how do I get my cat to stop peeying on my furniture!?

Question

The cat repellant they sell at pet shops did not work!

Answer 1

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
- kittens who are over 5-7 months can become sexually mature and urine spray as well as defecate inappropriately to mark territory.
- 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.

...please consider visiting the website for further details

Answer 2

There is no way to stop a cat from doing it. I have the same problem with one of my cats. She will go EVERYWHERE- it's been a behavioral problem she had since I brought her home from the Humane Society. I moved out of my mom's house and had to leave the cat there, because I can't afford to have her go all over my apt. carpeting nor do I want her going on my bed. I can't put her outside and definately don't have the heart to put her to sleep because of her quirk.

If your cat has just recently started peeing on your furniture then it may be stress caused by some change in it's environment.

Answer 3

I agrree with reading those articles and looking at products on drsfostersandsmith.com. You absolutely have to make sure all traces of urine are gone or you will never have success. The easyest answer though kitty may not be happy about it, is to keep your friend in a room and only one room hopefully without carpet (like a bathroom) with toys,fresh food water,clean box,visit as much as possible and watch ,if he was trained before he will get the idea,just make sure to clean up any oopsies in that room ASAP,if you have time also physically put him in the box when there is waste in it,thats how you can train a kitten, and if you se him go in the box, give him lots of praise and a treat.Good luck

Answer 4

the rest of the answers sound mean unnecessary. people sometimes are just trying to get your money with expensive ideas but this one it free and worth trying.
i will tell you what i tell everybody that ask this question some times it works and some times it dosent but give it a try

first take a couple of damp cloths
then wipe the cat down with it
after that take the rag and wipe it everywhere the cat usally peas. and let the rag sit somewhere close.
repeat every day till he stops

you do this because the cat wants his sent everywhere. so by rubbing and putting his sent everywhere he wont feel the need to go there anymore because it smells like him.
you repeat this everyday because human sent eventally takes over again erasing the cats sent

good luck i hope it works
people i have told it to was 25
people it worked for16

Answer 5

Go to Dr FosterSmith .com there are lots of products that can help you. Take you cat to the Vet he is marking his territory. He needs to be neutered. You should have done this before this behavior started though because sometime once they start they don't stop even after the surgery. You can also ask your Vet what to use.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

I'm so sorry honey, unfortunately there is no solution. Well maybe some but they all suck. #1 give him to a farm so he is outside or #2 euthanize him
They just wont stop. I tried myself and my leather couches are toast. He was lucky though a lot of people would have just dumped him but I chose to have him euthanized. It was hard cause he was a real awesome friendly cat. Chester turned out to be a sadly ironic name. So sorry to hear. P.S. It was a really hard choice.

Answer 8

start with shapoooooo try get rid of the smell first then use 2 sideded tape put down keep cat out [ cats hate glue sticks to paw get it ]

Answer 9

Put down a kitty pad so you r kitty cat will use the restroom on the kitty pad instead of the furniture.

Answer 10

use a leash and tie him/her to his/her litter box. it works, my cat used to poop on the couch. i tie him next to his litter box until he poops or pees in there. they`ll get used to it.