Matisse does not have a UTI as he does this once every two weeks or so. He used to do this alot but we changed his litter and it got better. He has two litter boxes that are fully cleaned every monday and thursday. He is neutered and an only kitty. No major changes in his world recently.He just peed all over our sofa again. We put him outside on the patio for the evening but I am looking for ways to stop him. Hubby wants to get a water bottle and spritz the little guy to teach him to not step onto the sofas at all. I am not against that but am wondering if any of the Feli-away sprays work? Or if there is some other reason cats do this?
First of all, I think the water spritzing is inhumane. Physical punishment should never be used on cats or dogs. The best thing to do is to protect your furniture. I have two cats and one of them sometimes pees on the sofa. I bought a SureFit Quick Cover Furniture Saver for Sofa from Sears on-line shopping, slip-resistant backing, waterproof polyurethane barrier, microsuede front, polyester fill, machine washable, and looks and feels great. It nice enough for company, or you can just temporarily remove it while you have company.
As long as nothing is physically wrong, I've found that the biggest reason for this kind of behavior is that he's trying to make a point. When possible, it's best to figure out what his need is and meet it. Better to solve the problem than to punish for the symptom. Maybe he does it when you've left him alone longer than usual. I knew a cat who did this because he was lonely. His owners spent more time with him and he stopped doing it. Litter box problems are also a common cause, but it sounds like you have that one under control. Putting him outside for the evening might just make whatever the problem is worse. He won't get why you're doing it and it could cause resentment. Giving him a little spritz of water could help, but be careful about doing it too much. I've used that technique, it's actually just about the only discipline you can use on a cat, in my opinion, but overuse can make a cat jumpy and unhappy. Make sure you do it immediately (if you wait, he won't understand why you did it) and praise him when he responds in the way you want. There are products that well repel a cat from a specific spot (I think Bitter Apple is one) and using them is better than yelling or getting frustrated. I'm just worried that in your case, keeping him off the sofa won't solve the problem, it'll just make him pee on something else. However, it might buy you some time to figure it out. In the meantime, use Nature's Miracle for the smell. It's the only thing that works, I've even used it on clothes! Get it at a pet store and follow the directions on the bottle (except I never bother with the foil). If the smell lingers, get a black light bulb, florescent is best, at a lighting store and it will show up any drops you've missed. Matisse -- good name!
The spray bottle might work while you are at home but what happens when you are away? Try a product called Boundary that you can either purchase at petco or Petsmart. Also Natures Miracle cleans up the odor and repels cats and kittens from returning to the spot where they urinated or sprayed.
I have had this problem with my cat often, but he stopped about 1.5 years ago. He definately is telling you something. Maybe he wants more attention. Maybe he wants you to scoop the litter daily instead of twice a week. How long ago did you change his litter? Make sure he isn't being punished for peeing as cats do not learn from that, they only feel insecure around you if you do. I've found that spraying (not yelling and spraying) but just spraying with a water bottle may help, but ONLY if you catch him in the act, not before or after, otherwise he may just pee somewhere else. Hopefully, not on you while you are sleeping like my cat did! Is he home alone alot? He could be lonely. Are there ANY changes, even very small, that you haven't thought about? One last thing, sometimes they will go where they want you to give them attention. So take him to the couch and mangle him for awhile. Make him feel welcome there and see what that does.
First of all, In my opinion, do not use a water spray bottle on your pet. It will only stress it out more as any physical discipline will. Second, cleaning the litter boxes daily may help. Cats like clean litterboxes. I prefer the scoopable litter. Makes cleaning much easier. Third, if your cat has already peed on your sofa, how did you get the scent out? Try using those enzyme cleaners which eat the odor causing bacteria, You do not want the cat returning to urinate or spray in the same place. It sounds like he is trying to communicate something. He is unhappy about something. Get a sisal rope scratching post sprinkled with catnip? This might get his mind off what is bothering him. Place a washable waterproof mattress cover with fitted sheet temporarily over your couch. The urine won't soak into your sofas fabric and you can wash out the accidents. Do you give your kitty attention for 10-15 minutes immediately when you come home from work or do you just ignore him? Try giving it more attention, toys, catnip, calm environment, and treats now and then. Maybe it is just seeking more attention. If he does pee on the sofa while you are home don't yell at it or punish it in any way. This will only create stress for him. Gently pick him up and place him in a just cleaned litter box and sroke his head afterwards. Reward his good behaviour when he does pee in the litter box with a treat, extra attention, or catnip and he may eventually learn that using the litter box is a positive experience. Also, I believe many things can upset animals, like household commotion, loud music or noises, harsh or toxic cleaning chemicals or room and carpet deodorizors. Do some more research online. there is a wealth of information out there and something will work. It just takes time, patience, compassion, and understanding. Good Luck.
