Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Skitty has some social issues when it comes to living with my husband. I travel A LOT! and come home to stories about how she's peed in his favorite chair (once 4 nights in a row). I've tried nature's miracle and other odor removing products to treat the chair as well as adding another litter box and putting things in the chair to block her access. Any suggestions? Yes, there is another cat in the house and he does bully her sometimes. Litter boxes are on opposite ends of the house. Getting rid of the husband or the cat is not an option...
Lora

I am not sure it is hating your husband that is causing Skitty to pee in his chair. If she hated your husband she would more likely act out by hissing at him or threatening him or hiding from him. It probably stems from the other cat who is bullying her. Is this a cat she has lived with all her life? Or is it a cat your husband has brought into your marriage? The answer could make a lot of difference in how you treat the problem.

If you can't stop this problem, then you should consult with the vet about the possibility of using antianxiety drugs like Buspar or Prozac and also see if he/she can recommend an animal behaviorist. Your vet will hopefully be able to guide you if other steps fail to solve this problem.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thanks for the reply! The first thing I did when Skitty started marking was take her to the vet. They know her well because we went through a year of trying to diagnose her incomplete spay that nearly drove us crazy. No UTI, so it seems behavioural. We've been blocking her access to the chair for a couple months, but she keeps going back to it.

She does hide and run away from my husband. If he's really still or sleeping though, she'll sniff him cautiously (we call it the "is he dead yet" game). She came from a local shelter as a young adult almost 3 years ago and the "new cat" has been with us 2 years. Went through a slow process of introduction and though he bullies her sometimes with persistant attempts to engage her in play, she approaches him often for mutual washing.

I'm not really comfortable with drugging the cat, but I'd like her to mellow out abit and not be so fearful. I'll check out the Feliway site. Thanks again!

Hi Lora,
MA gave you very good advice. I have one question though. Does Skitty urinate inappropriately when you are home? If not, this may be her way of telling you she does not like you being away from home. Cats can suffer from seperation anxiety.
Purrs,
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Munchie

Skitty has very rarely marked when I'm home. I do think she suffers from seperation anxiety but other than giving her medication, I don't know what I can do about it. My job requires travel often on short notice. When I'm out of town, Skitty is mostly out of sight. My friends call her the imaginary cat because they never see her other than in pictures.
She seems to worship me and I just wish she could transfer some of that need for affection to my husband for both their sakes.
Lora

You might try having your husband be the only person who handles Skitty's dishes and food. Hopefully the Feliway will help somewhat!

Good luck!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!