Eep!

[Meaux]

Our two year old male cat has started urinating in inappropriate places in our home. I have no idea what is going on with him. A couple of months ago, he urinated on our futon, and this evening, I caught him in the act, on the bed, while I was on the bed. He is usually a very laid back, well adjusted, happy go lucky cat, so I am very worried about what is going on. There wasn't any blood in the urine, and it was a large amount, so I don't think it is a UTI. I am worried because this isn't like him, and also because I don't want to have to continue to replace our bedding. Any thoughts/solutions?

[bikerchic]

Phew.....I feel for you Meaux!

I remember on another site I was a member on there was a huge discussion about this same topic. Lots of suggestions as to why all of a sudden a cat would start doing that, I was surprised to say the least!

I Googled and found this site which might give you some insight for your situation, hope it helps.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_feline_house_soiling.html

[Meaux]

Makes sense, my husband rearranged the living room. Maybe that's what it is? I would think he would've gone on something in the living room, but cats can be unpredictable. I can't remember what had happened when he did it the time before this. I just need him to stop. I really don't want to have to wrestle him into a diaper. LOL :D

[Flur]

Does it have an odor? Odorless (or really light odor) random or uncontrolled peeing can be a sign of kidney failure in cats. I would say a vet visit is in order.

[Meaux]

No, I smelled it before, I think he may have urinated there earlier today (the comforter was SOAKED with it). He's due for his annual vet visit in the next month or so, this will definitely be brought up. I just hate feeling like I don't know what's going on with my little guy. Flur, it's hilarious, my cat looks just like yours. Except with a much less serious look on his face. (Vlad is the little jester in our house.)

[Flur]

Hehe, Storm doesn't always look like that - just when he's trying to look astute for pictures! I have a few of them where he's making that serious face, as if to say, "No, I wouldn't be caught dead rolling on my back on the floor pawing into the air at nothing and meowing like it's attacking me!"

[Meaux]

Wow, I'm thinking Storm and Vlad may be long lost brothers. Vlad does this thing where he squeaks and then goes tearing through the house out of nowhere. It usually ends in him attacking his sister or attempting to climb up a wall (literally).

[Becky]

We went through this with our now 6 year old male, Auric. It was so intermittent that we had trouble getting a good grasp on the problem. Urinalysis finally revealed that, although he did not have a UTI, he does have a chronic condition (I can't remember the name!) where his urine crystallizes too easily, causing discomfort when he would urinate. No blood, no issues with quantity, no odor. The solution has been to switch him to a prescription food (Hills Prescription Diet C/D). Yeah, it's a little expensive, but not cleaning cat pee up several times a week has been priceless.

Going to the vet is a good idea, if only to rule out medical causes so that you can focus on behavioral ones.

[makbike]

Is your cat neutered? If not this could be the cause.

Have you had him checked by a vet to rule out a UTI? If not, I would encourage you to make an appointment. A urine sample can be quickly obtained and you should have an answer within 24 hours. If the UA comes back normal you are probably dealing with a behavioral issue. Lots of things can be contributing to the behavior problem. Ask your vet if they have a book you can borrow that deals with behavioral issues. Check into Felaway (psp) plugins as well. They will release a natural pheromone into the air that will calm your cat. Warning this product is not cheap but clients have indicated they have had success with it. Think back have you changed anything, litter, whatever you use to clean the boxes?

Are you treating the areas where he has sprayed with a product that contains natural enzymes? Do not use normal carpet cleaners for they only mask the odor to you. Your cat still smells it and the cycle continues.

[wolfak]

Our little Cricket had the same problems that Becky's cat had with the odd crystals in the urine causing discomfort and pain. We knew when attacks were coming when she'd start peeing in the sinks and bathtubs and my paper recycle box. She eventually grew out of that, but it was a couple of years of not knowing what was going on.

We switched to prescription food - she didn't like it much. The thing that worked was Cosequin (glucosamine & condroitin) that helped reduce her inflammation. It's a prescription item you can get from your vet. I would strongly suggest getting in ASAP rather than waiting - urinary health is a major issue with cats.

Otherwise, she started up some inappropriate urination when we moved last fall. Cats are very sensitive to change & stress.

[Blueberry]

Our little Cricket had the same problems that Becky's cat had with the odd crystals in the urine causing discomfort and pain. We knew when attacks were coming when she'd start peeing in the sinks and bathtubs and my paper recycle box. She eventually grew out of that, but it was a couple of years of not knowing what was going on.

We switched to prescription food - she didn't like it much. The thing that worked was Cosequin (glucosamine & condroitin) that helped reduce her inflammation. It's a prescription item you can get from your vet. I would strongly suggest getting in ASAP rather than waiting - urinary health is a major issue with cats.

Otherwise, she started up some inappropriate urination when we moved last fall. Cats are very sensitive to change & stress.

I've had good luck mail ordering Cosequin - no scrip needed, and way cheaper than buying from a vet. Our kitty is on it long term - he has a plate in his leg, and has hip dysplasia because of it.

Our kitty had bladder stones (not the ones that will dissolve with diet) - 2 surgeries to get ride of them, and scrip food for the rest of his life (yep - he's pricey, but oh so worth it).

CA