Expert: Becky - 3/8/2005

Question
Please help me solve this problem with my 3 year old neutered male cat, Byron.  I have 2 cats, Byron and Ollie (6 years old, neutered male) and Hunter a Golden Retriever.  Byron sees himself as the alpha animal in the house.  That's okay with the other 2 animals as they seem to not care one way or the other.

The problem arises when Byron feels that he is being challenged by the other cat or the dog.  For example Hunter piddled a few drops one morning when he greeted my husband "good morning."  Shortly after that Byron urinated on the floor pillow which was near the dog piddle spot.   Hunter licks a lot of stuff, himself, the furniture, the carpet.  One evening he licked the sofa cushion, and the next morning Byron urinated on that sofa cushion.
These examples indicated the relationship between the dog and cat, but there have been examples between the two cats as well.  This has been going on for probably two years.  At first he targeted only items left on the floor, such as towels and clothing.  But the ruined items are now expensive.

Byron is now living in the garage.  Ollie loves this arrangement because now he can freely travel the house.  The dog doesn't care, the cats are a non-issue to him.
I miss my cat.  Byron can be a very affectionate playful cat.  I would like to have him return to living with us.  What can I do to remedy this?
Joyce

Answer
Hi Joyce,
WOW, you really do have a problem.  If he weren't neutered, I would think that is the problem, but since he is, then honestly I really do not know.  He is obviously leaving his scent to make the other animals aware that he is the alpha, but I'm not sure how to get him to stop. Have you tried keeping him in the garag e, and letting him out  under supervision?  Maybe you could try that, and if he starts to mark something, you could firmly say NO and put him back in the garage.  It might be worth a try.  

Good luck and God bless,
Becky