I need help with a peeing problem

No, not mine. Wolfie's.

He does not have any physical problem that could be causing this. But
it has gotten so out of control, I am at my wit's end. By out of
control, I mean he is now *peeing on another cat's dish*! I am just
sick about this.

I do not know what is causing it. He didn't always do it; he was a
perfect litterbox cat up until maybe a year or so ago. I think this
started before the move, although come to think of it, it may have been
after the move, which might explain a few things.

There are several things involved I am aware of. If it did, indeed,
only start after I moved here, then the fact that prior tenants had a
dog that peed on the carpet certainly has something to do with it.

Secondly, Wolfie is a very nervous, high-strung cat. His previous owner
declawed him (grrrrrrr), and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.
Maybe some cats do fine with declawing (ShadowCat seems to be one of
them; he's not in the least neurotic), but Wolfie is *not* one of them.
He is very neurotic, very high-strung, and I am sure some of that is
because he was declawed.

Thirdly, I think Wolfie is easily intimidated by the other cats (this
one I don't think has to do with the declawing; the other cats are all
very aware that he is declawed, and I have witnessed many a scrape where
no one had any claws out at all). I am beginning to think he may be
intimidated to the point of not wanting to use the litterboxes.

Fourthly, the litterboxes. Maybe I need to do something different with
them. I have never finished putting out all of them in the new place,
so I'm sure there are not enough. There also is not enough room. My
original thought was to catproof and clean out the basement, and put the
other boxes down there. But, with pain, physical problems, divorce,
etc., etc., etc., I have moved slowly in terms of getting the place
together. I have *started* on the basement, but there is still a lot to
do. I have problems there like holes that go straight to the outside,
exposed and hanging fiberglass insulation, and who knows what else.

Also, I am fond of covered litterboxes. They scatter less litter, which
helps me a lot in terms of trying to keep up with cleaning. I also like
the mats, but have given up on those; Wolfie (and Brando) just pee on
them. But it is easy for other cats to get on top of those boxes, and
swipe at any cat in them. I do have one open box out, and a couple of
others in the basement awaiting *that* plan.

I can't afford Feliway right now, although I have wondered if that would
work. I'm a little doubtful. I have gone so far as to consider doggie
diapers. This problem is getting too vast and impossible.

I, the "stick-my-nose-in-the-air-because-I-would-NEVER-rehome-a-cat"
person is even considering that Wolfie may just be unhappy here with so
many cats. But I don't think I could ever forgive myself for giving up
on him if I didn't try *everything* else first.

So I feel kind of like a stupid a** right now. I try so hard not to be
judgmental, but occasionally I guess I am, and it hits me in the a**.
Guess that will teach me.

I love my Wolfie and want to solve this problem. Anybody want to share
any ideas or suggestions? Is there anything I might be missing here?

Thank you for any and all help. I am at my wits' end.

Ginger-lyn

here are some random ideas in no particular order, all of which I have
tried, and all of which at least work part of the time,

you must clean everything where you even suspect there is pee, meaning get a
black light and gallons of enzyme cleaner, don't just scrub carpets, soak
them like a flood with it, let it dry and repeat a couple of times, then
scrub with regular carpet cleaner.

No mark, is my friend, I use it daily in a couple of areas but it is worth
it as it works about 75 percent of the time if I do this.

You might try isolating him if you can so he can be an Only cat for a while,
then re introducing him like he is a brand new cat.

I know you have moved in the last year, and have physical difficulties, he
may be scared by unopened boxes, Tiger screams when he sees a cardboard box,

if you need to just talk this one through you can feel free to email if you
want, just put your name in the subject line so I don't delete it, Lee
Ginger-lyn wrote in message
...
No, not mine. Wolfie's.

He does not have any physical problem that could be causing this. But
it has gotten so out of control, I am at my wit's end. By out of
control, I mean he is now *peeing on another cat's dish*! I am just
sick about this.

I do not know what is causing it. He didn't always do it; he was a
perfect litterbox cat up until maybe a year or so ago. I think this
started before the move, although come to think of it, it may have been
after the move, which might explain a few things.

There are several things involved I am aware of. If it did, indeed,
only start after I moved here, then the fact that prior tenants had a
dog that peed on the carpet certainly has something to do with it.

Secondly, Wolfie is a very nervous, high-strung cat. His previous owner
declawed him (grrrrrrr), and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.
Maybe some cats do fine with declawing (ShadowCat seems to be one of
them; he's not in the least neurotic), but Wolfie is *not* one of them.
He is very neurotic, very high-strung, and I am sure some of that is
because he was declawed.

