I received an email from Arin/Rini asking for advice. The email stated, ‘I have a cat who pees in random places around the house. I tried everything but he’s still doing it. What else can I do?’ I initially planned to send a short email reply but realized I had more to say. So, I decided to turn it into a post.
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2. Monitor your cats to make sure they aren’t fighting. When at home, observe how the two cats interact, especially when one uses the litter box. Do they fight around it? If so, perhaps Shiro is scaring Aiko away. In this case, separate the cats when you’re not home. Put one cat in one room and another in another, each with its own litter box, water, scratch post, etc.
3. Ensure you’re not using a scented litter. Scented litters may smell better to humans but can be repulsive to some cats. Try an unscented litter to see if it helps Aiko use the litter box. The World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Quick Clumping Formula can be found on Amazon/Chewy. 4. Try a different kind of litter. The World’s Best Cat Litter Multi-Cat Formula (unscented) is recommended. If your cat has a problem with the current litter, switching to a different kind might solve the issue. 5. Try a different kind of litter box. If you have an enclosed one with a cover, try one without or remove the cover. Some cats dislike enclosed spaces when peeing. Large litter pans like the iPrimio cat litter pan are a good option. If you have a regular-sized covered box, start by removing the cover. The Modko Modkat Sleek White Minimalist Top Entry Litter Box can be found on Amazon/eBay. 6. Make sure to completely clean the spots where Aiko has peed. Smells linger and cats may pee where they smell their pee before. Clean thoroughly. Enzymatic cleaners like the Simple Solution one can remove stubborn pee smells. If you don’t have access to one, try cleaning strength white vinegar. It has worked in the past and is affordable and easy to get.The smell of a cat’s urine isn’t appealing to them, which might help keep Aiko away from that spot.
It’s crucial to get Aiko tested for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Contact your vet to confirm if Aiko has been specifically tested for UTIs, as this is a common reason for cats to urinate outside their litter box. Typically, if a cat urinates in unusual places, especially where they sleep, it’s not intentional and indicates an underlying issue. Urinary tract infections are a significant cause, as they cause pain during urination, leading cats to avoid the bathroom until they can no longer hold it, resulting in them urinating wherever they are. If Aiko shows affection by waiting outside your door, this could explain the urine there. Male cats are more prone to UTIs than females, making it a possibility. Ensure the vet double-checks if they haven’t already. In such cases, follow the vet’s instructions to help Aiko recover, usually involving a specialized diet with more wet food to increase water intake. This should resolve the issue as Aiko won’t be in pain while urinating. I hope these tips help, Arin, and wish you luck! I’d appreciate it if you could update me on the effectiveness of these suggestions. [Edit 2022/04/11:] Arin took Aiko to the vet, and unfortunately, Aiko had a health issue. Arin expressed gratitude for the advice, which led to the discovery that both of Aiko’s kidneys were swollen and not functioning properly. It’s essential to get your cat double/triple checked at the vet if they’re urinating everywhere, and if you’re not satisfied with your vet’s assessment, seek a second opinion—it could save your cat’s life! Your Turn: Advice for Cats Who Pee Everywhere? Please share your thoughts on cats urinating randomly in the house. What do you typically suspect as the cause? Any advice for Arin with Aiko? Have you experienced this with your cats? Share your stories in the comments below!
