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Expert: - 2/20/2009


Question
I am at the end of the rope with my cat!  He is 6 years old and has been neutered since he was 6 months old.  When he was about 1 he began urinating in suitcases.  We assumed it was some type of separation anxiety.  It has gradually progressed to urination on the furniture.  We will go for stints up to 7 months without an incident and then it will be constant.  The vet says that there is not anything wrong with him.  His litter is changed very frequently and I have spent a small fortune on Feliway plug ins and sprays.  There are not any other animals so he is not being territorial and he gets lots of attention.  I have read multiple books and articles on prevention and causes, but to no avail.  I currently have two armchairs and a couch that are drying after being cleaned.  He has ruined my living room this evening and I am ready to scream!  I love my cat and do not want to get rid of him, but he is destroying my home!  Do you have any suggestions that we have not tried?  Please help!!!!!

Answer
Hi Liz,

I am assuming your vet has ruled out Feline Urological Syndrome or F.U.S. and Cystitis. These will cause problems like this in cats. Also thyroid disease and kidney disease. If your vet has ruled out all these problems speak to him about putting you cat on Elavil, (amytriptyline). This stuff works really well in stopping that behavior. Make sure you use a really good enzymatic cat urine cleaner in all the spots he used. You don't want him to be tempted to go back in those areas. Check this litter out. It works pretty good. You can get it at stores like Pet Smart.
http://www.preciouscat.com/

The medicine I suggested should work. Just make sure your vet has cleared him of any health problems he could be having. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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