Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi - my cat, Zoe, has had litter box problems for the last 2 years, which have gotten progressively worse. It began with just peeing on clothes or fabric, which she seems to prefer, to now peeing (and pooping four times!) on our couch. I'm at my wits end and b/c of this and her worsening cardiomyopathy, I am thinking of putting her to sleep, which I desperately don't want to do.

There's no signals that seem to have started this problem or to have made it worsen to where it is today. It's gotten a lot worse in the past few weeks. Before, we could just keep her out of certain rooms, not leave clothes where she could jump (and therefore pee) on them, but now it's to the point where she'll pee on couches, chairs and beds.

We keep their litterboxes very clean, have 5 of them (for 3 cats) and have tried different litters, locations, Nature's Miracle, Buspar, etc. but nothing is working. 2 of the litter boxes are even kept completely empty, as we've found she prefers this (just slightly less than fabric).

She was diagnosed with congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart - can't cure) over 1 yr. ago - she was given about 6 months to live, but has obviously gone past that. One problem is that with the heart problem, fluid gathers around her lungs, so she takes furosemide, which flushes the fluid away from her lungs, making her need to pee more often. Beyond keeping her in the basement (which would significantly decrease her quality of life), which I also desperately do not want to do or putting her to sleep, we are at a loss. Does anyone have any other suggestions?? She does tend to pee in the same places (which is currently our couches), but once we try to deter her from one favorite place, she comes up with a completely different one (and one that seems to get progressively worse - like deterring her from clothes, so then she'll move to the bed! This seems to be how the whole things has worsened...)

She is such a wonderful, friendly, loving cat; it's so incredibly hard to think of putting her to sleep before I'll need to (as I know that time will come with her heart condition) but it's causing strain in my fiancee and my's relationship and ruining everything, and causing a LOT of work and frustration. I'm going to the pet store today to see if those scat pads will work, to help keep her off the furniture (anyone had any success with these?).... Help!

Kim

Did something change in your life style two years ago that would make this a behave thing? Maybe if you try one of those comfort zone plug ins. Hopefully some one else can give you better advice.

Jaime

Because your cat is obviously being treated for the cardiomyopathy, your vet is perhaps the best resource for help with this problem. I have a strong feeling the two are inter-related especially since the cat seems to be on some form of diuretic. There may be some problems with the way he feels when the urge hits that is causing the choice of other things.

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

Thanks for the suggestions. I've discussed it with my vet, but that hasn't helped much - our latest "thing" was to try the Buspar, which she has been on for a few months now. Obviously not working! I don't think that my vet has had much experience with cardiomyopathy so I don't know if she'll be any more help if this is related to her disease. I'm thinking of talking with my boyfriend's vet about it. I did go out and get a "scat mat" yesterday and that has kept her away from the couch. (Also bought three - one gallon jugs of Nature's Miracle!!) I'm just hoping that she doesn't move to something else - like the carpet. She did use the litter box yesterday to go both, so that was a small victory! I haven't tried to put her in one room yet - I think that will be my next move! Thanks again!!

Kim

I would just like to mention here that Buspar is the drug of choice for treating litterbox problems that are caused by anxiety. And I understand the success rate is very high. Since your cat is not responding, that would make me even further suspect that whatever meds she is taking for a diuretic are probably more at fault than simple anxiety. An animal behaviorist might be able to help. Also try putting around more litterboxes. Perhaps the urge to urinate comes on suddenly and strongly and perhaps additional boxes might help.

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

Thanks for the suggestion of what it might be! There was really nothing that changed 2 years ago - although she did start having some kind of allergic reaction around that time - bumps around her head and neck that itched - I don't know if that would have anything to do with it. We did move in with my fiance one year ago, but it didn't seem to escalate then - just within the last few months - nothing has really changed within the last few months. I don't know if the allergic reaction had anything to do with it....

Kim