So frustrating: Just don't know what to do with Luna

[AlleyCat]

Kirsten, been there and done that! Onyx suddenly developed a peeing problem in January, so I've been dealing with this for 11 months. Aside from vet visits to try to fix this problem, here's what I've been doing at home:

1) I am actually rug-less right now, and will continue to be until this problem stops, if ever.

2) I put pillows or blankets on furniture that were problem spots. It stopped the peeing in those places.

3) I have taken a "take-the-dog-out approach", only with a cat. Meaning, I used to let my dogs outside several times a day (before they went to the RB that is!) so I had to take the effort to go to the door, let them out, and let them back in. Both my girls are gone now, but the little time I spent doing that is time that I pick up Onyx and take her down to the litterbox. I stay until she goes, then I coo "good girl, Onyx" and let her go off to play.

4) I put a litterbox in the closet in my bedroom. I did not want to do this but I gave in. Onyx now sleeps in the bedroom with me with door shut so if she needs to go potty, she knows where that litterbox is and uses it.

Basically, I think the areas that Luna is targeting are areas you will need to circumvent somehow - blankets, pillows or removal of items. Take her down to the litterbox frequently. If peeing at night is a problem, you may want to confine her to an area with a litterbox at her disposal.

I know how frustrating this is !! Onyx is nearly 13 and we went 12 years without a single peeing incident that I know of, then BAM! Everywhere !! While it can be associated with bladder issues, I do firmly believe it can be a behavorial issue as well.

Hope this helps!
Andrea

[Kirsten]

Well, at least it looks like the rug isn't seriously damaged by the washing machine, but I don't know how often it will survive such a procedure.

Kim, it's true, many decoration ideas I have do not work because they are
a) a danger to cats
b) they would be destroyed

So, no matter how much I love decorating: the cats come first!


Gary, a vcr? That's really annoying, I would have been mad, too. But then again, when you compare the value of a vcr to a cat's life... I always try to look at things this way, when anything material gets destroyed.


Andrea, I can relate to what you're going through with Onyx!

I tried so many things:

- I set up litter boxes all over the place
- I sprayed my rugs with Feliway
- I tried Bachflower remedy
- put food to the places she has peed on
- and of course the medical treatment of her bladder problems

I have also covered my sofa and the mattress of my bed with synthetic leather and plaids.

I take her to her litter box and try to encourage her to use it. I never scold her and when she's using her box, I tell her she did right.

And lately, I even bought a book on animal communication and I try to "send" her the right "pictures", pictures of Luna using her box.

What else can I still do?

Kirsten