Cat problem... urgently need advice

[Tiffany0204]

I've posted before about the problems that my cats have had.

They've always been the type to pee on things. I put up with it because I made a committment to them in getting them in the first place. They've done this for as long as I've had them. I don't know why they do it, I guess it's just one of those 'things'.

They've always had fresh food, clean water, lots of catnip and toys.

The problem is that now that I've gotten the dog, the peeing has gotten worse and worse. I don't know how to figure out how to stop it. I still play with them, I pay attention to them, they have their "safe" area away from Gizmo so he can't get to them but still, the second something of mine falls to the floor, they're peeing on it.

I've bought all the nifty products to try and combat the smell, but the truth of the matter is that I cannot afford to be constantly replacing my things. I have had to throw out 2 new jackets, because no matter how hard I tried, the cat urnine smell would not come out. My $300 duvet and $75 duvet cover is going to have to be replaced as well. My $150 luggage set that my mother bought me is garbage now as well.

I'm incredibly frustrated. I have no idea what the problem is. My friends say it's Gizmo, but I'm not about to sit there and get rid of him. Plus, this problem has been around since before him. I want to rehome them, because I feel that there might be someone better equipped to figure out what it is that the problem is.

This is where it gets sticky. I am hearing preaching from the masses as to how I'm "replacing" my cats with my dog. "Don't get one just to get rid of the other". Which wasn't the case at all. Don't they realize that if I truly wanted to get rid of them, I would have done so long ago?

I've been trying to make this work but I am not financially sound enough to be replacing my things. Even if they just peed on the carpet. I could deal with that. I bought a steam cleaner. But it's all my personal things that they just go and pee on. I can't take it anymore.

I had an appointment with my vet to rule out any bladder problems, but that's not the case. The best he said is that it's a behavioural problem.

I'm at my rope's end. Does anyone know how I can combat this? If I don't have to get rid of them that'd be best, but I just don't know how to get through to the cats to make them stop peeing on everything. I just want to sit and cry when I think about all my stuff from the past 6 years that I've had to throw out because they've peed on them.

I'm so depressed. Not to mention all the comments I get from my friends when I talk about rehoming them. None of them want to help me try and fix the problem, but they're all so quick to have a negative comment about it. And my house. They won't come over because everything smells too much like cat urine.

I can't bring people over and I find I'm starting to resent the cats for doing all of this. I feel like I've failed as a pet owner. Does anyone know what I could do?

Again, fresh food, fresh water, daily. Clean litter box. Lots of toys. One friend said they just sounded spoiled, but I've seen spoiled cats that don't do this.

Please, if anyone could give some non-discrimitory advice, I'd be forever grateful.

[poodlesmom]

Cats can definitely be finicky creatures. How many litterboxes do you have set up? Many times in multiple cat households you will find cats don't like to share their litterbox. Also, litterboxes should be located in an out-of-the way place with some privacy for some. Over the years I have also found that certain cats definitely have a preference over the type of litter that is used. Experiment with different types and see if that helps. Some cats like the open style litterbox while others prefer the covered type.

If it was a relatively new problem and they were up there in years I'd say possibly it was senility setting in. The last 2 years I had Tootsie she stopped using the litterbox most of the time. Medical exam & tests proved no problem with her. I had to restrict her to the laundry room to keep her accidents from being all over. The only time she was out was when she was snuggling with me or I could keep a close eye on her.

I would keep bedroom doors closed and if possible try to restrict their access to the whole house until you figure out a solution. Since you know they have this problem you will have to be extra diligent about keeping high value items out of their reach.

[linnie]

could you perhaps make an area where the cats can get out of doors but in an enclosed area. Dont allow them free reign of your house.
I know what you mean about the smell it turns my stomach.
Also try liberal amounts of white vinager and see if this helps with the smell when you find something peed on.

I dont see anything wrong with rehoming something as long as you dont just dump them on anyone but make sure they are going to be cared for and loved.
The final decision is yours not your friends and lets face it they arnt living with the problem.
good luck whatever you decide

[britishbandit]

Ahhhhaaa! I have first hand experience with this! Both my cats are neutered, and they still (used to) have certain pee spots around the house that they "stuck to". I tried all kinds of stuff to stop it, all the usual cleaning products that claim to prevent it, well they didn't work.
First off, make sure there are sufficient litters placed around the house and they are kept clean DAILY. I know sometimes it doesn't seem that they need to be done, there's little in it right? But it does help even to get those few "little clumps" out.
Next, use an amonia free product, and clean the area thouroughly. If there is a specific "open" area where the cat is peeing, try moving a litter box there, over the spot they currently "prefer" to go.
If you have a few spots they liked like I did, try this, it helped a lot with my guys. And you can't have 5 or 6 litter boxes spread throughout the house, that just looks messy...haha. Again, clean the areas thouroughly. Now this may sound strange, and you may get some pretty hyper cats...lol. But sprinkle cat nip on these cleaned up pee areas. Not excessively, but give it a good "rub in" on the area (works best on carpeting). Because of a cats tendency to "roll in cat nip", it seems to defer them from peeing in those areas. They don't want to pee in a spot that they want to roll about it...lol The top of the stairs at my place was the "common" spot for peeing before. Since I've done this I've had no problems, but I make sure to "top it up" a bit every couple of weeks.
Anyway, just a few things you could try, I know doing those few simple things saved my sanity!

