Expert: SM Starlights - 9/29/2006

Question
hi,
i have a question for you and hope you can answer it or at least give me your opinion. my aunt has a cat whose about 7 years old. maybe a little older. she has been peeing on the couch. my aunt isnt at home much but there are other people that are home so the cat is not alone. the only place the cat is peeing is on the couch were my aunt sits. we took the cat to the vet and everything is fine with her so im guessing now it must be a behavioral problem. why is she peeing on the couch? any ideas? thanks

Answer
Hey!

Go to www.drsfostersmith.com and purchase FeliWay for your cat and re-train your cat. Whenever you catch him/her using the bathroom wherever or on whatever other than his litter box spray him/her with a bottle filled with water, and then he/she should run from the water, after it runs from you  pick him up and put him in the litter box. Also do not allow him to have access to wherever or whatever he/she is using the bathroom on, if that doesn't work trying moving the litter box to where he/she uses the bathroom at, also make sure that you clean the litter box everyday cats are very clean animals and will refuse to use a soiled litter box, remember that if you can smell the litter box know that your cat can really smell it because they have a better sense of smell than humans. Also it could be the type of litter that you're using. Try switching to a different brand or type of litter (Ex. clumping litter, clay, wood shavings,cellulose, sand, or silica ) Cats also hate to be in an traffic area when doing their buisness try purchasing a hooded litter box or moving the litter box to a more secure location. If none of these work contact the vet ASAP as this could be a problem with a disease. I hope I've helped.