HELP! Cat(s) peeing everywhere since baby born! *UPDATE #11*

[D'sMama]

DS is 6 months old and for the last 2 months one or both of our cats (both female & spayed) have been peeing all over the house. : I'm pretty sure I know which one, but I'm not positive.

It started when we moved the box springs for our bed into "his" room (he's never in there), and had his activity center play gym thingie sitting on one of them. One of the cats peed in it and it soaked through to the box spring. Then we accidentally left the door open when we were away for 10 days and they peed ALL over the other one! So we lost our perfectly good box springs. They've also peed on: some duffel bags in our closet while we were away, on a reading wedge pillow that was on the floor by our bed (while I was napping with DS in bed! ), on an air mattress in the guest room, on the guest bed right after I was laying in it with DS (fortunately there was a mattress pad down and I caught it right away so that mattress is fine), and on his changing table about 6 times. Based on the location and timing of all of this, we're pretty sure it's jealousy - maybe they've finally realized he's not going away.

We took them both to the vet and they're both healthy. We just added another litter box in case that was the problem, but they refuse to use it . I bought some of that Feliway pheromone spray and started using it on furniture, and we now keep the doors to all the bedrooms closed, which is annoying. We try to give them a lot of attention, but they definitely don't get as much as before. They were never lap cats, though, and aren't particularly affectionate. I don't know what to do. We're not going to give them away.

Has anyone experienced this? What do you do about it? We're starting to worry about losing all of our furniture at this point. Why would they start now? Will it end? I'm going crazy!

[aprildawn]

You're sure they're ok? My cat has bladder infection/stone issues. Our first clue she's sick is usually her peeing on furniture.

We keep her in the bathroom overnight anymore. It got really old to have to treat our furniture all the time. And expensive. She has a nice den set up with a cushion and blanket set up inside one of the low cabinets. She always does it overnight or when we're away. So, we just keep her in the bathroom with her cushion and litterbox if we're asleep or not home.

Sorry to hear that's happening to you. Cat pee is the worst smell ever and so hard to remove.

[lucyem]

What you describe sounds like a UTI/Bladder infection. But you said they tested and it was negative. My next thought would be to look closely at the type of litter box and the type of litter. Some cats can be very picky - not likeing a cover or some of the newspaper type litter. What does the vet say about it all?

[Nicole915]

Sounds like you're dealing with a bit of a nightmare. Did they do a UA when you took them into the vet? It sounds like you started with the right things, extra litterboxes (there should be one more box than you have cats, so you should have 3.) and the Feliway. Often, clients report that they have much better results with the Feliway that comes in the diffuser that is plugged into the wall.

Have there been any other changes? New food? New litter type? New neighbor? New cleaning products?

Here are some links to some client education pages, I hope they give you some good ideas.

Discouraging Litter Box Misbehavior

The Root of Unwanted Behavior

Inappropriate Elimination

Discouraging Litter Box Misbehavior


(*Disclaimer - I'm not your vet, and this isn't medical advice)

[Denvergirlie]

I know a lot of people won't agree with me, but we had a cat like this. Perfectly helathy, checked and checked again at vet, clean bill of health.

It was a personality thing that developed with the cat. Didn't like change, became progressivly more teritorial and nothing really changed all that much. But it was a marking thing (yes the cat was fixed), claiming dominance over the other cats as well as "claiming" anything new in our house has his.

It progressed over the course of several months, peed on anything on the floor, towel, clothing, blanket that was kicked off at night, etc, etc.

We did rehome him into a single cat household and according to the new owners he has never had this issue again. I know there are ladies on this board that will say that cats don't do this out of spite... but I just don't believe that.

[D'sMama]

Thanks for all the tips and links everyone!

To clarify, they were not tested for UTI or bladder infection, no UA - our vet seemed to think it was behavioral. They still use the litter box most of the time, and whatever questions she asked (which I've forgotten) apparently told her that there was no need to test them.

I don't want to add a third litter box when they still haven't touched the second.

We moved in November, but they adjusted pretty well. Other than that and DS being born in January, no changes. I'm home most of the time, so they have company. Same litter box, same litter, same food, etc. that they've had for the 2.5 years we've had them. Another vet told us to switch litter after all this started, but they wouldn't use it, so we went back to the same.

Do you think I should have them tested for infection even though they have no other symptoms? I worry about keeping them cooped up in a bathroom overnight - they already act like I'm a monster for locking them out of our bedroom at night . They both believe no door should ever be closed.

[Nicole915]

Originally Posted by D'sMama

I don't want to add a third litter box when they still haven't touched the second.

Totally understandable. Is the new box the same type of box? Does it have the litter they like? Is it in the area where they are having issues?

