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Post by SueDonym on Apr 3, 2010 0:17:56 GMT -5
She used the litter. It was after she posted about it on another site that I did a search and found out they also had an additive
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Post by Butterfly on Apr 3, 2010 0:57:51 GMT -5
Thanks SueDonym! Maybe I'll try the litter, too. At this point I'm so desperate. Inappropriate elimination is the number one reason cats are abused, abandoned and/or euthanized so it's a widespread problem. While my kitty is in absolutely NO danger of any of these things as long as I'm around, it would still be a HUGE relief to me if I could solve this problem.
ETA: My vet can't find anything wrong and her last resort was to prescribe anti-anxiety meds for him. I have them but haven't given them to him yet.
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Apr 3, 2010 2:07:09 GMT -5
You have my sympathy!
Just three suggestions:
Don't use any cleaners with ammonia to clean up the urine. It will draw Oreo back to spray again.
If you have trouble giving Oreo her pill, you can have it compounded into a liquid. We have our cat's thyroid medication turned into a fish-flavored liquid. She doesn't enjoy it, but it's much easier to administer.
Consider pee pads, either disposable or washable. They sure help mitigate the damage. I made some out of rubber sheeting and terrycloth.
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Post by Butterfly on Apr 3, 2010 3:59:15 GMT -5
Thanks Howardsgirlfriend! But, I think maybe I confused everyone. Momof3boy's cat is named Oreo. I just also happen to have this problem with one of my fur babies, too. The drug store compounded the medication into a form that is to be applied to the skin of his inner ear. First time I've seen this form, but he's a big, strong muscular boy and even giving liquid medication can be difficult and I'm not physically able to chase him all over the house so this is supposed be a lot easier. How did you make the pads? Did you somehow sew the sheeting and terrycloth together? If so, how?
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Post by momof3boys on Apr 4, 2010 3:11:59 GMT -5
Sorry I have not been keeping up with this thread. There is no need to apologize. I'm sure you only wanted what's best for Oreo. I have received many valueable answers in this thread and I appreciate it very much.
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Post by mellowyellow on Apr 13, 2010 20:11:43 GMT -5
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Post by _Linda_ on Apr 13, 2010 20:46:32 GMT -5
I know your frustration. My 3 male cats go crazy every spring even though they are all nuetered. Just because they are nuetered doesn't stop the hormones from acting up. Also, my sister has a cat that continually pees in their beds. Both her cat and one of mine have been put on meditication for their behavior issues. And we have both had wonderful success with it. It may be worth discussing with your vet to see if this is a medical or a behavioral issue. Good luck!
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Post by Butterfly on Apr 13, 2010 21:11:45 GMT -5
Linnie, what medication are you using for your kitties? Mine is on clomipramine. How long after starting the med did your kitty start using the litter box?
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Post by _Linda_ on Apr 13, 2010 21:29:13 GMT -5
It is Amitriptyline. Actually mine was on it for aggression issues. He calms down within a half an hour and stays calm for about 3 days. My sister's cat is on it for peeing in the beds. I believe that her cat stopped doing that within a week of starting.
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Post by rickie on Apr 15, 2010 9:53:30 GMT -5
I feel like I'm being attacked in this thread. I never said anything about not taking my cat to the vet's. Glad you came back! To be fair, you didn't say you HAD taken him to the vet either... Of course people will suggest it. There was no info in your post about anything you've already tried, so nobody can rule those ideas out yet. I understand your frustration. This kind of problem can get you down pretty quick. When you say "there is no reason for it!" remember the reason may not yet be evident to you, but in the cat's mind there is definitely a reason. Hopefully it's a better reason than "I don't care where I crap" but the more information you can provide, the more likely we are to figure it out. Things like: How long have you had Oreo? When did this problem start? Does he normally both poop and pee outside the box? Or usually one or the other? Where is his litterbox now and how often do you clean it? (that's not an attack either.) What kind of litter do you use? Is he declawed? Is he showing any other new strange behavior? Have there been any major changes or stresses in his environment?
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Post by momof3boys on Apr 15, 2010 22:32:16 GMT -5
He is able to poop and pee in his litter box. He had had this problem on and off. I clean my litterbox daily usually. I think he's spraying to mark his territory against my neighbor's cats. We've had oreo around 2 years. We got him as a kitten. Maybe a 2nd litter box is in order. The other morning he had a pooping accident but somebody was in the bathroom where his litter box is. I need to find a good place for a litter box down stairs too. I prefer to use scoopable cat litter. No, he's not declawed.
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Post by Magpie on Apr 15, 2010 23:45:34 GMT -5
Satisfactory resolution of this issue may take multiple approaches, in combination.
- ruling out obvious medical issues
- diligent removal of soiled areas so smell won't encourage re-soiling
- use of meds if prescribed
- special litter (never change abruptly - mix in the new stuff a little at a time)
- Feliway diffuser to reduce stress
- blocking the cat's view through lower part of windows to block view of outside cats (also scrub down outside the doors, as those cats may have marked and the scent is coming in just enough to provoke your cat into marking)
- praise & reward when you see him using the litterbox (punishment does NOT work with cats!)
- regular play sessions of 15-20 minutes 1-2 times a day to reduce stress
- sometimes, it helps to use temporary crate confinement in a medium sized dog crate (about 30" long). It should be just enough room for a litterbox, food and water, and a place to lie down. Once the litter is being used religiously, expanding the area the cat is allowed to access (putting down tarps makes cleanup easier on you, if it is needed), for example, to just 1 room, initially with supervision, then without.
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Apr 16, 2010 2:26:20 GMT -5
...How did you make the pads? Did you somehow sew the sheeting and terrycloth together? If so, how? Sorry I didn't see your questions earlier. I purchased rubber sheeting at the fabric store, sewed terrycloth to one side, and finished the edges. Very simple. Rubber sheeting is a layer of vinyl, covered with a thin layer of flannel on both sides. Most fabric stores carry it. I have also used it to make water-resistant covers for chairs, etc.
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Post by rickie on Apr 21, 2010 13:17:48 GMT -5
He is able to poop and pee in his litter box. He had had this problem on and off. I clean my litterbox daily usually. I think he's spraying to mark his territory against my neighbor's cats. We've had oreo around 2 years. We got him as a kitten. Maybe a 2nd litter box is in order. The other morning he had a pooping accident but somebody was in the bathroom where his litter box is. I need to find a good place for a litter box down stairs too. I prefer to use scoopable cat litter. No, he's not declawed. I think your idea of a 2nd litterbox is good. Sometimes they are just picky about things like that... or even the type/size of litterbox. It's definitely worth experimenting since it could be something simple that makes all the difference. You may be right that he's stressed by the outside cats, although I'd expect him to feel safe indoors if he knows that is his territory and they never come in. Let us know if there is any improvement and if you discover anything new that works. Good luck. PS. Oreo is a cute name!
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