Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/25/2009

Question
My cat is a female.  She is about 3 yrs old and has always used the litter box just fine.  She poops in the litter box with no problem but she pees right next to it.  The floor is tile so I clean it up and I have even bleached it but she still uses it there.  I don't know what to do.  I do have another cat but they have always shared and there were never any problems.  What can I do? Please help because I am very frustrated at this point. Thanks

Answer
Lindsey,

The most common reason for that behavior is a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals. Both are painful when the cat pees and the cat associate that pain with the litterbox and goes elsewhere. If you can afford it, I would take the cat to the vet and have her checked. She can be given antibiotics for them. If left untreated they can cause a blockage.


Since I cannot put all the information in this reply, I am including some links to good articles about improper elimination. They will have good information that you should find helpful in dealing with the kitten's behavior.
(copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/a/outsidebox_two.htm

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

http://www.apbc.org.uk/article10.htm

AND,

here is a 'recipe' for cat urine odor removal:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid soap

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

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.  Have a VERY loose lid as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when mixed together will release oxygen and an airtight container will explode. You can mix and keep it in large spray bottle (Home Depot, etc.) but a plastic liter or 2-liter soda bottle works just a well.

Always test for color-fastness. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent in stronger concentrations and can lighten materials that are not color-fast.

Tabbi