At my wit's end, please help cat issues

[Can2022getanyworse]

We very unexpectedly inherited my mum's cat a year ago. A former rescue, had lived outside/ferral for a few years but she had enticed it in with treats etc. Kids heartbroken about granny dying, couldn't refuse to take the cat.

We already have a very placid, docile idiot cat. Didn't bat an eyelid despite being hissed at incessantly by new cat.

New cat has a nasty habit of peeing just about everywhere despite being litter trained, clean tray etc. Very frustrating.

Idiot cat has had some health concerns I belive brought on by new cat's presence. Furr pulling which got infected. A vicious cycle which left him very poorly indeed and both cats have been cooped up indoors for a few months now.

BOTH cats now peeing willy-nilly. My house stinks, I can't get the smell out of the carpets, have replaced bedding, mattresses, can't leave anything on the floor, have re-washed washing as laundry is fair game.

Any suggestions? Even if it's ways to tell the kids we're going to rehome new cat?

Thanks

The peeing and fur pulling shows neither cat is happy. Re-home your Mum's cat. How old are your kids?

Everything you describe is screaming stress.

I think you need to re-home your mums' cat. Not all cats are suited to living in a multi-cat household and it sounds like neither of these cats are happy.

Fur pulling and inappropriate urination are both very very obvious signs that your cats are stressed and unhappy.

You just need to tell the children that the cats are making each other very unhappy and poorly and that you can't keep both of them.

Why have both cats been cooped up for months? Let them go out - certainly, your mum's cat will want to go out. He is marking his territory.

Thanks. I completely agree with stress.

Old cat had a field mite infestation late last summer which despite £££ and multiple visits to the vet did not clear up - this lead to him over-grooming taking off much of his belly fur, making himself sore and ultimately being diagnosed with MRSA —he's been coned or vested for months as nothing was touching it, hence having to keep him, and by default new cat, indoors.

Will be having a serious chat about rehoming new cat. It really will be heartbreaking after losing my mum/their granny so suddenly and unexpectedly last year.

Rehome. Tell the children the cat needs his space and he is going to make the person you are sending him to really happy, because they are lonely (etc) . It’s the only way forward .

I totally understand it's upsetting but try and get them to see it from the cats' viewpoint.

Neither cat is happy and they won't be happy or healthy again while they're living together under the same roof.

Have you had their urine tested for infection?

They’re peeing to mark their territory, your old cat is stressed, so is the new one. Feliway spray is definitely worth a try (have a Google, it really can help with calming cats and helping them get used of each other). Your mum’s cat needs to be going outside as he’ll be wanting to mark his territory etc. I would rehome him though. I wouldn’t give up on an animal easily but this is just miserable for you all and you’ve done your best! Explain to the kids that he’s unhappy and would be much happier in a home where he can be the boss. I wouldn’t put him into a shelter, he’ll have very little chance of being rehomed then. Hopefully whoever takes him on will send pics and updates for a while to make the kids feel a little better about it, I done this for someone years ago and it’s quite a common request when rehoming an animal that the new owner sends a few updates etc. you’ve done your best here but it’s time to get your life back now, that must have been really hard going.

Agree with everything said, in the meantime are you separating them as much as possible within the house? Litter trays, food/water etc, scratching posts, give them each their separate territory areas as much as you possibly can.

a cat moved into our house 13 years ago. she has always been a bit of a mild/occasional pisser but it's got out of hand the last year...had to rip up the landing/stair carpet, can't leave anything on the floor or have rugs. have had alot of improvement with zylkene and catnip