16 year old cat started spraying (throw, UTI, dog, crystals) - Cats - - City-Data Forum

mrs1885 · 09-29-2013, 08:10 PM

We have two boys, both 16, been sharing a home for the last dozen years or so. Both were neutered at a year old. Have never had a problem, never been sick a day in their life. But the one has now started spraying. I took him to the vet wondering if he had a UTI or something. Nope. Perfect health and the vet said he never would have guessed his age if I'd not told him. Other cat isn't doing this. No changes in the house recently. I've tried to replace the litter box thinking maybe they needed a new one. Nope. Tried newspaper based litter, clay litter, scoop litter and some kind of litter that looked almost like like plastic balls. Nothing is helping. I'm at my wits end with this boy! Any thoughts or advice? He just came in my room an hour ago and sprayed on the dog's bed and the curtain behind it.

catdad7x · 09-29-2013, 08:43 PM

Are there any cats or other critters coming around outside your house and possibly marking territory?

mrs1885 · 09-29-2013, 08:51 PM

It's possible but the boys aren't allowed outdoors. Do you think they'd smell it from inside? Again, although it's possible, I'm thinking probably not. We've got chickens and they make one heck of a fuss if there are other animals outside and fly back inside their fenced yard at our back door and throw fits. They've not done that in months. So I'd *guess* no, but that's not to say I'm not wrong either.

FYI, they currently have just a regular plastic WalMart litter box. It had the domed lid on it because I thought it would keep any litter box odor contained. After I put it in there though I realized it's probably the equivalent to them of using a portapotty to us, so I took the lid off and put it behind a set of shelves in the laundry room so they've got privacy. It's the same place the litter box has been for seven years. It is smaller though, by just a bit. I replaced it about a month ago. Maybe that's it? They don't like the new box? I guess I never thought of that. I've also noticed one of them isn't using it to poop in either and will potty just outside the box. I"m assuming that is also Milo, but could be wrong there.

hunterseat · 09-29-2013, 08:51 PM

No crystals evident? I was thinking that urinary issue, especially since he's a neutered male. Might change to that special catfood anyway... maybe??? Hope it gets cured. It's going to be hard to get the smell out!

catdad7x · 09-29-2013, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs1885

It's possible but the boys aren't allowed outdoors. Do you think they'd smell it from inside? Again, although it's possible, I'm thinking probably not. We've got chickens and they make one heck of a fuss if there are other animals outside and fly back inside their fenced yard at our back door and throw fits. They've not done that in months. So I'd *guess* no, but that's not to say I'm not wrong either.

FYI, they currently have just a regular plastic WalMart litter box. It had the domed lid on it because I thought it would keep any litter box odor contained. After I put it in there though I realized it's probably the equivalent to them of using a portapotty to us, so I took the lid off and put it behind a set of shelves in the laundry room so they've got privacy. It's the same place the litter box has been for seven years. It is smaller though, by just a bit. I replaced it about a month ago. Maybe that's it? They don't like the new box? I guess I never thought of that. I've also noticed one of them isn't using it to poop in either and will potty just outside the box. I"m assuming that is also Milo, but could be wrong there.

If there's any spraying going on outside, it's likely your guys will smell it & could be an issue. It could also be something to do with the new litter box. I have 3 litter boxes.... 2 standard size & 1 that is larger & deeper. My senior tomcat usually uses the bigger one and there has been times when he used the small ones and missed the box a little. So for him size matters. Since your litter boxes are really the only thing different, sounds like that could be your problem. Others can probably give better advice than me, as I haven't had to deal with that with my crew.

informpets · 09-30-2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catdad7x

Are there any cats or other critters coming around outside your house and possibly marking territory?

no there is no cats around outside from the wall

Rene S · 09-30-2013, 10:09 AM

Since he's an older guy, I wonder if getting into the litter box is an issue (in his mind)? Could you try cutting away part of the side so there's easier access? I would also suggest the Cat Attract litter. We've used it in the past with pretty good results.

=^..^= · 09-30-2013, 11:41 AM

Location of the box is also important. If it's hard to get to for an old cat who may be suffering from some arthritis, they'll skip using it. Especially if they have to go up or down stairs. How clean are the litter-boxes? You should have at least 2 and one on each floor of your home. If 2 cats are using the same litterbox, it needs to be scooped several times a day. The general rule is one box per cat and a spare, scooped twice a day. Some people don't realize how important that is. Because the feces and urine are "buried" they don't realize the cat KNOWS it's there and doesn't want to get their paws in it covering up a new clump of whatever they just did. So... one box on each floor which is easy to reach. Make a cutout lower section so old cat doesn't have to jump or climb into the box. At least 2 boxes kept scrupulously clean and scooped. Make sure the other cat isn't "litterbox guarding."

brokencrayola · 10-01-2013, 01:01 AM

If you have other cats that are hanging around outside your place your cats can smell it. This particular cat may be very territorial and that is why it is spraying. Are there any cats outside that your cats can see through the window?

Rene S · 10-01-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs1885

FYI, they currently have just a regular plastic WalMart litter box. It had the domed lid on it because I thought it would keep any litter box odor contained. After I put it in there though I realized it's probably the equivalent to them of using a portapotty to us, so I took the lid off and put it behind a set of shelves in the laundry room so they've got privacy. It's the same place the litter box has been for seven years. It is smaller though, by just a bit. I replaced it about a month ago. Maybe that's it? They don't like the new box? I guess I never thought of that. I've also noticed one of them isn't using it to poop in either and will potty just outside the box. I"m assuming that is also Milo, but could be wrong there.

This is possible. Taking off the lid is a good idea. Some cats dislike covered boxes.

Instead of a litter box, we use plastic storage bins, with an entrance cut out of part of the side. You can buy any size you like and it's way cheaper than a traditional litter box.