I have 2 indoor cats that are 6 years old. Up until about 6 months ago they used the litter box with no problem. Now all of a sudden one if not both are going outside the box and all over the house. I havent moved, no new furniture, nothing has changed at all. I'm curious why now and what I can do to fix the issue..
2007-06-01 02:39:00 · 10 answers · asked by jmonqt3 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Coming from the standpoint of a vet nurse, this is a pretty common question. I'm assuming they're having urinary "accidents".
First of all, when you have cats, the rule of thumb not a lot of people know is: one litterbox (at least) per cat. That's not to say they won't share, but it's just enough "room" per cat, generally speaking. When cats have accidents, go out of your way to keep an extra box (so 3 in your case), and go extra special out of your way to keep them all pristine... a clean box is more appealing to any cat.
Now, let's think about two of the three biggest reasons cats have accidents: infection and stress. Spend the money, get a urinalysis on both cats (or at least the "suspect"). Ruling out infection (and crystals that can irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra) will save time and aggravation in the long run.
Stress can be caused by change. I see you said nothing changed, but sometimes cats who get along all their lives can eventually find it stressful to live with each other. Or, maybe someone in the neighborhood got an outdoor cat who's stressing yours out. There are hormonal diffusers on the market you can buy (like a glade plugin but for cats) that releases antistress hormones. Talk to your vet about it. I think the brand name is "Feliway". Keep the areas clean with an anti scent product like "Nature's Miracle". These things will reduce stress.
Unfortunately, the third biggest reason cats have urinary accidents is a disease called "FLUTD" or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder. Basically, the cat has urges to pee, sometimes chronic infections, and can sometimes have crystals or (more typically in male cats) urinary blockages. The causes and treatments for FLUTD are speculated, but the truth really isn't known. Discuss your concerns about FLUTD with your vet.
By the way,
A URINARY BLOCKAGE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. If your cat isn't urinating enough or at all it can cause serious kidney damage, a ruptured bladder, or death.
2007-06-01 03:08:29 · answer #1 · answered by J D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have two very loving and friendly 6 year old cats. One has REGULARLY peed in different places most of his life no matter where we lived--the other NEVER does.
First take them to the vet and make sure they have no urinary tract problems, etc... Are they both fixed? I have had many cats and this one is the only one who seems to do this--maybe he wasn't fixed all the way??--spite?? knows there are other cats outside?? ??????
Our cat has no problem with the litter box; we think it is a territory thing. Once he finds a corner, or couch, or wall, he keeps doing it there. No one has been able to figure it out. He is the dominant of the two and since they are bro and sis; they have never been separated.
It is very hard to get rid of the urine smell....they still know it is there even if you don't think it is.
OH, what food do they eat? If it is not just a pee problem, definitely take them to the vet---with all these food recalls and all....
2007-06-01 03:01:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Huh. Odd. Very Odd. I would take both of them to the vet to see if they have a diareha problem or you can just tell the vet what has been happening. They probably do because they may be too far away from their litter box to get there in time. Maybe you should have a few more litter boxes around the house. Where do they usually hang around, put a litter box near there. Maybe you could put some plastic covering over the floors. Hopefully this'll stop!
2007-06-01 02:44:52 · answer #3 · answered by Maria M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of your cats may have a bladder infection. This would cause it to try other places besides the litter box. They think the litter box is causing the pain they are feeling upon urination. Maybe you need to put the cats in two seperate small rooms and see which one is the "culprit". Then take that one to the vet. Besides this, homes with cats need one litter box extra, over the number of cats in the house: two cats, three boxes. Do see which cat is doing this and take it to the vet, though.
2007-06-01 02:55:33 · answer #4 · answered by PR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, to begin with, the problem could be with you. Not everyone detects odors the same. For example, my wife cannot stand the smell of perfume, or other strong unnatural odors. That's one possibility. If your cat is still small, then defecating and peeing often is somewhat normal. My youngest cat (now a little over a year old) used to pee several times a day in small clumps, but only recently began peeing larger amounts once or twice a day. His feces also used to be very liquid, until it was suggested I change him to dry food (I used to feed him just canned food at first). If the odor really is that bad then maybe you need to look into what she's eating. (If there are no other symptoms, like throwing up a lot, or gas--believe me, cats do get gas!--then the problem is likely the food she's eating.) Depending on what you can afford, always try to feed her products that feature meat as the first, or primary, ingredient. Unfortunately, it's the meat that causes the odor, but cats are meat eaters, like it or not. And don't feed her just canned food, if that's what you've been doing. I have two bowls for my cats--one for dry food, which I always keep supplied--and one for canned food, which I put food into as needed. Oh yes, if you have a dog and a cat together, be sure they do not eat one another's food. Dogs will eat just about anything, but it's not good to allow them to do so. Cats are famously picky eaters, but if hungry they may be go after other food sources.
2016-05-18 04:49:08 · answer #5 · answered by kimberlie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you keeping the litter box clean? Or have you changed the type of litter? Other possibilities could be physical, get them checked by vet. If you live in an apartment, and there are other cats around (same applies if you live in a house), your cats could smell them and be responding to them.
2007-06-01 02:48:23 · answer #6 · answered by Julie F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try keeping the box clean, change the brand of litter
2007-06-01 04:19:04 · answer #7 · answered by syd p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check to see if there are stray cats outside. They can sense if strays are outside and they are marking their territory.
2007-06-01 03:27:31 · answer #8 · answered by Schwinn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check for a urinary tract infection. It is very common and very dangerous if not treated in time.
2007-06-01 02:47:25 · answer #9 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you spayed or neutered them yet. if not then they could be marking their territory/ or leaving a scent to attract a mate.
2007-06-01 08:51:28 · answer #10 · answered by jewel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