Oh, out of curiosity, is this peeing or spraying? Mine were strictly peeing, but it may help with spraying as well, but I'm not sure.

[Jamila]

I had a cat that did that too. She would pee on my jacket as soon as she saw it. Heck she peed on whatever was mine and always right in front of me. I had to rehome her. I dont think that you rehomeing the cats would be bad on your part. I completely understand. At least your smart enough to find new homes instead of doing what most do and thats just kick the cat out. But do what YOU think is best for your situation. I support you either way!

[calgal]

First off don't talk to anyone anymore about the cats. Also you may have to evaluate who your friends really are. Next, do what YOU feel is right, and best for you, not them.
I have a neighbor who had two cats who were doing the exact same thing. It got so bad and so stinky that her husband moved out. Then she died and the floors had to be torn out and replaced. Guess it's about how much you want to put up with.

[DaisySunshine]

My vet recomended to me to have 1 litter box per cat per floor. Clean them out every day. The placement of the litter box may be the issue. The type of kitty litter could also be an issue.

Have your tried Feliway? Or Rescue Remedy in their water?

I have been in your position too. Hundreds, if not thousands of $$$, I spent trying to fix this problem and it was never fixed. What I found however, is that no one wanted a cat with a problem like this. No rescue group would take her.

This is a tough decision and Calgal is right, only you can make it. Just be sure you can live with the consequences of your decision. I found mine to be very difficult to live with.

[DaisySunshine]

Have you tried an animal behaviorist? I know money is an issue but it might help ease your mind before you make a decision. The behaviorist will come to your home, interview you and the cat, take a look your home and make recommendations to you.

[dogma]

I scanned the posts, sorry if I am repeating. Your cats may be covering a smell they don't like. It could be air fresheners, perfume, cleaning products, chemicals in fabric... Most things can be cleaned by simple water, except soap scum and grease. Try buying products without perfumes. They could be competing for territory, or something else. If you catch them in the act, I would possibly crate them awhile, or separate them to be alone awhile. You might consider a crate when you are away. Best of luck to you.

[Carrie]

I had the same problem. When I had the first cat....no problem. The minute I started adding more cats, the marking started. They're so much more territorial than dogs. I know of many who do this, but some people who do not have this problem. It's the worst....cat urine. That's why I'll never have another cat as long as I live, even though I like them. I made my last two barn cats. I just can't see having the house destroyed. Maybe you can find someone who needs a barn cat. They can still get attention when people go out to the barn and they can hang out with the horses. I don't know what else to tell you. They are incredibly territorial and once they start, I don't have a clue what to do about it seeing as they're not pack animals and have no need to go along with "rules." I'm sorry you're facing this problem.

[Tiffany0204]

Update

I ended up having to go back to the IAMS food. I took them off of it because I wanted them on something better, but no matter how good the food was, they'd throw it back up. So after hemming and hawing, I decided to go back to the IAMS, and now there's no more vomit. I guess it's just what their system wants I suppose.

Anyways, after lots of thoughts and whatnot, I decided to re-home Sammi. He's the more affectionate of the two, and has never fully adapted to having Gizmo here. So he's with a lady that my parents found for me. She was so excited to have Sammi! As we were leaving, her neighbours (in the apartment building) all were peeking out of their doors, waiting for my father and I to leave so they could go see the new "baby".

She seemed very nice. She's under strict orders that if it doesn't work out for any reason, she's to return Sam to me. I don't want her giving him away to someone else or letting him go loose and whatnot. It's been very hard for me, but it really had to be done. I've been kinda down in the dumps about it, just feeling like a cruddy pet owner.

But the change in Felix! WOW! I thought for sure he'd be all depressed having Sammi gone, but he's turned back into the affectionate cat that he was before I brought Sam home. I wonder if all these years he's been upset that there was another cat here. Now he's much more sociable, and you can tell in his demeanor that he's alot happier.

Gizmo is still Gizmo. lol

Well, thanks for all your advice, and letting me vent. It's appreciated. I miss Sam, but I'm happy knowing he's getting spoiled rotten by his new owner.