My cat Ramsey has begun to pee on our clothes on a regular basis. He has been fixed and he is about 12 years old. I have gotten a new dog thatis 4 years old in the past couple months. I know I have to pay lots of attention to my cat now because of the new dog and I have. I am about ready to have him locked in a cage if this doesn't stop. He would do this if the littler box would not be cleaned or he could not get it to, but now he is doing this all the time. I need tips from people who know NO SMART AZZ ANSWERS, I really am not in the mood to read them I am frustrated!
2007-01-20 02:49:09 · 8 answers · asked by sweetsandy81671 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...if this is something that recently developed, first consider all the possibilities such as:
- changes with litter brands
- location of the litter box isn't private enough
- some cats like to have one box to defecate and another to urinate
- cleanliness (some cats are very finicky and prefer a super clean box)
- as a general rule there should be one litter box for each cat plus one extra as a back up
- senior cats develop age-related disorders such as chronic renal failure (CRF), hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.
If all these have been ruled out, there's a chance that your cat may have developed another underlying medical problem such as something as simple as a lower urinary tract disorder: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_feline_lower_urinary_tract_dis.html which can contribute to accidents outside of the box. Cats will associate pain while using box and change their habits as a result.
Here's an article about why cats inappropriately soil outside their litter box by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: 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.
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2007-01-20 11:59:16 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be that the cat is not happy with the new addition to the family and peeing on everything is his way of showing displeasure.
Make sure that whatever he pees on has been washed with an enzyme cleaner, you may not be able to smell the urine but your cat can.
The thing I would be most concerned about it the cats age and sudden change in behavior.
A cat of any age can get a urinary tract infection, but it's more common in older cats also male cats can get crystals in their urning which can be a very dangerous thing.
Cats don't show their illnesses to us they hide them so that's why any new acting out kind of behavior should always be checked out by a Vet just to be on the safe side.
Sometimes cats show us that they are ill by acting out to get our attention.
My advice is to take the kitty to the Vet .
I hope things turn out okay.
2007-01-20 04:04:24 · answer #2 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to lock your cat in a room with his litter box and food. Do not let him out until he uses the litter box regularly. Each time he pees on clothing, do the same thing. He will soon associate peeing on clothing with confinement.
2007-01-20 03:04:24 · answer #3 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Barring any illness. Your cat is jealous of the new dog, and is doing what comes naturally... marking his territory. Get rid of the dog, and the cat will be fine. After all the cat was there first.
2007-01-20 03:20:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be behavioral because of the new dog or your litten could have a urinary tract infection. Either way take you kitty to the vet there are meds for either problem.
2007-01-20 02:53:56 · answer #5 · answered by Jessica H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be some sort of protest to the new dog, but it could also be something medical, like a infection.
Best bet would be to take him to the vet to be sure he isn't sick.
2007-01-20 03:02:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like Ramsey is marking his territory!! I definitely think this is related to the new dog. Do you have the dog inside? If so, you might consider keping the dog outside.
2007-01-20 02:53:21 · answer #7 · answered by LP 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It may just be a coincidence.. he could have a bladder infection. See what your vet says before you 'lock him away'.
2007-01-20 03:00:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