Wits End

[beerhorse]

I am at my wits end with my cat, Pixel. I don't know what to do with her. She's been peeing on my bed regularly. I never catch her doing it, but I know it's her. I don't understand it, I don't know what's wrong

Comments

[mauricia]

One thing at a time.

Do they have one box, or two? Either way, a good rule of thumb is one more box than you have cats. Three id ideal, and all in different places. That an often help.

Do you have a covered box or an uncovered? Some cats prefer covered, some uncovered.

Lastly, there's a litter called Cat Attract you may want to try; you can just mix some in with your current litter, since a bag of it is a bit pricier than most litters. It contains herbs that attract cats to it like a pheromone. Plus, at most stores it's 100% guaranteed.

Sometimes a minor change is needed, sometimes major. June Bug was a bed-pee cat, so she stayed locked out of the bedroom for some time, we got her a second box and used Cat Attract and it helped a lot. I hope that helps!

[beerhorse]

I have 2 boxes, one automatic with Worlds Best litter in it, the other a regular one with a side shield, but not a covered top, currently filled with Feline Pine. I've seen her use both boxes and for over a month she'd been only using the worlds best without a problem, but in the past she didn't like it, so that's why I moved back to the Feline Pine.

Both boxes are in my bedroom. With how tiny and crowded my apartment is, it's the bed place for them. But maybe that has to change. I just don't know where else to put the boxes.

If I could keep her out of the bedroom, I'd try that, but I'd really miss our naps together. I love that my cats sleep with me or in the same room as me. It's part of why I have them.

I'll look into the cat attract.

[kieferskunk]

Many cats really hate those automatic litterboxes - the motors are usually very noisy, and the automated action can be scary to them. I would recommend at least temporarily replacing that box with a manual box and seeing if that helps at all.

Also, as a general rule, you don't want the litterboxes to be in a room that the cats will be either eating or sleeping in regularly. I realize space is at a premium in your apartment, but if the litterboxes are close to the bed, Pixel may be inappropriately associating your bed with the litterboxes and thus thinking it's okay to pee there.

If you have room, I'd recommend putting one of the litterboxes in your bathroom (next to the toilet if possible).

Good call on the Feline Pine - we use a similar stuff called "Healthy Pet Cracked Pine". It's the same stuff, really, but broken up into smaller pieces so it more resembles clay litter.

[kieferskunk]

Also, you mentioned that she seemed to freak out when you tried to encourage her in the litterbox the other evening. To me, this says that she has some sort of negative association with the litterbox (possibly specifically the automatic one). Going on that theory, she is probably already uneasy about using the litterbox, and in general making eye contact with a cat can seem to them to be a territorial challenge. She knows you're the boss, so she will quickly back down from a challenge from you, and in this case would think that using the litterbox is bad. Unfortunately, I don't think cats understand English, and don't necessarily see the calm, high-pitched voice as a "good boy/girl" type of voice in situations like that.

This is speculation - I'm certainly no behavior expert. But we've gone through some similar things with our cats. :)

[quoting_mungo]

Try getting the Feliway spray and spraying your bed with it, if you haven't already. Most cats won't pee over (that kind of) pheromone markers.

I'd also try, if you can without a huge cost, getting a plastic sheet (like for bedwetting or something) and using it as a bedthrow when the bed's made. Either she'll stop because it's a weird texture for her to go potty on, or it'll be significantly easier to clean up. Either way you win.

[rolypolypony]

I was going to suggest aluminum foil - cats HATE how it feels! But I bet the plastic sheet would have the same effect and be easier than putting down sheets of foil!

(and is that your kitty in the icon? SO cute!!)

[quoting_mungo]

One of my two ragdolls, yes. (Though technically the mitted girl isn't mine until she's had two litters; we're currently waiting for her to come into heat again so she can get working on the first one.) They're my babies. <3

[rolypolypony]

Awww!! Adorable kitties!!

[arphalia]

With a UTI ruled out I'm gonna do with this being a behavioral thing. Pixel might have trouble with change

[beerhorse]

Do cat's have delayed reactions to change? Everything was great for about 6 weeks with just the three of us. This behavior started when my neighbors brought in 12 people to the building for their wedding. They were a very loud, rowdy bunch, and I did spend a lot of time outside with them instead of inside with the cats. However, the guests have been gone for a week and a half and the behavior has increased instead of tapering off.

I am not playing with them nearly enough, I know that. I'll have to change that. I'm not sure that carrying her around the apartment will help though, neither of my cats like to be held.

Either way, this is the most comfortable advice I've gotten so far, and I'll definitely implement more play time with them both.

[arphalia]

I guess its possible! Or rather, maybe all the guests and noise suddenly had her very aware about how new her surroundings are to her. She could be having trouble shaking it off.

[kieferskunk]

Most cats are more immediately affected by change, but I wouldn't rule out a delayed reaction. Pixel may very much miss her buddy, but with the more immediate stress of the move, it probably took some time for things to sink in.

One thing we learned recently is that when you play with your cats, it's very important to give them a treat immediately afterward. This is both a physical and a psychological thing for them - any sort of play increases the hormones associated with agitation and excitement, and the treat helps to calm them down again. And it creates a pleasant association for them that reinforces that playtime is a good thing. It will go a long way toward improving more general behavior issues, though it won't likely fix them all. :)

[calzephyr77]

Aw, I hope you and Miss Pixel can find a solution!

[oceansedge]

been through this - lots of good suggestions here, and I hope you can find an answer. For us unfortunately there wasn't - Valentine has always been a tad on the psychotic side... and ..

anyway val has become a barn cat, using advice and help from http://www.barncats.org/index.php we've acclimatized her to the stables (unfortunately there's no pony for her to keep company, but somehow I think she doesn't want one)... so far it's working out. she's happier on her own, and I can quit throwing away thousands of dollars of furniture.