She started doing this about 2 years ago. Lived with another older female. Both spayed when they were young. Both are rescues.
I thought she was needed more attention; her "people" were getting a divorce and going their own way, not spending much time at home with her. I adopted her because I knew I could give her attention and my 2 neutered boys are very submissive. For 2 weeks, she was great, no marking, then it began. She is such a sweet girl, and I fear putting her down is the only answer. I'm broken hearted over this thought, but can't honestly give her to someone else with this behavior.
PLEASE!! I need help.
2007-02-21 09:37:06 · 6 answers · asked by Nancy P 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Why on earth would you think that putting her down is the only option? Would you euthanize a child because he/she is wetting the bed? No? So, why would you kill an animal for essentially doing the same thing.
You need to find out why she is doing this. There are several of possibilities.
Urinary tract infection. Urinating outside the box is a very common side effect of a cat with a urinary infection. She associates the box with pain (and it is painful for a cat), so she disassociates herself with the source of discomfort. Suggestion, take her to the vet to rule out this possibility, or get treatment if its the case.
Litter box. Either it is not clean enough for her liking, or she doesn't like the type of litter. With three cats, you are going to need to clean out the box every day, if not more. A second box, elsewhere in the house is another option.
Change. Since you took her from the house where she grew up, she might be "rebelling". Cats are not good with change, and she might be showing her "dislike" to the other cats, and her new surroundings.
If you just can't handle it, please give her to someone who can, and has the time and patience to take care of her.
2007-02-21 09:52:59 · answer #1 · answered by Audrey A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually spraying is for territorial reasons. She is trying to establish herself as queen of the house so to speak. I wouldn't put her down. Be patient with her. Give her lots of attention and let her know that she is loved and the other cats are not a threat to her. She may stop this behavior once she thinks she has established dominance with the male cats that you have.
Stress could also be a factor in her spraying and it sounds like she has already been stressed by her moving in with you. There could be other factors as well. Are there any other reasons why she might feel that her territory is threatened? Are there any strays hanging around outside? Is she being bullied by the other cats when you are not looking?
It is vital to discover under which situations the problems occur as treatment often depends on defining any specific anxiety-inducing triggers for the behaviour. Please do not give up on her and have her put down. I am sure there is help out there for her if you only look.
2007-02-21 17:50:50 · answer #2 · answered by Turtle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you put a cat down for something like that??? Most REPUTABLE veterinarians never put down cats unless their quality of life is severely decreased or will be decreased soon. She's marking her territory, which is what animals do. Maybe you could find her a home with someone who doesn't have another cat, so that way this cat wouldn't feel the need to be territorial.
2007-02-21 17:41:57 · answer #3 · answered by mighty_power7 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem with my cats. What i have found out is that they usually will mark their territory on top of where another cat has in the past, even if you have new carpet the smell could be in the floor boards, even in the molding. My advise is to invest in a black light ( they show where cat urine is ) and then spot treat the stains with carpet cleaner made for pet odors. Follow the directions on that and then clean your carpet with a rug doctor vacuum cleaner. If she still goes on your carpet after all of that then I'm not sure what to do...hope this little bit of info helped.
2007-02-21 18:07:31 · answer #4 · answered by alana:) 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with mighty_po! I had a cat that was about 4 years old who had not had any problems and then a friend found a pregnant cat that the owner usually took the kittens and put them in a bag attached a stone and threw them in a pond. We took one of the kittens and then my older cat starting reacting the same as yours. After trying to work with her, we eventually had to find her a new home where she was very happy.
2007-02-21 17:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by brenwein777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Erg....Um, maybe you could go to the library and check a book out about training cats or something???Maybe search it???Go to the vet???Srry, I have no idea...
2007-02-21 17:43:10 · answer #6 · answered by Luna 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