Whether your cat is old or young, male or female, anxious or gentle, you may get the idea that urinating anywhere other than the litter box is a good thing. Many frustrated humans in the past and present have tried almost everything to find out why the cat does this, and of course to solve the problem.
These are the first things to do when your cat insists on stinking your house. You’ll have to be patient as you work through this list, but soon your kitty will be relieving herself in the appropriate place.
- Your cat needs a full health check. In many cases, cats urinate right in front of you when they are sick. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common health problems that your vet can treat. Even if that’s not what happens to your kitty, your vet can locate and fix the problem.
- Cats that are older or have health problems (joint pain, for example) cannot get in and out of the litter box like they did when they were younger. Make the litter box more accessible so your kitty can get in and out.
- The litter box itself could be a problem. If you have more than one cat, you may need to put in additional litter boxes. The type of sand and the amount you use can be a problem. You should also change the kitty litter and scrub it thoroughly. Plastic tends to absorb odors from urine, which can turn off house cats.
- Sometimes cats misbehave by urinating on your favorite things. This can be a sign that they are unhappy about something. Try to give your cat more (positive) attention. Extra playtime with his favorite toy can cure the behavior problem. You can also ask your vet about a product that will help calm your kitten – Feliway is one example.
- Cats often spray anything they wish to mark as their own territory. Sterilization can improve this problem.
- Older kittens can suffer from feline dementia. They honestly don’t realize they are doing something wrong when they pee on your clean clothes. Buy burglary pads, the disposable kind that people use with puppies, and leave them where your kitty urinates most often. This will not convince her to use the litter box, but cleaning up will be much easier compared to what she is doing now.
There are a few things to do when your kitty decides to mark something around your house.
- Never hit the cat or rub its nose in the mess. Cats are not like human children: they do not understand that what they do is wrong. You can deter the behavior while the cat is doing it, but trying to teach the cat after the fact doesn’t work very well. Instead of scolding the kitten afterward, catch her on the spot and spray her with tap water from a spray bottle.
- Thoroughly clear the marked territory. Even if you can’t smell cat urine, the cat will. That’s your cue to keep urinating there. Visit the pet store for a product that removes all pet odors.
- Give your cat lots of positive attention. Despite the stereotypes surrounding felines, cats bond with their humans. They want our attention and will do everything they can to get it.
Don’t worry – you will locate and resolve the problem soon enough. In the meantime, be as patient as possible. Your solution will come and you will be able to resume the carefree relationship.
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