Thirdly, I think Wolfie is easily intimidated by the other cats (this
one I don't think has to do with the declawing; the other cats are all
very aware that he is declawed, and I have witnessed many a scrape where
no one had any claws out at all). I am beginning to think he may be
intimidated to the point of not wanting to use the litterboxes.

Fourthly, the litterboxes. Maybe I need to do something different with
them. I have never finished putting out all of them in the new place,
so I'm sure there are not enough. There also is not enough room. My
original thought was to catproof and clean out the basement, and put the
other boxes down there. But, with pain, physical problems, divorce,
etc., etc., etc., I have moved slowly in terms of getting the place
together. I have *started* on the basement, but there is still a lot to
do. I have problems there like holes that go straight to the outside,
exposed and hanging fiberglass insulation, and who knows what else.

Also, I am fond of covered litterboxes. They scatter less litter, which
helps me a lot in terms of trying to keep up with cleaning. I also like
the mats, but have given up on those; Wolfie (and Brando) just pee on
them. But it is easy for other cats to get on top of those boxes, and
swipe at any cat in them. I do have one open box out, and a couple of
others in the basement awaiting *that* plan.

I can't afford Feliway right now, although I have wondered if that would
work. I'm a little doubtful. I have gone so far as to consider doggie
diapers. This problem is getting too vast and impossible.

I, the "stick-my-nose-in-the-air-because-I-would-NEVER-rehome-a-cat"
person is even considering that Wolfie may just be unhappy here with so
many cats. But I don't think I could ever forgive myself for giving up
on him if I didn't try *everything* else first.

So I feel kind of like a stupid a** right now. I try so hard not to be
judgmental, but occasionally I guess I am, and it hits me in the a**.
Guess that will teach me.

I love my Wolfie and want to solve this problem. Anybody want to share
any ideas or suggestions? Is there anything I might be missing here?

Thank you for any and all help. I am at my wits' end.

Ginger-lyn

Ginger-lyn wrote:
No, not mine. Wolfie's.

He does not have any physical problem that could be causing this. But
it has gotten so out of control, I am at my wit's end. By out of
control, I mean he is now *peeing on another cat's dish*! I am just
sick about this.
snip

I wish I had an answer for you, all I can do is send purrs that the
situiation is resolved.
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy, Bagheera & Shadow)
Cats leave pawprints on your heart
http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk

Nocturne was doing this after the cross country move...peeing on any
soft things left on the floor, and peeing in this one particular spot
by the door. We fixed the first problem by removing all soft things
from the floor. Backpacks got hung up on hooks. The cat bed got
thrown out (it was soaked in pee). The rugs got put in storage. We
shut the closets so she couldn't find boots to pee on. etc.

The second problem...well, even when we put food dishes by the door,
Nox peed in them. Feliway, tinfoil, enzyme cleaner, nothing worked.
We took her to the vet for urinalysis--she's fine.

In the end, we have a fecking litterbox right next to our door...an
uncovered one...for all our guests to step in...because Nocturne
demanded it. And since getting what she wants, no more pee problem.

Is Wolfie peeing in specific spots all the time? If you try enzyme
cleaner, tinfoil, sticky tape, and putting food there and he's still
peeing, maybe just gritting your teeth and putting a litterbox there
will fix it. Sadly, that's what it came down to for us.

Purrs,

Fil



I wish I had an answer for you, all I can do is send purrs that the
situiation is resolved.
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy, Bagheera & Shadow)
Cats leave pawprints on your hearthttp://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk

Enfilade wrote:
Nocturne was doing this after the cross country move...peeing on any
soft things left on the floor, and peeing in this one particular spot
by the door. We fixed the first problem by removing all soft things
from the floor. Backpacks got hung up on hooks. The cat bed got
thrown out (it was soaked in pee). The rugs got put in storage. We
shut the closets so she couldn't find boots to pee on. etc.

The second problem...well, even when we put food dishes by the door,
Nox peed in them. Feliway, tinfoil, enzyme cleaner, nothing worked.
We took her to the vet for urinalysis--she's fine.

In the end, we have a fecking litterbox right next to our door...an
uncovered one...for all our guests to step in...because Nocturne
demanded it. And since getting what she wants, no more pee problem.

Is Wolfie peeing in specific spots all the time? If you try enzyme
cleaner, tinfoil, sticky tape, and putting food there and he's still
peeing, maybe just gritting your teeth and putting a litterbox there
will fix it. Sadly, that's what it came down to for us.

