Help! Cat ruining my floor!

[cattypussclaw]

Hello Mumsnet cat people, hope someone can help.

We have three cats. Tabby one is almost 22 and has been with me forever. Also have two tuxedo cats, a mother and daughter, who we got from the CPL almost three years ago, aged 12 and 10. They all tolerate each other but are not bezzie mates by any means. They all have access to the outside (microchip cat flap), but we have three litter trays as well.

Our problem is Millie, the tuxedo mum. She suddenly started poohing indoors, in corners, which I could live with as it's easily cleaned up. But now she's weeing, on my hardwood floors. Mostly during the night. In front of one of the litter trays. She's ruining my floor!

I am going to take her to the vet, see if there is anything else going on, but if it's just behavioural... I've no idea what to do. Husband is at the end of his patience with it. Is it worth trying a different tray? Or litter? I don't want to punish her by shutting her out or confining her to a room, that won't solve the problem.

Just wondered if anyone else has had this and if and how they solved it.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thank you.

[thecatneuterer]

If it's always in the same spot, just in front of the tray, then I would put a puppy training pad there.

[thecatneuterer]

Or shut her out of that room ....

I have had my hardwood floors ruined by the same sort of problem (but then I do have 30 cats!). I am about to 'solve' it by having Amtico fitted throughout, including the stairs. It is though a very expensive solution admittedly.

[Weedsnseeds1]

So the cat is 15 now, if I'm reading this correctly? She might be getting a bit stiff to get in and out if the tray. Vet visit sounds a good idea.

[YouveCatToBeKittenMe]

My cat did this, turned out the tray was just in the wrong place, I moved it 2 feet and she hasnt done it since.
Is your tray near a doorway or busy thoroughfare? If so move it so its more private and the cat is less likely to be disturbed. don't move it too far away though. I literally moved mine to the other side of the room just a bit away from the door.

[TheOtherGalen]

Definitely get her checked for a urinary tract infection. And as Weedsneeds1 said, it might be the tray itself -- does the tray have high sides?

[VimFuego101]

How many trays do you have? I've always been told that you need one per cat plus one extra... we have more than that and still have them pee on the floor from time to time.

[CurlsNoMore]

Having similar problem here - 9yo cat weeing and pooing in hallway by front door. Got so bad I ended up tiling half of it to try and stop it (after trying every product on the market). She is still doing it So now considering a cat litter tray in the hallway (OH furious at this idea) - so thank you for the puppy pad idea; sounds a great alternative.

[CurlsNoMore]

Sorry I should add that I now suspect that water is causing damp which is enticing her to toilet there. (Door frame).