My cat started going to the bathroom on our downstairs floor a long time ago. I have tried using products to prevent him from doing it and so forth. It is not working. Also, he has picked one spot in my brother's bedroom where he urinates. Also, could someone tell me the exact difference between just urinating and spraying? I always thought he was spraying because of the smell, but have found out that just their urine smells strongly as well. He has been neutered. My problem is that I have heard that once a cat starts he won't stop and there is nothing you can really do. I am going to be moving out within the next year and I am really nervous about what he is going to do when he moves with me. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what I can do?
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Need help with longtime problem
Replies (2)
The cat needs to go to the vet for a check up ASAP. Urinating on soft things often means there is a urinary infection present.
If all is clear on the health front, then the problem is behavioral. You will need to take steps to retrain the cat to the box. Basically you need to confine the cat to a room like a bathroom, or a large cage with only food, water, bedding and the litterbox. As he begins to use the litterbox consistantly you can expand his space. There is more information at this link:
Litterbox Problems
Cats need easy access to boxes and you may need to put several boxes around the house.Be sure to keep all boxes very, very clean. Scoop at least once a day! There is also a product called "Cat Attract" litter which can help retrain a cat to using the box.
You need to thoroughly deodorize wherever the cat has been peeing. Petastic is highly recommended as is Heaven's Own. It is the smell of the "accidents" that causes a cat to reuse the place.
Check into using Feliway, a spray that mimics the happy scent cats leave when they rub their check against something. You can get it from your vet or from Cat Faeries at http://www.catfaeries.com
If you visit the website, you will see a phone number that you can call and for a fee discuss your cat's problems with someone. The person who does this is very knowlegeable and it may be worth the $$ for you. Feliway is also available in most large pet supply stores. There is also a plug-in with Feliway that can help.
Finally, if all else fails, ask you vet about using an antianxiety medication such as Buspar or Prozac. These very often work, however the decision to prescribe them will rest solely with your veterinarian who will be able to monitor the dosage and side effects.
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Seems PHMA has covered all the bases for you! You really need to make sure it's not a urinary tract or medical problem first. Unfortunately, by urinating outside the litterbox is the only way for them to let us know something is not right.
When you move, it may actually resolve the problem. Just make sure to introduce your cat into the new environment by having familiar items and scents available and lots of love and reassurance!
Good Luck