Purrs,

Fil

Hee, hee. I can beat that one... for years we had to have an uncovered
litter box in our small dining room in the corner where Misty (RB)
insisted on peeing.

Bobble

On Apr 27, 4:09*pm, Ginger-lyn wrote:
He does not have any physical problem that could be causing this. *But
it has gotten so out of control, I am at my wit's end. *By out of
control, I mean he is now *peeing on another cat's dish*! *I am just
sick about this.

This is the sign of one pretty upset kitty.

I do not know what is causing it. *He didn't always do it; he was a
perfect litterbox cat up until maybe a year or so ago. I think this
started before the move, although come to think of it, it may have been
after the move, which might explain a few things.

There are several things involved I am aware of. *If it did, indeed,
only start after I moved here, then the fact that prior tenants had a
dog that peed on the carpet certainly has something to do with it.

Secondly, Wolfie is a very nervous, high-strung cat. *His previous owner
declawed him (grrrrrrr), and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.
Maybe some cats do fine with declawing (ShadowCat seems to be one of
them; he's not in the least neurotic), but Wolfie is *not* one of them.
* He is very neurotic, very high-strung, and I am sure some of that is
because he was declawed.

Thirdly, I think Wolfie is easily intimidated by the other cats (this
one I don't think has to do with the declawing; the other cats are all
very aware that he is declawed, and I have witnessed many a scrape where
no one had any claws out at all). *I am beginning to think he may be
intimidated to the point of not wanting to use the litterboxes.

You'll need to configure your litterboxes so they are not all in one
place. It seems that Wolfie needs to have some options wrt location.

Fourthly, the litterboxes. *Maybe I need to do something different with
them. *I have never finished putting out all of them in the new place,
so I'm sure there are not enough. *There also is not enough room. *My
original thought was to catproof and clean out the basement, and put the
other boxes down there. *But, with pain, physical problems, divorce,
etc., etc., etc., I have moved slowly in terms of getting the place
together. *I have *started* on the basement, but there is still a lot to
do. *I have problems there like holes that go straight to the outside,
exposed and hanging fiberglass insulation, and who knows what else.

It doesn't sound like this building is anywhere near up to code and it
may be time to call the city and have them do an inspection. No matter
how affordable the rent, this should not be tolerated.

Also, I am fond of covered litterboxes. *They scatter less litter, which
helps me a lot in terms of trying to keep up with cleaning. *I also like
the mats, but have given up on those; Wolfie (and Brando) just pee on
them. *But it is easy for other cats to get on top of those boxes, and
swipe at any cat in them. *I do have one open box out, and a couple of
others in the basement awaiting *that* plan.

You can cut off the very top of your covered boxes so you have the
benefit of the high sides but the box will still seem open to the
cats. I've done this with a couple of my boxes using a handheld
electric saw and it works great.


I can't afford Feliway right now, although I have wondered if that would
work. *I'm a little doubtful. *I have gone so far as to consider doggie
diapers. *This problem is getting too vast and impossible.

I, the "stick-my-nose-in-the-air-because-I-would-NEVER-rehome-a-cat"
person is even considering that Wolfie may just be unhappy here with so
many cats. *But I don't think I could ever forgive myself for giving up
on him if I didn't try *everything* else first.

So I feel kind of like a stupid a** right now. *I try so hard not to be
judgmental, but occasionally I guess I am, and it hits me in the a**.
Guess that will teach me.

I love my Wolfie and want to solve this problem. *Anybody want to share
any ideas or suggestions? *Is there anything I might be missing here?

Thank you for any and all help. I am at my wits' end.

Ginger-lyn

Getting you house more in order and creating some consistency for the
cats will help. Besides making sure that there are enough litterboxes
that are easily accessible in different areas and that they are kept
immaculately clean, I think the best thing to do for your boy would be
to put him on medication. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the first choice, and
the best thing about it is not only is it very effective in helping
with spraying issues, but it is also on the $4 prescription list at
Walmart and Target! We see a lot of declawed cats with anxiety and
spraying issues (mostly declawed, but not by us as my boss will not
perform the procedure) and Fluoxetine has worked wonderfully in the
vast majority of them. I should also note here that for cats like
this, they generally stay on the drug forever because, unfortunately,
you can't undo a declaw. :-(

On Apr 27, 5:09*pm, Ginger-lyn wrote:
No, not mine. *Wolfie's.

