Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/28/2008

Question
I have a 10 year old cat,indoor, litter trained, who has recently been urinating on our bed, next to me, while I'm sleeping. This usually occurs in the early morning (around 5:30). I have recently changed our room around. Before, he would climb on the nightstand and rattle the blinds. Now, it is not possible for him to do that. Is it possible he is urinating as a way to wake me up? We also recently redid our floors downstairs. We had wall to wall carpeting, but now have hardwood floors.  

Answer
C,

One of the most common feline responses to stress is inappropriate elimination. The bladder is the cat’s stress target.

When the cat urinates in front of the owner the cat is giving the message that he has a health problem, or that he is severely stressed by something in the home or environment. They have no other way (they think) of telling you they are upset except by improper elimination. People are often surprised to learn that these acts performed by a cat are designed to help them calm down. Scent is a big deal to cats, especially when that scent belongs to them.

A ten year old cat (56 years old in human years) does not take stress and change as well as a younger cat. Moving things around could have upset him. He is used to the routine of rattling the blinds, and since he can't do that anymore he may be confused as what to do. Is there anyway you can put a kitty perch or something in front of his old window so he can rattle the blinds again? See if that stops his peeing on the bed.

He may also have a urinary tract infection, urinary crystals, or a kidney infection. He should be checked by a vet because they can cause a complete blockage if not treated in time, and in male cats, that is most always fatal.

You should take him to a vet that is knowledgeable about geriatric cats anyway for an "older cat checkup" to check the function of his  kidneys, thyroid, liver, etc. He is getting to the age that things can start going out. Catching things early, and getting medication for any problems can increase his quality of life.

Being prepared and knowledgable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat, and for you. I am including some good links having to do with the geriatric cat:
(Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1310&articleid=610

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

The best thing to do is love him and give him lots of attention and reassurance. Don't ever get angry or frustrated at him for getting old.

Tabbi