Cat peeing/marking

[Ttaylor]

I used to post on here about my diabetic kitty. Everyone is so helpful. Punkin was diet controlled and passed from old age.
His friend tommy is a gray tabby. Tommy pees and poops on the floor. My husband won't let him out if the kitty room for long. He was out 5 minutes the other day and peed on the baby's changing table.
I've said we need to put things for him to climb and claim in the living room but dh doesn't think it'll work. I watch a lot of my cat from hell. Anyone have this problem? He used to do it in my prior marriage but only peed on my husbands clothes. Help!

 

[BJM]

You must rule out medical problems first.

Here is a list I compiled previously. Some of the items may not apply.
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You might try an integrated approach using multiple options from the list below on a consistent basis:

* start with crating, using a medium large crate (30" long is big enough for cat and a litterbox) until progress. She probably won't go where she'd have to lie in it ... but if she does, something is wrong and it may be medical.

* tarps and newspapers may be easier on clean up if you don't crate her

* feeding on a schedule and then placing her in the litterbox (maybe in a crate) within 15-20 minutes after eating, until she goes, then praising and letting her out.

* Feliway/Comfort Zone - friendly facial pheromones which reduce stress and may reduce marking behavior. Cheapest prices are usually on the net (ex http://www.LambertVetSupply.com ) I've used it and it helps.

* Cat Attract litter - supposed to help attract cat to litter box

* rule out arthritis or constipation - pain causes box avoidance

* watch if the other cats ever attack her in the box and if so, you may need to keep her separated from them. I've got one the others attack, completely unprovoked.

* littebox should be 1.5 times length of cat, litter cleaned frequently, but avoid really strong smelling cleaners as cats may avoid them due to the scent.

* you've got to get residual odors out from areas which were 'nailed' - Nature's Miracle is one option and has good reviews. It _can_ require repeated applications.

* regular play sessions of about 15 minutes to reduce stress and promote bond with you

* reward desirable behaviors - if you see her use the box, praise and treat her

* put unpleasant textures in places she has peed to encourage avoidance

* read some of this author's books: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/ she's pretty good - ex "Starting from Scratch"

Good luck.

 

[MelanieP and Ninja]

I love that show, "My Cat from Hell." LOL!! I agree with you. I think (assuming your cat does not have a medical problem) that this could be related to being cooped up in the "kitty room." I think when you let him out of the one room and into the rest of the house, he is quickly peeing/marking to say, "this space is mine....I want this space." And the more you keep him cooped up...the more this will happen when he gets out.

Maybe if you tried giving Tommy free reign of the house, but place several litter boxes around the areas where he is currently peeing (it's just temporary), that the peeing might stop. It might take a few days though - until he figures out he is not going back to kitty jail. LOL!! Then you could start cutting back on the litter boxes. Might be worth a try.

Also, as you said, building some areas where the cat could get up high and claim the space might help too.

Good luck!!!