I have a cat problem -- need advice.

[AngryOldDem]

We've had this cat for about two years. She is a sweet Tortie that was a stray. She is in good health, up to date on her shots, spayed and declawed, and is wonderful to be around...except for the fact that she all of a sudden has started urinating in places she's not supposed to.

She's gone on the carpet once (actually, she sprayed, and this was done right in front of us), but prefers bathroom rugs. We have closed off both upstairs bathrooms to her and put in a second litter box in the downstairs half-bath. (Her main box is in the basement.) We thought that had solved the problem, but yesterday she urinated on a pair of my son's pants, which were on his bedroom floor. That was a first. So now, we're making it a point not to have anything on the floors (like clothes) at all. This is extremely frustrating because this is the first time since we adopted her that she's shown this kind of behavior, and we are at a loss to explain it. (Also, if we inadvertently leave an upstairs bath door open, she more often than not will wet the rug.)

We're running out of options...if this keeps up despite all our best efforts we may need to give her up -- which is extremely upsetting, but we can't have the house stinking of cat piss. The only "positive" thing is that she's not indiscriminate -- she seems to favor rugs and now stuff piled on the floor -- so that seems to rule out anything physical(she just went to the vet last month). And she gets plenty of love and attention (on her terms, of course), so I don't think this is coming from spite.

Any advice/suggestions/theories?

[latebloomer]

1. We tried something that pretty much eliminated the problem

with our male cat. It reduced the incidence a great deal.

It's a kitty litter called "Cat Attract." It's mixed with some kind of herb that they like. It's way expensive, but worth it.

The pheromone thing, which some recommend, did not work for us. Neither did multiple catboxes and frequent litterbox cleaning.

[spinbaby]

2. She's telling you something is wrong

To the vet you go. We've had this problem before and it's always been from a medical problem-- infection or tumor.

[latebloomer]

4. Ours wasn't, but

you do have to first rule out a medical cause.

AOD, when you went to the vet last month was she specifically checked out for this problem?

[AngryOldDem]

9. We mentioned it to the vet but she didn't think it was much of a problem.

She seemed to be more concerned if it was more spraying than basic urinating.

[Gormy Cuss]

8. +1

It's sometimes a litter box aversion problem but too often it's a medical issue. Most cats don't like urinating in places where it will attract attention.

eta: your cat is choosing absorbent, soft places to urinate because that's what cats prefer. That you took her to the vet last month doesn't exclude the possibility of a FLUTD.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_lower_urinary_tract_disease

[nuxvomica]

3. My first thought is a urinary tract infection or blockage

Cats will try different venues if they are having difficulty or pain. It's not clear from your OP whether that's been ruled out.

[Bertha Venation]

5. +1. Take kitty to the vet.

Have her checked out. Sometimes it's not behavioral.

Good luck!

[WillParkinson]

6. Our cat was stressed because of a new addition...

Our vet suggested Feliway.

I do agree with everyone else, though. Check with your vet first.

[joeybee12]

7. Take her to the vet...when cats show you their pee...they're telling

you something is wrong...urinary infections are very common in cats, could be something easily treatable.

[AngryOldDem]

10. Thanks, all...I'm calling the vet right now. n/t

[Heidi]

11. She has a problem and she's trying to tell you. Please take her to the vet.

Please, please, please get her some medical attention. Cats do not suddenly change their urination/defecation behavior without very good reason.

[AngryOldDem]

12. She's going Wednesday afternoon.

During the day on Wednesday, we have to clean her litter box, put a small batch of litter in a large Ziplock bag, and then confine her and the box to a small area. If all goes according to plan, she will scratch at the bag, feel/sense the litter, go, and later we will collect the specimen from the box. If she doesn't go (and the office said sometimes cats will hold it), that will be addressed at the vet's.

Unfortunately we have to use the half-bath for this, because our basement does not have a door in the area where her box is. It's going to be a VERY long day for her -- and for us.

[ChickMagic]

13. We've had numerous cats

and when a female starts urinating in bad places, she's telling you
that she has a bladder or kidney infection. We had a really smart
cat once that urinated in the bathtub when she had a problem. That
way, we could see blood in her urine. Your tortie needs to go to the
vet.

