Expert: Norman Auspitz - 8/5/2009

Question
I've had my cat for a little over 6 years but I was told that he was almost a year old when I got him. He was already neutered when he was given to me and was easy to train from keeping off the furniture (except my bed and couch) with a small squirt gun. I've had a few issues with him in the past with him urinating in my apartment from time to time, when I would be out of town for a day or two and once when I forgot to feed him in the morning. I assumed that it was separation anxiety or that he was trying to get my attention. I haven't had any issues with him in the last year but within the last 4 days, he has began to urinate outside the litter box. I would like to add that there has been fecal matter in his box within the last 4 days, but no urine. He urinated on one of my large area rugs for the first time the other day...I had to throw it out and replace it. Just this evening after getting home from work, I realized that he urinated on one of my lounge chairs. His litter box is clean and no changes to the actual litter or box have been made....the same goes for his food. All have been the same brands for the past 6+ years. He is my only cat and stays indoors. I'm not sure what to do about this problem so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Amber,

Your 7 year old neutered male cat is the right demographic for possible urinary tract problems.  So, it may or may not be a behavioral issue after all.

So, the first order of business is a trip to the vet to see if the urinary tract is OK. A bladder infection or crystals or struvites in the urine will often make the cat go immediately when getting that tickling sensation, no matter where they are. A tip to help avoid these problems is to use distilled water in his water bowl.

If it is not medical, then you are right it is behavioral. If the cat sees or smells spray from a strange cat hanging around your house, If the brand or type of litter has been changed, A new addition to the household, 2 legged or 4 legged, or etc., this kind of behavior can result. There are other possible causes and I am providing a link which points to a series of excellent articles on litter box problems:

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

Besides this, whenever you find that he has urinated inappropriately, the area needs to be cleaned up with an enzyme based cleaner specifically for pet stains and pet odors (available at most pet supermarkets or farm stores).  In addition, if there is a behavioral issue, especially with other carts in the area, a Feliway diffuser (a pheromone based spray that is available from most pet supermarkets) might be in order.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm