At my wits end with Wobbles

**dragonchilde** · 11-14-2003, 11:28 AM

I don't know what to do. This is an ongoing problem, one I just don't know how to fix.

I'm pretty sure its a territorial thing.

Wobbles is my indoor kitty. For most of the summer, she had the house to herself, because we were feeding the others outside, and they weren't interested in coming in.

Now that's its cold, the other two come in to eat, and sometimes to sleep at night. (I don't want my old man kitty getting too cold, he has arthritis)

Every morning, when we wake up, Wobbles has peed somewhere in the bathroom. Usually, its in front of the door, or in front of the toilet.

She doesn't have a UTI, I know. She did this for a while when we started locking her out of the bedroom, but all we had to do is let her back in, and she stopped.

She has destroyed one rug already, and is well on her way to destroying another. She is usually peeing RIGHT BESIDE her litter boxes, either on the carpet, or the hard floor. (She's always had a thing about peeing in doorways)

What can I do to correct this behavior? This is unacceptable, and if it keeps up, she's going to have to go outside.

**PayItForward** · 11-14-2003, 11:36 AM

I know you say she hasn't got a UTI but please take her to the vets just in case.

If there is no medical reason.......

(Please Note. I haven't had this problem but here is a mixture of things I have heard on this site)

Make sure the tray is spotless clean at all times and in a quiet spot.

Try placing a new additional tray next to pee spot.

Have you changed litter tray type (i.e. covered to uncovered) or the litter itself, if so swap back.

Are the other cats using her trays ? or bothering her when she is toileting ?

Other suggestions included, placing tinfoil on pee spot or even feeding your cat at that location. As cats won't pee where they eat.

I am sure other people will be more helpful with specific advice.

Please don't chuck your cat outside (even though I have inside/outside cats) I believe that all cats should have 24/7 access to inside.

IMO It is cruel to make a cat stay outside at all times.

All the best, I hope you can retrain her.

**dragonchilde** · 11-14-2003, 11:52 AM

She definitely doesn't have a UTI. She just saw the vet.

I will try feeding her in the bathroom, that might work.

Although she does have one other strange habit I've never heard of...

If her water bowl runs dry, she will actually pee in it. None of my other cats have ever done anything like that.

**PayItForward** · 11-14-2003, 12:36 PM

Mmm she sure have interesting habits.

PS. Is there any reason she is inside only, as it is safe enough for your other cats to go outside ?
Wobbles might want the option to go potty/play outside ?

**jenluckenbach** · 11-14-2003, 01:42 PM

Maybe she nees more litter box choices while the cats are indoors during the winter.
If it turns out to be totally behavioral due to the other cats, you can try the medication I am now using for 2 of my cats......Amitriptylin. (kitty prozac) I am having success with it and she would only need it during those months that the others are indoors. You'd have to go through your vet.
But maybe you can provide her with more "places" to get away from the other cats. i.e. cat trees, houses, condos.

**moosmom** · 11-16-2003, 09:21 AM

Rule of thumb when having more than one cat = 1 box PER cat. I have 9 cats and 9 litterboxes.

**PayItForward** · 11-16-2003, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by moosmom
Rule of thumb when having more than one cat = 1 box PER cat. I have 9 cats and 9 litterboxes.

But it is a bit different with inside/outside cats.

I have 3 littertrays for my six original cats, which are used depending on the outside weather. (Oh and Sandy has his own box in the spare room)

**lv4dogs** · 11-16-2003, 04:00 PM

See my post about problem problem cats!

**dragonchilde** · 11-24-2003, 11:08 PM

She doesn't like to go outside. In fact, when we put her out, she is utterly terrified, and races inside the door as soon as she can. She hates the outside. I think she's upset by the lack of ceiling.

I'm fairly sure the problem is purely behavioral.

That kitty prozac stuff...about how much does it run? She's a rather...volatile...animal. It might be an option.

**jenluckenbach** · 11-25-2003, 04:45 AM

I am sure your best bet is to ask in your area. EVERYTHING varies due to loaction. I think I got 60 pills for $17 but I have 2 cats on them AND it also depends on the dosage. Mine get 1/2 a pill 2 times a day, not all cats will get the same dose.

**CatDad** · 11-25-2003, 06:44 PM

I know that the vet probably checked this, but I thought that I would throw it out. Just in case.

We had a kitty that would go on the bathroom rug, and it turned out to be kidney failure. They first saw it by a low concentration in the urine sample(I believe that is the correct terminology). They then confirmed it with blood work. Like I said, I am sure that you vet checked this since she was just there and being checked for UTI.

I would go with something like territorial/behavioral after that. I wish I had some other suggestions then the ones already given, but the other post have taken all of my good ideas, sorry.

**RP Cathouse** · 11-25-2003, 08:26 PM

Hello,
Well, I am going to add my $.02 worth to the thread. First do not put the cat outside. Second have you had the cats that were outside tested and are they healthy to mix with other cats? And are their shots up to date? Now if you have tried all the other things and everyone suggested and it is a behavior problem, one have you tried to keep her in the bathroom at night (when she seems to pee on the floor) with her shut in with water food and a litter box. Do the other cats chase her and corner her at any time. You will need to see the vet for a drug to help modify the behavior of the cat. One that I have used is Anitriptyline. It is dosed by weight. I have had sucess with this in modifing Tyler's behavior. The vet will let you know how long and how much to give the kitty if this is the right medicine for it. Well that is more than $.02. Please let me know what happens.

Stella