Peeing again!!!

[Red wine lady]

Please help...We have a 6 year old large rescue cat, who we have had 4 months. After 2 weeks he started to pee behind the TV, so we took advice and bought Feliway plug in and everything was ok. Stupidly I did not renew the Feliway and he pee'd in the bathroom and once again pee'd behind the TV (it was so bad we had to cut a piece of the brand new carpet...just to get rid of the smell...we were honestly contemplating handing him back.

Anyway, things have been good for a couple of months (we buy Feliway ever month) but over the last few days he has started to pee in the bathroom again. Ironically we thought we had a leak because there was no smell...we only discovered it was Oscar when the mop I hadI used to to clean the 'water' up, absolutely stank of cat wee the day after (is that odd the pee did not smell instantly??) and so did the basket which got in the way. The vet has checked him out and he is fit and healthy.

I don't want to put another cat litter tray in the bathroom (other is in kitchen) as it's not a big house and I clean his cat litter out daily. I have cleaned the bathroom with the cat urine spray (which I don't think I did the first time round) and sprayed the area with 'Pet Behave Spray' . Oscar is house cat.

We love our huge moggy but living with the urine smell and the destruction of furniture and carpets is wearing.

Suggestions ?.

[Lilith]

Hi, there's another thread just started about cat wee smell - yes, it can take a while to go rancid and achieve the full ....errrm....bouquet.

I've had good results with bicarb of soda and a friend used it on carpet reeking from stagnant bathroom leakage and said it was miraculous. Ex Libris on the other thread recommends Nature's Miracle ... may be investing in that myself.

Oscar you bad lad will you realise you're in clover here, with a home so many poor rescue moggies dream of - and all you do is wee on it!

Give him a love and a telling off from me - they are a pest, so gorgeous but so naughty!

[Red wine lady]

Bicarbonate did not save my carpet unfortunately... but I'm off to have a look at the natures miracle. I will check out the other thread too...thank you as always xxx

[Red wine lady]

AND AGAIN! I LOVE HIM but he is absolutely driving us crazy!!! Once again in the bathroom (in fairness this is the best place, as it does not have carpet)...I caught him and I was not happy.

I think this is down to naughtiness, as there seems to be a pattern forming (3 times now), It seems to be when we come in from a night out. Last night we came in from work...spent an hour with him and then we went for a meal and returned around 2.5 hours later. He greeted us, we had a play and then he when upstairs and pee'd in the corner of the bathroom...same on all three occasions! One of us is with him 3/4 days a week and we are in 5 nights.

I've cleaned the floor and wall with hot water, then vinegar and then used the cat urine spray.

Any idea's to stop him??

[bobbys girl]

Our house is small as well, but we manage to fit in two trays, one in the back hall and one in the bathroom - alongside the loo. I've lost count of the number of times I have gone into the bathroom and found myself apologising for disturbing a cat. But at least they don't take a newspaper in there with them and it has stopped them peeing behind the sink!

[Red wine lady]

Bloody cats! I've just bought another Feliway defuser to use upstairs... however I will probably end up with another litter tray. Sighs xx

[Lilith]

Yes, I was forced to add an extra tray, when my old tomcat became faecally incontinent - trouble was, when he left us, the others had got used to using it too and I daredn't deprive them.

Oscar's behaviour reminds me of a terrier we had when I was in my teens. We'd never really trained him properly and he was a handful, but he was clean - except when we were all out. Then he took his revenge, and always on the newest bit of carpet available (my mother was always fussing about with new furniture and carpet.) One night we were all going out together, so it was, 'shut the front room door so Mac can't get the new carpet.' When we returned, Mac had shown his displeasure ... a spare strip of new carpet was acting as doormat, and there was the pile, in the middle of that ...

Animals! Good luck and a frown and a fuss to the naughty Oscar

[Red wine lady]

AND again,,,this time behind the TV again, so this is not a litter tray thing. This can’t go on...I don’t want to take him back to rescue but I am desperate for a plan B, as I now realise why his previously owners gave him up.

Ok, I was told he was a house cat and never been out...however he has got into the yard a few times and obviously loved it. But it’s beyond the yard that I worry about. We can’t make it secure. Can I let him out? Is this his problem ?

