Need Cat Behavior Info????

[skunklionshow]

I know that we are a bunny forum, but I really trust everyone’s opinions and just want to get another perspective if I am missing something.  I’m hoping some fresh bunny ears could assist:

A friend has a male neutered cat that pee’s EVERYWHERE!  He was rehomed to her over a year ago, in the previous home he never had pee problems.  She has tried Feliway (that cat scenting plug in thing), retraining in a smaller room, adding litterboxes, trying new litter (so far most effective has been a cat attracting litter), and many other things.  She uses the high end enzyme type cleaners and the urine be gone…I recommended straight up vinegar. He came from a multi-cat household into a multi-cat household.  Kitty has been assessed by 2 vets and has a clean bill of health…”it’s behavioral not physical”.  They even tried putting kitty on prozac.  Nothing has worked.

She is at her wit’s end b/c she recently had a new baby and he now pee’s on the baby’s things.  He’s been relegated to one room in the house.  She feels very guilty about this b/c he’s by himself and away from everyone.  He gets visits w/ the other cats and her, but she still feels very guilty.  At this point she worries that he must go and knows that he won’t stand a chance at a shelter.

Any suggestions, questions, or recommendations for other kitty forums.  Please help!  You guys have been so great w/ all my bunny pee probs, so I”m countingon you.  Scarlet, you must know something I’m missing?

[MooBunnay]

How long did he live in the previous multi-cat household? Did he grow up there? It sounds like a territorial thing, it sounds like he must have been more comfortable around the cats in the first home than the ones in the new one. I don’t have cats myself so that is just an impression, I will ask around at work to see if anyone has cats and can give some insight!

[ScooterandAnnette]

She should have a vet look at him and see if he’s got a urinary infection.
– Annette

[COOKIE'N FLUFF MOMMA]

Usually when a cat does this it means they have a urinary infection. I have a cat that did this as well. Also, big changes to the cats environment can make them do this. It might just take a while for him to get use to it and it will go away. Another thing is that some cats act weird around pregnant women. This could be a weird reaction to the pregnancy and the new baby.  I don’t know alot about bunnies(thats why i am on here alot) but cats, i do know  

[Sage Cat]

In my experience with cats – they pee outside their litter box for 1 of 2 reasons: 1. territorial 2. they are sick

If he is getting a clean bill of health – they it would have to be territorial. How does he get along with the other cats? Although a year is a long time for a cat to get use to a new place.

I have also heard that a pregnant woman & then a new baby can really effect a pets behavior. So I would think It might have something to do with that.

Is it possible that he is saying ” I’m unhappy my other humans gave me up – I miss my old friends.” OR “I’m mad about being stuck in only 1 room while ever one else gets to run around the house – especially that new stupid baby!”

I have had very good success with some stuff called “NO GO”. The Dr. Foster & Smith Website (www.drsfostersmith.com) has some really good products that could help. Also Purina (/www.purina.com) has a “ask a question” section on their sight – I have gotten good information from them.

[skunklionshow]

I was going w/ territorial as well.  He grew up in his previous home (8 weeks to 2 years) & he lives w/ all new cats and people.  He has gotten a clean bill of health a few times, so we really don’t think it’s physical.  So if it is territorial and it is just b/c he is sooo angry w/ his current situation, can that be solved w/o him having to find a new home?  I’m going to forward all the info provided thus far, so any other suggestions w/b good.  I feel so bad for her b/c it’s obvious that she loves this cat and is committed to caring for him, she just doesn’t know how at this point.

[Sage Cat]

It sounds to me like putting the cat in a new home is just going to make matters worse for the cat.

My vet always had a few pamphlets around from people who trained animals – especially animals who had behavioral problems. Has she asked he vet if they know a trainer that could help her?

Maybe kitty needs diapers? You think I’m Kidding? Check this out:  http://www.petdiapers.com

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[skunklionshow]

The hubby always jokes (maybe he’s not joking) about putting diapers on our Wolfy, the cat w/ IBS.  I know that UPenn has an animal behavioral department, but she stated that she can’t afford to see them after spending so much money already.  So do “trainers” do the same thing as “behaviorists” or do some just do a little of both.  I’m wondering if our Spanish speaking friend, in Argentina–who I believe is a dog trainer can answer this question?

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