Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/20/2008

Question
My female cat is 2 years old and was recently fixed because we thought it would cure her habit of peeing on my clothes. I am a female also, and she targeted my clothing, particularly items that had been worn. Now that she is spayed, she is continuing peeing on my clothes, and has most recently peed on our bed. Why is she targeting my clothes specifically? Is there anything we can do to discourage and stop this behaviour?

Answer
Anna,

The most common reason for a spayed female peeing inappropriately is a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals. Both are painful when they pee and cats associate that pain with the litterbox and go elsewhere. A kidney infection or kidney stones also are causes for improper elimination. It might be wise to take her to the vet to have that possibility checked.

One of the most common feline responses to stress is inappropriate elimination. The bladder is the cat’s stress target. If it is a behavior problem, then it may be related to stray cats. Females can get stressed and territorial especially if they are indoor cats and can't defend their area. They pee on things because they are upset  over it, and are marking 'their territory'. If there is a window that she can see the strays out of I would block her view.

Sometimes you have to be a detective to figure out what is causing the cat's behavior problem. If the cat selects a particular person’s clothing or bedding for her toilet area, it generally means that this person is the source of her anxiety. Have you been giving her the same amount of attention? Have you left her alone for a few days? Is there someone new in the household?

Have you tried a litterbox in the bedroom where she goes to see if she would use it there? If she does then that tells you that the problem is with the litterbox. It could be she doesn't like the location of it? Some cats prefer more privacy than having a litterbox out in the open. Sometimes a bigger litterbox with deeper litter will help.

Some stress-related behavior problems can be helped by getting a prescription for 'kitty Prozac' from a vet. It is popular for calming cats and relieving stress related emotional problems.

Here is a 'receipe' for cat urine odor removal:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid soap
Gently mix all ingredients in a non-metal container. Do not mix or shake vigorously!

The mixture is best used when fresh but can be stored. Do not keep mixture in an airtight container as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when mixed together release loads of oxygen. We don't want an explosion on our hands on top of the mess we already have!

You can mix and keep it in large spray bottle (Home Depot, etc.) but on old plastic liter soda bottle works just a well. Just remember to keep the cap on loose.

3% hydrogen peroxide can be bought at most grocery and drug stores in pint and quart bottles.

MATTRESSES:

You must saturate the spot throughly to get deep down into the padding and springs to neutralize the urine. If the cat has urinated alot in one spot, the mattress can be soiled all the way to the other side! Let the area dry for 24-48 hours without bedding then reapply if necessary.

CLOTHING, COMFORTERS, AND BEDDING:

Put the items in the washing machine and pour in enough of the recipe to cover throughly. This might take a few gallons depending on the size of the load. Soak for at least 24 hours. Rinse and rewash using normal washing detergent. If any of the odor is still present, soak again for 24 hours, rinse and rewash.

A small area on a comforter can be spot treated by saturating the area throughly, letting it dry for 24 hours, then washing the comforter normally in the washer with detergent. Always check for color-fastness before using.

I hope this information is helpful.

Tabbi