Originally Posted by D'sMama

Do you think I should have them tested for infection even though they have no other symptoms?

Nope, if your DVM doesn't think it is physiological, then there is no way that I (or any of us) can tell you different via text. You may want to call and check in, just let your vet know that the issue has not resolved.

I assume that you're cleaning all the areas with one of the enzyme solutions (example: Nature's Miracle)?

[D'sMama]

Originally Posted by Nicole915

Totally understandable. Is the new box the same type of box? Does it have the litter they like? Is it in the area where they are having issues?

...

I assume that you're cleaning all the areas with one of the enzyme solutions (example: Nature's Miracle)?

Yep, same type of box, same litter, it's in the hall outside the bedroom doors where they were peeing, and where they hang out sometimes.

Everything they've peed on had to be thrown out or machine washed, so no need for cleaners. well, i did use some Bac-Out on the floor where they peed on a pillow. they haven't been allowed in the bedrooms since then, though.

[lucyem]

Originally Posted by D'sMama

Do you think I should have them tested for infection even though they have no other symptoms? I worry about keeping them cooped up in a bathroom overnight - they already act like I'm a monster for locking them out of our bedroom at night . They both believe no door should ever be closed.

We went through a period a few years ago where both our cats had bladder infections at the same time. One male & one female. Both still used the litter boxes sometimes. Also our female cat recently had a bladder infection and started peeing outside the little box on and off. I did not realize it at the time but she also changed her whole normal routine. She was no longer cuddly with me or sleeping next to me. A couple of days on meds and she was back next to me all night. So personally I would have them checked. But thats just based on my experience as a cat owner.

[greenmagick]

no real help here but I had a cat growing up who started doing this after my little brother was born. I know my mom had her checked for all kinds of things and nothing physical was found. She did end up being rehomed...but to be fair to my mom my little brother was born with a rare chronic disease (and at the time we had no clue what was going on...he didnt get diagnosed til he was around 12) so it was just too much for her.

[D'sMama]

Update. Running out of ideas and patience.

Okay, this is getting out of hand. We had one of them (Mama) checked for bladder/urinary issues, and even some x-rays because she swallowed some styrofoam . $500 later... nothing, and she passed the styrofoam just fine. Anyway.

Today I found pee on a couple blankets sitting on top of the subwoofer, and on the wall next to the woofer. I also found it in DS's bumbo seat for the 4th? 5th? 6th? time. Worst of all, I found it on one of my WRAPS. My beautiful Didy wrap that was folded and sitting on the back of the couch on a cushion next to the wall. Like, it would have taken a balancing act to pee on it. And it got through to the cushion so now we have to get that professionally cleaned. :

I don't know what to do. We've been keeping the cats separated at night most of the time, since the little one (we call her Kitten, but she's a few years old) has taken to viciously attacking Mama. One time when they were separated, the Kitten peed in the bumbo, and another time she snuck into the bedroom when the door was open for like 5 minutes and peed on a bath mat. So we think it's her, but I guess it could be both. DH is losing his patience and so am I. Smelling that atrocious cat pee smell on my wrap has sent me over the edge.

It's not a medical cause. We've added a litter box. Play with them and pet them more. Use the Feliway spray. Separate them at night. I don't know what else to do.
Almost all of the peeing is on DS's things, or that have his smell on them. It's been getting worse and worse for the last 3 months or so, and I don't see how it's going to get any better. I even asked my two elderly neighbors if they wanted one, but they don't. And I posted on facebook but got no takers. I'm not willing to put them in a shelter, and I'd rather give one or both of them to a friend or acquaintance so I know they'd be treated well and could maybe visit them, but no one wants them! What do I do? The only other option I can think of is to keep them in an empty bedroom all the time, but that's going to make everyone miserable. Short of that, do I have to put plastic on the d*mn couches and store the rugs? Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!!
:::

[Lynn08]

Sorry, no advice, but I can totally commiserate.

My dd is a year now, but for the first 6ish months, my (male, neutered) cat would periodically pee on her things. Nowhere else, just on her stuff. And, like your wrap, some of the items required much planning and skill to even get to, let alone on. He would also just walk up to dd and whack her. Yeah, it was bad enough that I was trying to find a new home for him (no luck, though).

But he eventually just stopped. I don't know if he finally got used to her, or accepted that she was here to stay, or realized that she could do far worse to him once she became mobil, but he has stopped. So, it may be something medical but it's probably just psychological.

Good luck!

[Porcelain Interior]

We went through this and eventually had to put the cat down.

When human health suffers I believe after doing everything you can that this is the best way.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done and I don't regret it.

The odds of your cat stopping at this point are virtually zero ime.

[D'sMama]

Originally Posted by Porcelain Interior

We went through this and eventually had to put the cat down.

