The vet says our 3 year old cat, Harry, is peeing all over the house due to "behavioral reasons." We also have a 4 year old cat and the vet thinks they might not be getting along as they used to. Also, we have 3 year old potty-training twins (children!), who have made more than their fair share of accidents... Anyone think the cat is peeing in response to the kids? How about the fact that they aren't mean to him, but they do want to touch him more than he wants to be touched. The vet suggested some spray that might help, in addition to more litter pans (we have 2 already...). Any suggestions? We really don't want to give Harry away - we just want him to stop peeing everywhere! We won't give the twins away, either!!! Thanks!
2006-12-22 11:09:52 · 9 answers · asked by applebetty34 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Some more info: Both cats are males and both have been neutered since we adopted them. Harry has been to the vet - they tested for infections/etc...and he is fine. - That's why I said it is behavioral. Thanks!!!
2006-12-22 11:37:19 · update #1
One of the reasons the cat does this, is because he can smell the urine on the floor (even if you cant) and so he cant be bothered to use the cat litter.
First of all you will need to clean the floors so good and spray them so that the cat wont be able to smell the urine any more.
Also, every time he uses the cat litter successfully, reward him by giving him a small treat and stroke him gently. Every time on the other hand that you catch him peeing on the floor, punish him.
Is he neutered? If he is not, then that may be a reason too.
Finally, I there are some sprays, you can use to deter him from going on some areas of the house, you can also restrict him to a few rooms only, and having 2 cat litters should help.
Good luck
2006-12-22 11:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by oneblueanjel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My little lady had the same problem recently. I was lucky in that she always peed in the same spot. Vinegar worked for us. Mixed with water in a little spray bottle and no more than once a week I'll mist the area she favored. Every so often she'll pee there again but far far far less often than before.
It started with a change in roommates - so it's POSSIBLE the vinegar did nothing and she just calmed down about the new people. But the peeing behavior did seem to lessen pretty much immediately after I started spraying. Can't say it'll be the same for you and Harry - but it's worth a try.
2006-12-22 19:53:20 · answer #2 · answered by payformysoundequipment 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you checked a urinalysis on the cat yet? If you haven't it is a MUST! Before you can rule out medical/behavioral problems. He can have urinary tract problems related to the food his is fed or urinary tract infections- or more serious problems.
Typically cats start peeing outside their box when something is wrong (medically) BUT it could be behavioral, but rule out the medical aspect first!
There are things you can get from your vet that are herbs that attract your cat back to using the litter box. You actually add them into the litter. It may or may not help. The two brands that I know of are called Cat Attract, or Cat Magnet. They work for some situations.
2006-12-22 19:15:01 · answer #3 · answered by Lenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is really happening is what other people answered as well. Male cats mark territory. Our cat had the same problem at one point, and we had to give him away, but it helped to shut him up in his litter box room and ignore him just for a little while so he feels lonely. You also MUST clean up the areas that he peed in COMPLETELY. Then let him out, room by room, until he doesn't pee out of turn anymore. It might not be that simple, but that's the basics.
2006-12-22 19:28:54 · answer #4 · answered by MC2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah. the cats may also be jealous of the twins. have you been neglecting them lately? pick him up and pet him extra. I think 2-3 litter boxes is plenty for two cats, especially if they get along anyways. for now, you can pick up some of the puppy training pads and put them in the floor where your cat has been going, so your floor isn't ruined.
I have an elderly cat who won't use the litter pan, but he has a problem with the pads of his feet. so he goes on the training pads. good luck to you.
2006-12-22 19:15:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a territorial problem. Male cats spray to mark there territory. there is not really anything to do about it. If it is a female cat, it was probably raised around a spraying male, so it picked up the trait. Sorry there is nothing you can do.
2006-12-22 19:14:02 · answer #6 · answered by Emochick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hahaha thanks for clearifying that you won't give your twins away. hahaha. Anyway the spray really does help, so oddly enough does vinigar, spray it where the cats are spraying and they won't spray there again.
2006-12-22 19:12:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be behavioral, could be medical, could be a combination of both.
This might help: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/Housesoiling.html
2006-12-22 21:11:43 · answer #8 · answered by Mick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! listen to the vet.
2006-12-22 19:15:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