The special cat litter mentioned upthread is a good idea too. I think
we're going to get some for our male cat who is distressed about the
new female in the house.

[ChickMagic]

14. A better idea

Use a small litter box and fill it with lentils. They are inert, will not absorb
the urine, and cats like the way they scratch. You can easily pour the urine into a jar.
You'll have to lock her in the bathroom with the litter box until she goes.

[AngryOldDem]

15. Thanks!

I certainly hope she doesn't have an infection (or worse). But the fact that this suddenly started is worrisome.

I've been racking my brain, but the only change she's had has been with her cat litter. We switched to a different brand this time out...I notice the difference (my eyes burn and water whenever I smell it) so maybe she does, too... Dunno. I worry just about as much with this critter as I do about my kids.

[Gormy Cuss]

16. There's a good chance she hates the litter

and is acting out because of it but it's good to rule out a problem with her urinary tract just in case.

[ChickMagic]

22. That might have something to do with it

But I'd want to rule out a UT infection. When you put the lentils in the box, just cover the bottom. Don't fill it deep. The vet could supply you with some inert charcoal to do the same thing, but lentils are much cheaper and work just as well. Good, positive vibes are being sent your way for you and your baby. :pals:

[Heidi]

19. Sending good vibes for your girl and you.

:hug: :hug:

[Born_A_Truman]

17. Classic signs of a UTI

Glad you're taking her to the vet.

[Truthiness Inspector]

18. Declawing

This could be the problem. Of course, rule out other medical reasons like urinary tract infections/bladder/kidney problems.

I had a cat who was already declawed when I adopted her, and within about a year or so she began urinating on soft materials just like your cat is doing. That lead me to research what could be wrong because multiple tests came back clean and clear for any physiological problems. It was a behavorial problem, most likely caused by having been declawed. The problem is that cats who have been declawed (which constitutes the AMPUTATION of the first digits, not just "claw removal") experience pain while having to use those stubs to dig in cat litter. So, going on something soft is preferable.

As far as getting rid of cat urine odor, the absolute best product out there is called "Out!" which I've only found at Wal-Mart and very few other places. I had much better results than with Nature's Miracle or any other product.

I really hope you don't get rid of your cat over this. I know it's tough, been there, done that for many years until my cat passed away years later from kidney failure. I just managed it, and made a point of minimizing potential targets like even one piece of clothing on the floor. My house didn't reek because I kept on top of treating any areas she nailed.

One thing I didn't think of then, but is occurring to me now is that it might be interesting to try putting cloth or some similar soft materials in her cat box instead of litter and see what happens. You could then treat/wash those materials and reuse.

[AngryOldDem]

21. That never occurred to me. Thanks for the suggestions!

If I had to bet, I would say right now that it's because of the cat litter. We can tell when she's used it because her feet stink of it, whereas with the old litter, they never did. I have since stopped using the new stuff and have gone back to the old. But I won't rest easy until the vet has a look.

We don't want her to leave us, and we'll try anything and everything to make sure that doesn't happen.

[carlyhippy]

20. hmmm...

did you change litter brands? Maybe she doesn't like the scent

UTI?

Are the litter boxes in a loud location, or maybe she was frightened by something in the basement and she is afraid to use the box? I think this was the reason why mine did the same thing for a while years ago (see below)


My cat did this when she was younger, she had a thing for piles of clothing, and satiny type stuff, like sleeping bags. she eventually got over it, and I hope yours does also.

[LiberalEsto]

23. Sounds like a urinary tract problem

She's trying to tell you she's in pain.
Please take her to the vet.
But also try giving her a teaspoonful or two of plain yogurt daily.
My vet advised me to do this for my cats, and it cleared up their problem without medications. Now I feed them yogurt several times a week, and they adore it. So do our dogs.

[Justyce]

24. We rescued an outside cat & brought him in. We fought the

peeing on the floor problem for nearly a year. He also kept trying to get outside. He was just pissed because we were forcing him to stay inside & he preferred being an outside cat after having a taste of it... Not an option for yours though because she's declawed.