If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Cat does not always use litter box, he goes on the carpt.
Cat does not always use litter box, he goes on the carpt.
I have been trying to fix a cat urination problem for quite a long time. I'd like to replace the carpet in my living room, but I don't want the cat to urinate on it. So, I'd like to fix the cat problem first. He is a 5 year old male cat. He is fixed and never sprays like some people talk about. I have two litter boxes for my cat, one is in the bathroom and the other is next the dryer off of the kitchen. I empty them every few days. He uses these litter boxes on a regular basis. However, he also may go on the carpet or even at times defecate on it. And once he does he tends to visit that spot more frequently until I treat it with an enzyme product. There are two particular areas in the living room that he likes to do this on, but these areas are not exclusive. He always goes next the wall, never in the middle of the living room. He also seems to prefer places that are behind pieces of furniture or in a corner. This always happens down stairs, never upstairs. I've treated these areas with several types of enzyme products (in particular: Enzyme D by Big D Industries). It helps for a while, perhaps because these spots are wet and don't smell good, but it happens again and I start the process over again. Also, recently I have removed the carpet and padding from one particular problem area. I threw the padding away and I soaked the carpet and sub floor with an enzyme product. Then I painted the sub floor with an odor sealer called ‘Kills'. However, I caught him in the act at this location the other day. What can I do to train him to always use the litter box? Any good books? Any good web sites? Please respond to this newsgroup. Thanks, Brian |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
First you must see your vet to rule out physical problems. Once you have
done that try adding additional cat boxes and get some Feliway (available at pet stores). Most likely this is some kind of recurring infection, cystitis or other problem that has also become habit. Keep the boxes really, really clean. Scoop often. Karen "Brian" wrote in message om... Cat does not always use litter box, he goes on the carpt. I have been trying to fix a cat urination problem for quite a long time. I'd like to replace the carpet in my living room, but I don't want the cat to urinate on it. So, I'd like to fix the cat problem first. He is a 5 year old male cat. He is fixed and never sprays like some people talk about. I have two litter boxes for my cat, one is in the bathroom and the other is next the dryer off of the kitchen. I empty them every few days. He uses these litter boxes on a regular basis. However, he also may go on the carpet or even at times defecate on it. And once he does he tends to visit that spot more frequently until I treat it with an enzyme product. There are two particular areas in the living room that he likes to do this on, but these areas are not exclusive. He always goes next the wall, never in the middle of the living room. He also seems to prefer places that are behind pieces of furniture or in a corner. This always happens down stairs, never upstairs. I've treated these areas with several types of enzyme products (in particular: Enzyme D by Big D Industries). It helps for a while, perhaps because these spots are wet and don't smell good, but it happens again and I start the process over again. Also, recently I have removed the carpet and padding from one particular problem area. I threw the padding away and I soaked the carpet and sub floor with an enzyme product. Then I painted the sub floor with an odor sealer called 'Kills'. However, I caught him in the act at this location the other day. What can I do to train him to always use the litter box? Any good books? Any good web sites? Please respond to this newsgroup. Thanks, Brian |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
I heartily agree about the possible health issue. Most often, especially if
the cat has been well behaved previously, a urinary infection can cause this change in behavior. Males, too, have a particular problem if they develop stones in the urinary bladder---very painful! You see, the cat associates the pain it feels when trying to void with the BOX ITSELF, that's why the change in behavior. I know it sounds like alot to do, but after the vet visit (whether an infection is found or not) try buying a new litter box (diff color, maybe?) and maybe a new location to help him get over that 'pain association' thing he might be dealing with. Certainly, talk to your vet about the problem, whether you take the cat to be seen or not, mine is a great fount of experience and information! I have 2 females and only one litter box, but they are both very good about using it, and there has NEVER been any confusion about where we do our business. I HAVE caught both of them, however, digging at a particular "sweet spot" on the rug. I don't know what the last tenant spilled there, but it drives them crazy. Is it possible your cat was first enticed to these spots by smelling something there, too? You could have brought in something on a shoe or something. I know I've gone on a bit, but I hope something I've said helps. And, I really hope you are able to cure him of whatever the problem is, so you can keep him AND get new carpet to enjoy. You do seem like a concerned pet owner and it would be a shame if you had to give him up! Take care, -Cindy |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
What can I do to train him to always use
the litter box? You said you empty the box every few days. That is likely the reason your cat will not use it and pees elsewhere. Would you step barefoot into a 15" x 20" that had 3 or 4 days worth of urine and feces in it? Of course not and you shouldn't expect your cat to either.You should use a clumping litter and scoop the box twice a day, removing all urine and feces and wash the box and change the litter completely every few weeks *before* the litter starts to smell. Cats are fastidious creatures and do NOT like a dirty litterbox. Yours appears to be extra picky and you need to make sure your cat has an extra clean box. Scooping twice a day is simple to add to your daily routine and will require no more than one or two minutes of effort each day. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Warning: LONG STORY, but I need advice | Mischief | Cat anecdotes | 30 | February 27th 04 06:40 PM |
Expensive litter tray | Lois Reay | Cat anecdotes | 12 | January 28th 04 06:23 AM |
Requesting some really nasty litter box offerings | Hazel Az | Cat anecdotes | 26 | September 20th 03 05:37 PM |
MORE litter box offerings requested! | L. Kelly | Cat anecdotes | 11 | August 29th 03 01:27 AM |