Doc, I am going to get rid of this cat if he doesn't stop peeing everywhere! I have heard this complaint so very often.
The leading reason for people getting rid of their cats is due to marking or urination in the wrong places.
The problem must be diagnosed to determine whether it is medical or behavioral.
Medical problems affecting the urinary tract in cats will force them to change their habits.
Cats that are normally litter trained may urinate on the floor right before your eyes or in other obvious places such as your shoe or pillow.
This is their cry for help.
Rather brilliant on their part to bring the problem to your attention.
A urinalysis (urine tests) will diagnose a bladder infection or feline lower urinary tract disease (F.
L.
U.
T.
D.
).
Medical treatment resolves the problem.
If the urinalysis is normal than you have behavioral urination problems.
Behavioral urination provokes cats to mark.
Most cats mark with the tail straight up and a horizontal spray of small amounts of urine out the back end will leave their scent.
Male and female cats mark.
Unneutered males mark the most but females in the peak of their breeding cycle mark as well.
Reasons for marking include sexual, territorial and competitive interactions between cats.
If your cat is totally an indoor pet they will still know if a new tom cat or a breeding female is prowling outside the window.
This is even more frustrating for an indoor cat.
Indoor marking of doorways, windows, furniture and clothing are acceptable items for your cat.
Of course, this is not acceptable to humans because the odor is so offensive.
Aggressive behavior in cats I believe is the most offensive.
This is a situation you will take personally.
Your cat is unhappy and is selecting the individual in the household who is making him/her unhappy.
Perhaps the threat is a new partner, newborn baby or another cat in the household.
This is not a common behavioral problem.
An analysis of the urine and the environmental conditions are of utmost importance to make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatments for marking include cleaning with a neutralizing product and usually use of oral medications to control anxiety.
A wonderful product contains pheromones that cats release when they are happy.
If sprayed where previous urinating has occurred the cats will not mark.
They don't want to spray in happy places.
It also works with aggression problems.
Additionally, retraining your cat to use the litter box is necessary.
Having a very clean box for each cat and additives that attract your cat back to the box are basic steps.
Sometimes anti-anxiety drugs are added to the list.
Whether medical or behavioral most problems can be resolved.
There is a reason for their complex actions.
Give your feline friend a second chance.