When human health suffers I believe after doing everything you can that this is the best way.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done and I don't regret it.

The odds of your cat stopping at this point are virtually zero ime.

Um. I'm not sure where you're getting that "human health suffers." Nowhere in my posts did I say anything like that. The peeing is incredibly annoying, but no one's health is even remotely at stake - they've never even swatted at DS. I would never and will never euthanize a cat for a behavioral issue, ever. They may drive me crazy, but they're family. I would re-home or give them to a no-kill shelter before killing them just because they annoy me. I'm not going to comment on your reasons for doing so, but that's completely unacceptable in my world.

Also, clearly the odds of them stopping are not zero, as other posters here have said their cats did stop, and my vet has assured me that other animals who've done this have stopped eventually. I find it kind of appalling that you seem to be advocating killing my cats. :

If anyone has any other ideas, or BTDTs, I would be extremely grateful to hear them, because this is very hard and we don't know what else to do except cat-pee-proof the house and wait it out. But, please, I don't want to hear anything about euthanizing animals. It's a sore spot for me, having worked in a shelter and seen many wonderful, healthy animals euthanized. :

[Porcelain Interior]

Originally Posted by D'sMama

Um. I'm not sure where you're getting that "human health suffers." Nowhere in my posts did I say anything like that. The peeing is incredibly annoying, but no one's health is even remotely at stake - they've never even swatted at DS. I would never and will never euthanize a cat for a behavioral issue, ever. They may drive me crazy, but they're family. I would re-home or give them to a no-kill shelter before killing them just because they annoy me. I'm not going to comment on your reasons for doing so, but that's completely unacceptable in my world.

No one would take my cat, so you can save your judgmental attitude. You can't ethically rehome an animal that can't be stopped from saturating cloth surfaces with urine. Trust me we went through it for YEARS, my children's beds were peed on, their clothing, our furniture. It is a human health hazard when it gets to the point that everything in your home has been peed on (and cleaned, but that only works to a degree when it happens habitually) and the smell won't go away. CPS will tell you the same. I NEVER even once thought of rehoming/putting down the cat until someone told me that CPS considers this an issue. I wouldn't put my cats before my kids, it scared the h*ll out of me even though we kept the cat accidents cleaned up as they happened, the fallout from the smell that wouldn't go away was just too much.

My kids deserved to live in a home that didn't reek of cat urine, and sleep in beds that didn't have surpises in them and no child should have to wear clothes that have been urinated on by a cat. I bought every miracle cleaner on the planet AND cleaned the accidents up while still warm (when we found them right away) and it made no difference. It accumulated because the cat wouldn't stop. We put her in her own special room where she continued peeing on everything in that room, and suffered mental health issues because she was trapped in one room while the rest of the family was elsewhere most of the time.

Everyone seems to advocate these miracle pet loving no kill shelters, but the plain truth is they aren't everywhere, and my miracle pet loving no kill shelter didn't want my cat, they wanted me to continue living in a cat pee environment until she passed a way, as the nice and right thing to do.


Also, clearly the odds of them stopping are not zero, as other posters here have said their cats did stop, and my vet has assured me that other animals who've done this have stopped eventually. I find it kind of appalling that you seem to be advocating killing my cats. :

I am NOT advocating killing YOUR cats, I am advocating a loving way to end suffering when there is nothing more to be done. Your cats aren't at the point and state of health my cat was, they may just be ticked off, they may stop. It happens, but ime once cats have marked all over the place the odds of them ceasing are small. Some cats lessen the number of markings over time, but only you can decide what you can handle.

My cat was SICK with a medical problem that had no cure, we did everything we could. RX cat food, checking for urine crystals on a monthly basis (you don't even want to know the vet bills) for nothing. There wasn't anything that could be done for her. She was a precious innocent and beautiful animal, no one wanted her and I couldn't continue letting my children suffer and us suffer and have our home ruined when there was no cure forthcoming. We went to the ends of the Earth for this cat- including rehoming options. When you tell people the truth about cat's with chronic and constant urine issues the people lining up to take the cat suddenly disappear. Maybe I just should have lied to the shelters and volunteers that wanted my cat?

If anyone has any other ideas, or BTDTs, I would be extremely grateful to hear them, because this is very hard and we don't know what else to do except cat-pee-proof the house and wait it out. But, please, I don't want to hear anything about euthanizing animals. It's a sore spot for me, having worked in a shelter and seen many wonderful, healthy animals euthanized. :

Your response was very over the top and nasty. Your OP is filled with dramatic emotions and pleading for answers. I presented the one I ended up choosing- while my situation wasn't exactly like yours I don't appreciate you saying I killed my cat because she annoyed me.

