Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 12 year old male cat shocked me the other day by urinating my favorite chair in the living room. I have 2 cats and 2 litter boxes. The smaller "secondary" box was very dirty at the time, but the other much larger box that this cat needs to use b/c of his size had been clean less than 24 hours before. This is extremely out of character for this cat. He has never in 12 years urinated anywhere outside of the litter box. Could it be just that he was angry about the other box being dirty? Or could he be having some kind of trouble? I had a cat when I was child that never did anything wrong in his life, until he got sick and one day peed on my clothes that were laying on my bed. My mother kicked him out of the house (he was indoor/outdoor) and he ran off into the woods and we found him dead. I know it's sad, but I just worry the same could happen to this cat. He is overweight and has had problems pooping, although I switched his food and he has had a slightly easier time with that. Suggestions, comments, ideas....would be greatly appreciate by myself and Bubba

There is always a reason a cat does something out of the norm for that cat. It's either a behavioral situation or a medical one. At 12 years old, it is very possible your cat may have a urinary tract infection, or other medical condition that needs immediate attention. It is usually best to rule out any medical causes before looking to behavior as the cause. Good luck and keep us posted!

Since the urine accident, this cat has been acting a little bit strange at time. 2 nights ago, he seemed very uncomfortable like he couldn't find a comfy position. He would carefully place his bottom flat on the floor and slightly straighten his back leg out to make his butt sit there flatter, then after that he would just lay down. About 10 mins later, he would do the same thing again. To makes things more confusing, he left a little poo poo present in the dining room this morning. I won't be able to take him to see a vet until this weekend, due to my new work schedule with a brand new job that I can't take any time away from. I'm wondering if he is unhappy with his new food or maybe something more serious ?

I cannot urge you enough to get the cat to the vet if you haven't already. If you have not taken him, then please do so ASAP after reading this. Do not delay. If the vet is closed call and see if an emergency service is available or recommended. If work interfers, then please ask a trusted friend or relative to do this for you. From your description of his "discomfort" you may have a medical emergency in the making.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Please take your cat in to see a vet right away. Your cat is obviously trying to make himself feel more comfortable in that area judging by your description of his actions. This could well be a medical emergency that could develop quite rapidly, so please don't hesitate in taking him in to see a vet. Do let us know what happens too.
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Dottie
Proudly owned by The Catnip Crew...Munchkin,Casey,Maddie,Harley,Meadow,Ashley,Nicky and Mushka

>>My 12 year old male cat shocked me the other day by urinating my favorite chair in the living room. I have 2 cats and 2 litter boxes. The smaller "secondary" box was very dirty at the time, but the other much larger box that this cat needs to use b/c of his size had been clean less than 24 hours before. This is extremely out of character for this cat. He has never in 12 years urinated anywhere outside of the litter box. Could it be just that he was angry about the other box being dirty? Or could he be having some kind of trouble? I had a cat when I was child that never did anything wrong in his life, until he got sick and one day peed on my clothes that were laying on my bed. My mother kicked him out of the house (he was indoor/outdoor) and he ran off into the woods and we found him dead. I know it's sad, but I just worry the same could happen to this cat. He is overweight and has had problems pooping, although I switched his food and he has had a slightly easier time with that. Suggestions, comments, ideas....would be greatly appreciate by myself and Bubba

Take your cat to the vet right away. It's very possible he could have a urianry infection and especially in male cats, you need to have this treated right away so a blockage does not occur. Since you have had no prior problems with this cat in this manner, I would definitely get him ot the vet for a urine sample analysis.
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Dottie
Proudly owned by The Catnip Crew...Munchkin,Casey,Maddie,Harley,Meadow,Ashley,Nicky and Mushka

Bubba went to the Vet earlier this week. He told us that he looks to be very healthy, examined him and decided that the urinating was a behavioral act, showing his anger toward us. We have 2 litter boxes, the smaller one (that he for some reason prefers over the one he actually fits well inside) was unreasonabily saturated at the time, but the other box had been cleaned no more than 24 hours prior. He's never peed on anything in 12 years, I don't think he'd be THAT angry about the litterbox this time, but I'm not the Vet I guess. He did check the cat out and saw that his lil butt was sore and very raw and sprayed something on there to help that and suggested taking him off canned food altogether. I had been feeding 1/4 can in the evening along with the proper doseage of dry formula. He suggested that I continue with the ne dry food that I had chosen and it would be fine for both the cats, which is Iams Weight Management with Hairball Care. Thank you, everyone, for your valueable advice and concern, it is much appreciated!

Did the vet do a urine sample? If your cat pees inappropriately again and the vet did not do a urine sample, I would insist on one before accepting that it is a behavior issue. It's what I would do if one of mine were to do that after 12 years of no accidents.
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Dottie
Proudly owned by The Catnip Crew...Munchkin,Casey,Maddie,Harley,Meadow,Ashley,Nicky and Mushka