Cat owners, help please: Apt being turned into a litter box!

[nancielle]

I'm hoping that some of the cat owners here might be able to help.

I took in an abandoned cat 7 months ago. He's been very good about using the litter box. For the past 1 1/2 weeks he's been peeing on my bedroom door and this morning I found a pee stain on one of my bedroom curtains (one of the windows he likes to hang out in.) For "solids" elimination he uses his box. The box hasn't been moved and it's cleaned very often. He appears healthy (eating/drinking well and very active.) Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[papaver]

How often do you change the litterbox?

[Eden]

Even though he's acting fine, still have him checked over. Inappropriate urination can be the first sign of a urinary problem (crystals or infection), otherwise has anything else changed in his life that might be stressing him? Cats usually resort to territory marking if they are feeling encroached upon - new pet, moving etc.

Oh - and he is neutered? If not that can solve a lot of problems.

[nancielle]

The litter is 'scooped' several times a day and changed outright every other day.

I forgot to mention that he is neutered. There haven't been any changes in the household routine. He and the dog get along fine (the cat lived in the building before I adopted my dog and they took to each other immediately. They're like velcro.)

[short cut sally]

Inappropriate urination pattern could mean a urinary infection.
My cat had prolonged vomiting one day and he ended up with a cystitis. When ever my moms cat does a prolonged vomiting, he usually has a kidney stone and they have to usually get him rotor rooted to relieve all that.
By all means, have him checked. My cat aside from an unusual vomiting, was totally normal and playing and running. There's nothing wrong with being an overprotective "mom".

[lisathew8lifter]

is the pee stain normal color and size? how about the litter box, is the amount you are scooping normal? if it is smaller than normal, that can indicate bladder/urinary tract infection like the others said. if nothing in your life has changed and he's been a normal kitty for 7 months, it is vet time. cats are pretty intelligent and although they can't talk, they can definitely let you know that something isn't right. best of luck to you and the fur baby!

[WindingRoad]

This is a long shot but my Felix (God rest his little kitty soul) would not go pee in the litter box if I used those plastic liners? I don't know why but I found out b/c I ran out of them and just put the litter in strait. Strangely enough he stopped peeing on things?

[smilingcat]

Hi Nanci,

+1 with everyone else regarding urinary infection. But he seems bit young for that. still have him checked out. You should use "Natures Miracle" pee stain remover. try a small portion on the carpet and on the drapes where its not visible (make sure the fabric doesn't bleed). If its okay, apply liberally tro the area and let it soak for few minutes. Then dry it off with paper towel. Natures Miracle has an active ingredient that neutralizes the smell.

If Hunter can't recognize the smell he wont pee on the spot.

And his dynamic with the dog is still the same? and with you? Cats behavior does change just as kids going into teenage years ...

Anyway, please keep me posted. And if you want to send me more details you are welcome and I can brainstorm with my partner and cat rescue people. we may have more idea on what to do.

[nancielle]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I called the vet yesterday afternoon and Hunter was checked out and given a clean bill of health. His vet thinks he's gone into a phase of marking territory despite being neutered. Yikes!
They recommended a pheromone spray that's supposed to discourage the spraying. I hope it works. I've always used plastic liners in his litter box and he's never minded in the past (he'll even pull it up on the sides and use it to cover his "work".)

Hunter and Chloe and still like two strange peas in a pod. Both of them get individual "mommy" time for playing, grooming and belly rubs . Our routines haven't changed. However, earlier this morning I started thinking again about it and wondered: since the weather has been much warmer the windows have been open. The window with the (now stained) curtain faces the back yard. We get our fair share of wandering cats coming through and I wonder if he's reacting to their presence. In any case, I don't want the situation to get out of hand where the landlord says he has to go.

[tctrek]

He's marking your area -- letting the world know that he "owns" you. Neutered males and spayed females can both do this. The pheromone spray might work, but I also recommend closing the door to that room he is marking for a long, long time or you could try putting a small litter pan in the room that he is marking. Chances are he'll use it.

Sometimes changing the litter pan too much will cause this behavior also, ie: several times a day. He feels he needs his scent to show that he owns your house.

Believe it or not, sometimes having another cat will also change this. If they get along and bond, he won't be quite so possessive of you.