Need Help for Vita

[Freedom]

Vita has lived with me 9 years. She has NEVER done this!

Last evening, as we were getting ready to go out, Vita stood in one of the new pet bed . . . and peed in it! I was so shocked I couldn't say a thing to her, even though I was standing just 3 feet away watching her. I thought it was a one time something or other.

She just the moment peed again, on another pet bed. IN FRONT OF ME, again! This was not an 'oh my gosh I have to go and can't make it to the litter box," this was a march over to the bed, stand on her back toes, raise her tail, AND MARK IT!

Sugar has been here 3.5 months. Could she just now have decided she is jealous of the newbie???

None of the 7 litter boxes have been moved, 4 got fresh litter in them last week. Same litter I have used forever. No changes in the family, no new additions since Sugar.

Last evening it was at 6:15 PM. Today it is just 5:15 PM. Close enough to the same hour of th day. Though I don't know if that is significant!
Any ideas what to do?

[moosmom]

Is she declawed? If so, it could be a behavioral problem.

First order of business is to take her to the vet and have a UTI ruled out. Cats don't pee inappropriately unless they're not feeling well , and then it's to get your attention.

Did you gradually introduce the two cats?? If not, it could also be a reason.

[Freedom]

He he, Donna, hey hi! Have another cup a java!

No Vita is not declawed.

SUGAR IS A DOG. There really didn't seem any need to do a slow intro, within 2.5 hours it was clear that the dog and cats would be OK together. Aand they are, we have not had ANY troubles.

Vita and the dog both sleep on my bed with me at night - along with Cuddles, and Sparkle. Chestnut and Crystal come and go all night long. Been like this since the 3rd night the dog arrived, 3.5 months ago. That's why I can't believe it could be jealousy!

[Catty1]

First - rule out UTI. She could be feeling under the weather.

hugs to you and Vita!

[Boone37]

Vita has lived with me 9 years. She has NEVER done this!

Last evening, as we were getting ready to go out, Vita stood in one of the new pet bed . . . and peed in it! I was so shocked I couldn't say a thing to her, even though I was standing just 3 feet away watching her. I thought it was a one time something or other.

She just the moment peed again, on another pet bed. IN FRONT OF ME, again! This was not an 'oh my gosh I have to go and can't make it to the litter box," this was a march over to the bed, stand on her back toes, raise her tail, AND MARK IT!


Any ideas what to do?

It is possible that bringing Sugar in caused enough stress in Vita that she has a UTI. 95% of the time when cats don't use the litter box it is a medical issue. Get her checked out first thing.

If a medical issue is ruled out, you need to re-litter train Vita. Place her either in a large dog crate or small room (guest bathroom) with everything she needs for a few weeks. When she uses the litter box reliably, start letting her out for short periods of times when you are home.

Good luck!

[Randi]

I get the impression that she didn't strain to pee, is that right? If so, I doubt it's a UTI, but never the less, you should take her to a vet to rule it out.

Perhaps she sensed you were going out, and wanted to tell you to stay home. Fister once went up on our bed and made a poo when we had visitors and was about to sit down to eat! I'm glad it was hard poo, so I could just take the blanket off and leave it till later. When a cat want to tell you something, they'll find a way.

[Freedom]

Well, I took her in to the vet this morning. Have started antibiotic (Baytril) and will get a phone call tomorrow (Saturday) with the urine test results.

[AbbyMom]

If the vet says it's not a UTI, please check out this article at Cats International:

http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/housesoiling/unabridged_litterbox_1.html

It's the best I've seen at litterbox issues.

Best wishes for Vita!

[Freedom]

Vet just called. Vita has a bacteria infection. We are staying the course for now.

She also has a crystal build up, NOT the struvite crystals, another type. (I should have taken notes while the vet was speaking!) Amaphorous build up? That may go away with the Baytril, or we may need a diet change.

I am wondering about this. 9 years no issues. I change them from Science Diet to Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover - which is SUPOOSED to be a better quality - and in less than 3 months I have an issue. Coincidence?