Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

I have a 4 yo. scaredy cat that's been pooping and pissing (mostly pissing) on and off in random places (rugs, plastic, her own cat bed, hardwood) for the past 4 years.

I know it's not a urinary tract infection because our visits to the vet didn't diagnose the problem.

Our condo is small so we can't afford to put a cat litterbox in every room. We also have another cat (scaredy doesnt get along with her) who we're afraid may start marking too if the problem doesn't get addressed.

DH has been reluctant to give up on her so we've had to endure the problem for years now. But we have baby on the way and we're at our wits end at what to do...

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

Message edited 7/28/2008 10:44:40 AM.

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

You say you have 2 cats -- How many litter boxes do you have?

You need to have at least 2 litter boxes if you have two cats. Not every cat wants to share...

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

I have one big litterbox that they both share since they're kittens. There is no problem with the sharing part.

It's just at random times our scaredy cat would decide to piss outside the box in random places. Very weird cat.

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

I would make sure the box is constantly cleaned especially if you have 2 cats sharing. My cat is almost 10 and is really picky with the litter box if it isn't cleaned everyday.

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

You should bring your cat to the vet. One of my cats has had on and off peeing issues over the years. The last episode was three years ago and he had a UTI, so as soon as he started with the same behaviour again a couple of weeks ago we brought him in. It turns out there are crystals in his urine and he had to go on medication to clear it up. Your poor kitty could be in pain

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

I've honestly never experienced a cat peeing outside the box because it's scared. I honestly think someone else is going on. I'd keep the litter boxes clean -- and yes, boxes. Even though they previously shared a box with no problem, I'd get another box at this point (since there is a problem).

I might also follow-up with the vet. If it's not a UTI, did the vet give any other possible explanation for the behavior? I'd ask about other possible reasons besides just being scared. That's just not a usual reason cats pee outside the box...

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

Is it a boy cat? He could be marking (not peeing, but that same aroma). This is common, esp. if you have two males. My vet said that it has to do with if the cat reaches puberty before he is neutered, he then marks his territory with a spray to show 'he is the boss'.

I would recommend a full blood workup if you haven't had one already. My childhood cat started doing this when she developed cancer.

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

My SIL actually has this problem with her older cat (she has two)

All of a sudden he started peeing on everything. They took him to the vet numerous time. Just recently the vet put the cat on Xanax, bc they think he might be doing it because of stress. Over the past few years, the cat they had that he grew up with passed away, then they got another one, then a dog, etc. So they are currently doing this and hoping it works

eta: he didn't have crystals in his urine or a UTI, that was originally what the vet thought it might be. He's in perfect health

Message edited 7/30/2008 4:34:45 PM.

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

When my cat has peed outside the box it was because of a UTI. Some cats will do this habitually if there is an anxiety problem. You can try a second litter box or maybe the vet can prescribe an anti anxiety med.

Re: Cat Randomly Pissing - What should I do?

has the cat been spayed/ neutered? if so, I can only suggest cleaning out the litter box constantly (well you can't right now, DH will have to do it) scoop out poopies as soon as you can, that might help.