Not sure what else I can do. Cheers

[booktigger]

Can you put a litter tray behind the T.V.?

[Alice]

If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest that you seek advice from the Catchat behaviourist. It's a free service; you've nothing to lose.

[email protected]

You may find helpful advice here, too.

https://www.catchat.org/index.php/cat-t ... ay-indoors

[Red wine lady]

Thank you...I will contact them.

[Lilith]

Oh hell!

I'm so very very sorry to hear!

I'm not sure if this is of any use, but as a last ditch measure I'd be inclined to put a puppy pad beneath the TV in his 'spot' (they are very good; I use scentless ones for my python, and if you've ever had to deal with python wee ...) and also experiment with letting him into the garden for supervised trips, especially at a time when you think he might need to wee.

Someone on here once mentioned trying actual garden earth in a tray to entice a cat to use it - even if he's an indoor cat it might intrigue him and much as I prefer to see cats using trays instead of gardens - any port in a storm.

Ohhhh, Oscar!

But please give him a love from me nevertheless

[Red wine lady]

Oh Lilith...you are just at amazing! Seriously a Python, amazing x

We don’t have a garden, just a large yard and decking, the walls are high but I think he may manage to climb them. I honestly think he wants out...I may approach his previous owner and check that she never let him out, just in case she actually did?

I probably should have mentioned he still uses his litter tray, no problem there...I even now do a full clean daily of it, so he has no excuse. Sorry to moan again!

[Red wine lady]

Ironically previous owner has contacted me...he has always peed so they got rid as she was in rented accommodation and the landlord threatened to remove them.

Oh dear..this is not good news.

[Lilith]

Aww lol thanks but it's not me who's amazing, it's Shahi (Urdu for 'royal' as he's a royal python) and he's a VIP - Very Important Python lol. He lives next to my bed and comes out for duvet walkies and so far he's been a gentleman, but in his vivarium ... Niagara!

Poor Oscar! So he's not been a gentleman, ever ...

I once had a feral tom move in with me, and got him neutered, but it took a good few months to cure him of spraying, but I knew that was testosterone levels; once they'd fallen he was clean as clean until he was old and doddery and faecally incontinent, which he couldn't help. In his case I just had to be vigiliant, and tell him off in a hissing voice if I caught him spraying, but give him loads of praise for everything he did right, including using his tray ... but Oscar's using his tray as well as behind the TV ...

I would try the puppy pads - and perhaps potting compost in an extra tray if you've no garden earth - and perhaps the behaviourist can shed some light on his problems. I do hope you and he don't have to part - all the very best, all paws crossed here, and Shahi is crossing his tail for you both x

[Ruth]

You've actually answered the question you are asking yourself.
He pees when you go out after work or when he's left for long periods of time, as he did at his last home.
He's telling you he's frustrated and bored.
Cats can't tell us when there's a problems so they show us with inappropriate peeing or pooing.
Is there any chance of getting a friend for him?
I always explain it to people in this way when I'm doing home visits:
Imagine yourself in your cats position,
You have four walls and that's your whole world, you can't watch tv, listen to the radio or talk on the phone, no computers or books just you, in those four walls.
You don't get any socialising until someone comes home after being alone for 8 hours.
You are desperate for social interaction and then the person goes out again and you are back to being alone.
This is a single indoor cats life.
If you really can't take on a friend and it's not safe to let your cat outside then fill his life with stimulating toys whilst you are at work and make time for play every evening.
If your cat is happier the peeing will become less of an issue with him.
Biological washing powder is great for getting smells out of carpet.
Good luck

[Janey]

I agree with Ruth, but I also think that if your cat wants to go out it’s unfair to make him stay in. When I fostered, I was caring for a cat who did the same and we tried everything, and unfortunately he had to go in another fosterer’s outdoor pen, thankfully only for a short while. Once he was rehomed and could go out the peeing stopped. If you don’t live in a safe area then can’t let your cat out of course. If you can’t cat proof your garden, or make an outdoor run then I think it would be fairer to rehome. I always think how we would feel if we could never ever go out, it’s just not right unless the cat doesn’t want to go out of course. Best of luck sorting it out.