My cat had Soft Paws applied to her little toenails instead of declawing (my husband has a leather couch she liked very much), every treat known to the cat world at her disposal, and she was my oldest daughters pride and joy. This cat was taken care of as if she was a princess, and we spent years trying to find a solution. In the years she lived in our home I have at least as many pictures of this cat as I do my own children. She did not suffer for lack of love. Euthenasia (sp?) isn't just some murderous plot people concoct out of selfishness. Sometimes it is the loving choice.

I did not kill my cat because she annoyed me, that is a very sickening and heartless thing to say.

I hope you find an answer.

[D'sMama]

Originally Posted by Porcelain Interior

Your response was very over the top and nasty. Your OP is filled with dramatic emotions and pleading for answers. I presented the one I ended up choosing- while my situation wasn't exactly like yours I don't appreciate you saying I killed my cat because she annoyed me.

My cat had Soft Paws applied to her little toenails instead of declawing (my husband has a leather couch she liked very much), every treat known to the cat world at her disposal, and she was my oldest daughters pride and joy. This cat was taken care of as if she was a princess, and we spent years trying to find a solution. In the years she lived in our home I have at least as many pictures of this cat as I do my own children. She did not suffer for lack of love. Euthenasia (sp?) isn't just some murderous plot people concoct out of selfishness. Sometimes it is the loving choice.

I did not kill my cat because she annoyed me, that is a very sickening and heartless thing to say.

I hope you find an answer.

I'm sorry you're so defensive about this, but I truly never meant for my response to come across as attacking your decision. I tried to be very clear in my response to your post that I was discussing MY OWN PERSONAL FEELINGS about the matter of euthanasia in regards to behavioral issues and my own cats and their problems, NOT yours. I fully recognize that it's a loving decision at times. We had to have my childhood cat euthanized when he was 19 years old because he had been diabetic for years and was losing a lot of weight and quality of life. That was also the hardest decision of my life and I don't regret it, because it was the best thing for him at that point.

I NEVER said you killed your cat because she annoyed you. I said I would never kill MY cat because she annoys me. HUGE distinction! I know nothing of what you went through, and after your second post, it's clear that we are/were experiencing very different levels of problems. I am NOT judging your decision. Your original post was extremely sparse and did not say much of anything about your experience - it really came across to me as though you were suggesting euthanasia as a solution to my current problem, which sounded very harsh and uncalled for, hence my reaction.

I'm sorry there was miscommunication here. I really tried to phrase my response to you clearly, so as to say that I would not make that decision for myself given the current circumstances.

[Porcelain Interior]

Originally Posted by D'sMama

I'm sorry you're so defensive about this, but I truly never meant for my response to come across as attacking your decision. I tried to be very clear in my response to your post that I was discussing MY OWN PERSONAL FEELINGS about the matter of euthanasia in regards to behavioral issues and my own cats and their problems, NOT yours. I fully recognize that it's a loving decision at times. We had to have my childhood cat euthanized when he was 19 years old because he had been diabetic for years and was losing a lot of weight and quality of life. That was also the hardest decision of my life and I don't regret it, because it was the best thing for him at that point.

I NEVER said you killed your cat because she annoyed you. I said I would never kill MY cat because she annoys me. HUGE distinction! I know nothing of what you went through, and after your second post, it's clear that we are/were experiencing very different levels of problems. I am NOT judging your decision. Your original post was extremely sparse and did not say much of anything about your experience - it really came across to me as though you were suggesting euthanasia as a solution to my current problem, which sounded very harsh and uncalled for, hence my reaction.

I'm sorry there was miscommunication here. I really tried to phrase my response to you clearly, so as to say that I would not make that decision for myself given the current circumstances.

I'm glad we've clarified that, and you're right I'm very defensive about the issue, because it's so horrible. As a pet lover it's hard to forgive yourself even if you have no other choice.

I do truly hope your kitties cool it with the peeing. I only chimed in because I've seen so many other people agonize over this exact topic (in worse situations) and not be able to give themselves permission that maybe they've done everything possible. I realize this is not where you're at and I'm glad.

No hard feelings, this is very emotional stuff.

[cadydid]

If you've ruled out a medical cause and you're pretty sure it's behavioral, then I'd try some drugs. Your cats are stressed. They're telling you in about the only way they can. They have no ability to make their environment less stressful by themselves. I wouldn't even hesitate to try a medication. It doesn't necessarily have to be forever - a lot of animals just need it short term to help themselves adjust. A lot like people, really.

[an_aurora]

Our cats did that when DD1 was born and they got rehomed.

[Miasmamma]

We have one that is doing it and we are currently in discussion about what to do with her. My entire garage smells like cat pee since she decided to pee in my DD's bike trailer. She's DH's cat and DOES not like anyone but him so I'm not sure what we will do at this point.