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The litter tray

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Cat peeing in house

10 replies

blueseawhitesand · 17/03/2021 08:31

I just don't know what to do. I have a 15 year old cat and she's peeing on things. This isn't a new problem, it's been happening on and off for years. I used to live alone and she was fine, now I live with my husband, two dogs and a newborn. First reaction would be to say she's unsettled by the changes. She might be. But when I got my first dog she was fine. Then when I moved in with hubby she was fine. I used to work away now and again and she would stay with my father, she peed on the carpet at his house. Then we moved house a few years ago and she's peeing indoors. She has two litter trays, both kept clean, but she pees and poops next to them. I bought one with a lid but she won't use it. Now she's peed on a brand new rug and also a muslin cloth left on my baby's changing mat. She also peed on the carpet in our living room right in front of me. My house smells as I just can't get the smell out. In summer she stays outside most of the time so the problem isn't as bad then, but in winter it's too cold. I've had her checked by a vet several times over the years and they don't seem to come up with anything other than advising me to get some spray that dissolves urine- I don't think it works very well. If I deter her from one spot, she finds another. What do I do? I don't want to re-home her but something is clearly upsetting her. Thanks

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 17/03/2021 17:41

At 15 & and an inappropriate weeing issue no ones going to clamouring to take her on.

  1. Have they done a urine test?.
  2. Have you got her on Cystease.
  3. Are you using a litter that’s too uncomfortable to walk on for old paws & she doesn’t want to go in there?.
  4. Have you got more than one tray.
LockdownIsDragging · 17/03/2021 17:45

You can’t rehome a 15 year old cat, personally I would prefer you have her pts if you really can’t cope. Hopefully she will settle down, just make sure you give her a bit of fuss and time to get used to the changes. It would also be worth a trip to the vet to make sure she isn’t having old lady problems.

Mia184 · 17/03/2021 18:13

Get an enzyme cleaner -it will get rid of the smell: www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_litter_litter_boxes/litter_deoderant

Wolfiefan · 17/03/2021 18:31

Older cats can find it hard to clamber into litter trays. Apparently they can also find litter painful on their paws. Try a different litter.
You can’t rehome. Not at 15.

blueseawhitesand · 17/03/2021 19:41

@Fluffycloudland77

At 15 & and an inappropriate weeing issue no ones going to clamouring to take her on.
  1. Have they done a urine test?.
  2. Have you got her on Cystease.
  3. Are you using a litter that’s too uncomfortable to walk on for old paws & she doesn’t want to go in there?.
  4. Have you got more than one tray.
They did a urine test a few years ago but it could be worth another shot. I'll call the vets tomorrow to have a chat and see if they can test. I haven't heard of cystease so will look at that. I've tried a few different types of litter and she has two trays.
OP posts:
blueseawhitesand · 17/03/2021 19:45

@Wolfiefan

Older cats can find it hard to clamber into litter trays. Apparently they can also find litter painful on their paws. Try a different litter. You can’t rehome. Not at 15.
I never thought of the litter being too painful, it would make sense. I have tried lots of types but maybe there is a softer one. I'll do some research on that. I absolutely don't want to re-home her, I think it would be more stress for her. I just feel like there's nothing else I can do but all of these replies have a few options for me to check out. Thanks every one. I'm going to call the vets tomorrow for a test and will look at cat litter options. I appreciate every one replying.
OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 17/03/2021 19:55

Of course you don’t want to rehome!. One of dhs relatives said I should rehome mine because he was doing it.

Ultraclumping is the nearest to soil which is the preferred substrate for cats. Mine wouldn’t even consider crystals or wood chip, instant puddle time.

Wolfiefan · 17/03/2021 20:20

@blueseawhitesand me neither! Until I saw a programme where they tried different litters on different rescue cats. (No I don’t know what it was or why I was watching. Grin) I vaguely remember something about thinning skin I think. Worth a try!

Veterinari · 17/03/2021 20:39

She very likely has cognitive decline and anxiety associated with all of the changes. She may well also have underlying pain such as osteoarthritis which could be hindering her getting into her trays

Feliway and zylkene may help with anxiety.
Gabapentin is also good for anxiety and chronic pain
Selgian is indicated for cognitive decline and anxiety

If your vets aren't willing to discuss options then it may be worth getting a second opinion.

Wolfiefan · 17/03/2021 21:12

Our old girl lived until 19. I had no idea she had arthritis the way she did until a routine vet visit. They can mask pain. Sad

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