[Red wine lady]

You've actually answered the question you are asking yourself.
He pees when you go out after work or when he's left for long periods of time, as he did at his last home.
He's telling you he's frustrated and bored.
Cats can't tell us when there's a problems so they show us with inappropriate peeing or pooing.
Is there any chance of getting a friend for him?
I always explain it to people in this way when I'm doing home visits:
Imagine yourself in your cats position,
You have four walls and that's your whole world, you can't watch tv, listen to the radio or talk on the phone, no computers or books just you, in those four walls.
You don't get any socialising until someone comes home after being alone for 8 hours.
You are desperate for social interaction and then the person goes out again and you are back to being alone.
This is a single indoor cats life.
If you really can't take on a friend and it's not safe to let your cat outside then fill his life with stimulating toys whilst you are at work and make time for play every evening.
If your cat is happier the peeing will become less of an issue with him.
Biological washing powder is great for getting smells out of carpet.
Good luck

Hi Ruth, I've taken on board your comments and agree with most.

Oscar is alone 3 out of 7 days for 8 hours, he has many toys, a huge cat run tunnel and 3 starching posts...but he does like to play with these with his humans rather than alone. I think my husband would leave me if I brought another cat home (!) and besides, Oscar has never been in the company of another cat and the house is too small for 2 cats who don't get on.

His ex owner stayed at home and he still peed...however I think it was because her boyfriend had moved out...attachment issues.

I honestly think he would have been a happier cat if he could roam outside, as he is such a large cat AND the most curious little fella I've ever met. Due to this, I believe he would be killed at the first car. Even if he had a garden, I am sure he would wander because his wonderment would get to the better of him. His previous owner, should have accommodated this from a young age.

I feel like I am living with a teenager

[Red wine lady]

I agree with Ruth, but I also think that if your cat wants to go out it’s unfair to make him stay in. When I fostered, I was caring for a cat who did the same and we tried everything, and unfortunately he had to go in another fosterer’s outdoor pen, thankfully only for a short while. Once he was rehomed and could go out the peeing stopped. If you don’t live in a safe area then can’t let your cat out of course. If you can’t cat proof your garden, or make an outdoor run then I think it would be fairer to rehome. I always think how we would feel if we could never ever go out, it’s just not right unless the cat doesn’t want to go out of course. Best of luck sorting it out.

Thanks Janey, rehoming would be difficult as a) we love him and b) he was at the rescue centre 8 months...no one wanted him, everyone wants kittens.

We have booked him in a cattery twice in November as we are away two week-ends...the guilt is killing me already!

My only answer at present is too manage the situation, he has issues due to abandonment and rehoming...I am hoping we can sort it. x

[Janey]

I agree with Ruth, but I also think that if your cat wants to go out it’s unfair to make him stay in. When I fostered, I was caring for a cat who did the same and we tried everything, and unfortunately he had to go in another fosterer’s outdoor pen, thankfully only for a short while. Once he was rehomed and could go out the peeing stopped. If you don’t live in a safe area then can’t let your cat out of course. If you can’t cat proof your garden, or make an outdoor run then I think it would be fairer to rehome. I always think how we would feel if we could never ever go out, it’s just not right unless the cat doesn’t want to go out of course. Best of luck sorting it out.

Thanks Janey, rehoming would be difficult as a) we love him and b) he was at the rescue centre 8 months...no one wanted him, everyone wants kittens.

We have booked him in a cattery twice in November as we are away two week-ends...the guilt is killing me already!

My only answer at present is too manage the situation, he has issues due to abandonment and rehoming...I am hoping we can sort it. x

I do understand what you’re saying as I get really attached after a short time, and some cats are in rescue for a long time, but better that and get the right home for the cat (not saying yours isn’t - just if the cat needs to go out ) He will get a home eventually though, and there are cats out there who want to stay indoors, shame the rescue said he was an indoor cat if he isn’t. Our current cat actually came to us because she kept escaping her previous home, she was kept indoors because they lived on a main road, near us. Eventally they said she’s probably happier with you, because she could go out where we live. We didn’t actually want a cat at that time either but she’s still here! I know she’d be unhappy if she was kept in all the time.