He does not have any physical problem that could be causing this. *But
it has gotten so out of control, I am at my wit's end. *By out of
control, I mean he is now *peeing on another cat's dish*! *I am just
sick about this.

I do not know what is causing it. *He didn't always do it; he was a
perfect litterbox cat up until maybe a year or so ago. I think this
started before the move, although come to think of it, it may have been
after the move, which might explain a few things.

There are several things involved I am aware of. *If it did, indeed,
only start after I moved here, then the fact that prior tenants had a
dog that peed on the carpet certainly has something to do with it.

Secondly, Wolfie is a very nervous, high-strung cat. *His previous owner
declawed him (grrrrrrr), and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.
Maybe some cats do fine with declawing (ShadowCat seems to be one of
them; he's not in the least neurotic), but Wolfie is *not* one of them.
* He is very neurotic, very high-strung, and I am sure some of that is
because he was declawed.

Thirdly, I think Wolfie is easily intimidated by the other cats (this
one I don't think has to do with the declawing; the other cats are all
very aware that he is declawed, and I have witnessed many a scrape where
no one had any claws out at all). *I am beginning to think he may be
intimidated to the point of not wanting to use the litterboxes.

Fourthly, the litterboxes. *Maybe I need to do something different with
them. *I have never finished putting out all of them in the new place,
so I'm sure there are not enough. *There also is not enough room. *My
original thought was to catproof and clean out the basement, and put the
other boxes down there. *But, with pain, physical problems, divorce,
etc., etc., etc., I have moved slowly in terms of getting the place
together. *I have *started* on the basement, but there is still a lot to
do. *I have problems there like holes that go straight to the outside,
exposed and hanging fiberglass insulation, and who knows what else.

Also, I am fond of covered litterboxes. *They scatter less litter, which
helps me a lot in terms of trying to keep up with cleaning. *I also like
the mats, but have given up on those; Wolfie (and Brando) just pee on
them. *But it is easy for other cats to get on top of those boxes, and
swipe at any cat in them. *I do have one open box out, and a couple of
others in the basement awaiting *that* plan.

I can't afford Feliway right now, although I have wondered if that would
work. *I'm a little doubtful. *I have gone so far as to consider doggie
diapers. *This problem is getting too vast and impossible.

I, the "stick-my-nose-in-the-air-because-I-would-NEVER-rehome-a-cat"
person is even considering that Wolfie may just be unhappy here with so
many cats. *But I don't think I could ever forgive myself for giving up
on him if I didn't try *everything* else first.

So I feel kind of like a stupid a** right now. *I try so hard not to be
judgmental, but occasionally I guess I am, and it hits me in the a**.
Guess that will teach me.

I love my Wolfie and want to solve this problem. *Anybody want to share
any ideas or suggestions? *Is there anything I might be missing here?

Thank you for any and all help. I am at my wits' end.

Ginger-lyn

Like Wolfie, Rusty is a nervous high strung cat. He also had a peeing
problem. After ruling out medical causes, the vet decided it was a
behavioural problem. He was put on an anti-depressant called
Clomicalm. He stopped peeing on the floor right away after the first
dose. But after finishing his medication in 2 weeks, he started off
again. So he went back on Clomicalm and the vet said he had to be on
it long term. I didn't like that idea, and was slowly weaned him off
the medication without any problem.

You should have Wolfie checked by the vet. He may have an urinary
infection. When Rusty had an urianary infection, he would pee on the
floor.

Good luck and purrs for you and Wolfie.

Winnie

Ginger-lyn wrote in news:NY5Rj.11152$2g1.3367
@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com:



I can't afford Feliway right now, although I have wondered if that
would
work. I'm a little doubtful. I have gone so far as to consider doggie
diapers. This problem is getting too vast and impossible.

I, the "stick-my-nose-in-the-air-because-I-would-NEVER-rehome-a-cat"
person is even considering that Wolfie may just be unhappy here with so
many cats. But I don't think I could ever forgive myself for giving up

Ginger-lyn




I thinks tripsover hit a few good points as did others. My feeling from
your description is this is a litter box issue since there is no marking
involved. It seems that way because Wolfie is hitting horizontal
surfaces not vertical. Basements can be rough spots to make safe but if
you were able to get a litter box down there I bet Wolfie would love the
privacy it might offer. If you have not done so already why not do a
very complete survey of the basement writing down ever lat thing that
would be needed to make it safe. Sometimes a list will make a task look
less formidable. It will also allow you to quantify just what is
required and perhaps, even, break the job into manageable portions.

Andy