smart sells it. If the garden dirt doesn't help you might trying switching to that. Do have two boxes for him in different areas of the house. That might help too.

I am glad you have such a wonderful cat and that he is so loving with all your family. Be sure to feed him canned food as dry food is very likely to give him urinary problems.

To summarize:
(1) have the vet check him for bladder problems
(2) try the garden dirt
(3) try the Cat Attract litter and have two boxes.
(4) feed him at least 50% canned food.

Answer 4

Cats with a UTI sometimes can hardly urinate at all, because their bladder is blocked up. This can be fatal to the cat if not treated right away (but clears up fast with antibiotics). Often cats with a UTI that's painful, but hasn't become a total blockage, will pee outside the litterbox.... You should probably have the vet check him for a UTI.

Or he could be stressed, and/or trying to mark his territory in a new place. There's a plug-in product that you get at Petsmart that diffuses some scent only cats can smell, that calms them down sometimes. (My sister has one and it helps her cat, who sometimes has had similar problems when she's gotten all stressed out). Meanwhile, to clean up the smell, there's a good product called Nature's Miracle that you can get at Petsmart - it's a liquid and it works great.

Answer 5

Cats often urinate on things to claim thier taretory. Cats do two things:urenate and spray.does he wiggle his tail when he does this?yes they do,when they spray it will smell stronger than pee.you really cannot do anything because he is so old already,he will live about 4 to 5 more years.NEVER RESULT IN SPANKING THE ANIMAL!!!! maybe spray him with a squrt bottle but only twice then put him in his litter box!! make sure your little kids dont spray him!!or pull on him because he is considerd an old man!!oh ya for that cat pee smell buy some pee remover

Answer 6

The vet could tell you. He may dislike the litter you are using. Cats are strange, My cat hates the expensive litter. He likes the cheap "don't clump, don't smell, no frills" litter. I just have to clean it more often.

Answer 7

He may have been nuetered late, if cats begin to spray before nuetering the habit sometimes never fully goes away. A vet may have helpful suggestions for you.

Answer 8

hi what you want to do is put him in his own roomwith the litter box and his food that is where he stays at all times until he uses it 99% or stops urinating

Answer 9

I advice you to take "Old Cat Lady"'s adive (hee hee hee). Serously, I'd do as she suggests. AND I'd like to THANK you for taking in this old warrior of a cat - 10 years old! wow... may you be rewarded for your kindness.

Answer 10

Since he's only been in your home for a week he's probably just marking his territory. Hopefully once he's comfortable. and feels safe he'll stop.