[Red wine lady]

I don’t want him to stay indoors, in fact we have to decided to take the chance and let him out...he has never been out in his life. The only reason we keep him in, is the rescue centre said I should not let him out as due to the fact he had always lived inside...and would not have any road sense. I think it was the reason no one wanted him.

However, there are fields behind us and obviously a road but we all live near a road and if you think it he will be ok out...I will give it a go x

[Mayday21]

Hi is it possible to get a decent size cat crate to put him in - outside & secure. I get anxious re: the wanders, roads & cars...Vivian

[Red wine lady]

Hi is it possible to get a decent size cat crate to put him in - outside & secure. I get anxious re: the wanders, roads & cars...Vivian

I am just not sure that would work...however I have just ordered a huge cat climbing frame / tree for large cats. I was reading an article on house cats and they recommend these. Honestly this cat is costing me a fortune x

[Mayday21]

Hi alas when we take on a fur babe & are responsible & love them as family members, they can be akin to having a boat ... but a boat doesn't reward with you with unconditional love. Have you considered speaking to your vet re the peeing? A friend, who's a vet nurse, rehomed a rag doll Chloe who suffered regularly from cystitis which was diagnosed as stress related and put on antianxiety meds which proved successful. Elle puts the meds in Chloe's food & then she's given a Greenies treat when finishing her food. Keep us posted. Vivian

[Janey]

I don’t want him to stay indoors, in fact we have to decided to take the chance and let him out...he has never been out in his life. The only reason we keep him in, is the rescue centre said I should not let him out as due to the fact he had always lived inside...and would not have any road sense. I think it was the reason no one wanted him.

However, there are fields behind us and obviously a road but we all live near a road and if you think it he will be ok out...I will give it a go x

I don’t know where you live so I can’t advise. But I personally I wouldn’t let my cat out if we lived by a road (as I said previously), hence why I said it would be fairer to rehome if he wants to go out, and you live by a road and can’t cat proof your garden etc. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do though.

[Red wine lady]

Hi alas when we take on a fur babe & are responsible & love them as family members, they can be akin to having a boat ... but a boat doesn't reward with you with unconditional love. Have you considered speaking to your vet re the peeing? A friend, who's a vet nurse, rehomed a rag doll Chloe who suffered regularly from cystitis which was diagnosed as stress related and put on antianxiety meds which proved successful. Elle puts the meds in Chloe's food & then she's given a Greenies treat when finishing her food. Keep us posted. Vivian

Many thanks...yes, I have been to the vets and he is a fit little devil.

We have accepted that this is down to behaviour and we are trying to take steps to provide an interesting indoor environment and if it continues we will try to let him out. We now have a couple of the Feliway diffusers to try and calm the situation.

He is a very happy kitty, just does not like his slaves going out of an evening, but we are working on it.

[Red wine lady]

I don’t want him to stay indoors, in fact we have to decided to take the chance and let him out...he has never been out in his life. The only reason we keep him in, is the rescue centre said I should not let him out as due to the fact he had always lived inside...and would not have any road sense. I think it was the reason no one wanted him.

However, there are fields behind us and obviously a road but we all live near a road and if you think it he will be ok out...I will give it a go x

I don’t know where you live so I can’t advise. But I personally I wouldn’t let my cat out if we lived by a road (as I said previously), hence why I said it would be fairer to rehome if he wants to go out, and you live by a road and can’t cat proof your garden etc. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do though.

I live in the Lake District...even we have roads x

[Lilith]

The Lake District?

Blimey I'm not surprised he wants to be out!

I mean, I know it gets jammed with holiday visitors, but still, the Lake District ... you are lucky ... breathes gusty sighs of envy ...

[BabyBerlioz]

Did you replace the diffuser part of the Feliway? It is only good for 3 months I think.

[Red wine lady]

Did you replace the diffuser part of the Feliway? It is only good for 3 months I think.

Would you believe they only last a month! Very expensive, however I've now found the refills on zooplus for £14.00 each instead of £26.00 from the vets.

However, I have now found blood in his pee and little crystals (luckily he pee'd under the stairs on a white plastic bag, which made this visible). Off to the vets this afternoon.