I need help

[catfamily]

And the vet's ruled out sickness?Gosh that's so horrible if it's behavior habits.If they were sick it would be easier.Medicine and then all better.But behavior problems I wouldn't know how to deal with it.Their are some great people on pettalk that know a lot about it.I hope they can help.How about some stress meds from the vets?

[allmypets615]

Have you tried cat attract? It's a litter box aid. Maybe a bigger enclosed box? I haven't read your former posts, so please forgive any repeat suggestions!
Maybe crate or put the offender into a spare room until they can prove they can have run of the house.
Missy

[catmandu]

Thats Very Sad As That Is The Number One Reason That Cats And Dogs Are Brought To Shelters.
And Because They Have To Inform Potential Adopters These Pets Are Often Pts.
I Wish I Had A Solution, But All I Have Are Prayers.

[Samantha Puppy]

Thats Very Sad As That Is The Number One Reason That Cats And Dogs Are Brought To Shelters.
And Because They Have To Inform Potential Adopters These Pets Are Often Pts.

I know... that's why I absolutely cannot do that. I've tried everything I can, sickness has been ruled out, but I just can't have them peeing and pooping wherever they please and having my child(ren) crawling around in it. I am not throwing in the towel yet, I don't think, but if anyone here would be willing to possibly take 2 of my 4 if it just doesn't end, that's about the only situation I'd be comfortable with... And even the thought of that brings me to tears. I just don't know what else to do.

[Cataholic]

First, I would keep in mind that you are probably at the most hormonal, tiring, exhaustive phase of motherhood. Not to minimize any of your problems, but, "this too shall pass".

Next, it does sound behavioral. Not medical, assuming the ruling out of anything medical was fairly recent. How many boxes, how are they situated, what kind of litter, ect. While maybe 1 year ago your cats didn't care what/when/why/how, maybe they do now.

There is a book out that talks about cat's bathroom behaviours. I can't recall the name of it, but, I read it and it was insightful. Maybe you can google for it?

As for Aiden crawling...well, you have dogs, cats, and I presume you wear your shoes in your house? Cat poop is probably the least of his worrys. Not saying it is pleasant, and certainly not desirable, but, I think working up to an artifical deadline (Aiden crawling) is just putting more stress on you. Who knows, maybe he will be like Jonah, and not crawl, just walk?

[Samantha Puppy]

Next, it does sound behavioral. Not medical, assuming the ruling out of anything medical was fairly recent. How many boxes, how are they situated, what kind of litter, ect. While maybe 1 year ago your cats didn't care what/when/why/how, maybe they do now.

Who knows, maybe he will be like Jonah, and not crawl, just walk?

I thought of that (that they didn't care then but do now). But changing litter/boxes/etc. makes me nervous because what if it upsets the cats that AREN'T doing this and causes them to start? Or what if it wasn't the problem at all and then I have four upset kitties?

As for Aidan (everyone does that! ) not crawling, I actually have a feeling that he'll be doing that for longer than the average baby. He might have some ankle issues, plus his eye issues may make him feel unstable on his feet. Not sure and he's nowhere near crawling as he still gets super-pissed when you put him on his stomach, but still... cat poop just outside the litter boxes in the basement was one thing. Cat pee on the main floor is another. *sigh* I'm not putting deadlines on myself, but I don't want to fool myself either.

Maybe the girls don't like me. May it's me they're acting out against. Maybe they'd be happier somewhere else. I don't know. I'm open to anything now, after a year of dealing with this. I just don't know.

[AbbyMom]

I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

Have you ever read the "Unabridged Guide to Litterbox Problems" from Cats International? I keep copies at the shelter and hand them out to people just like you who love their cats but still need to take action.

If you have not, read it before you go to bed tonight for ideas

http://www.catsinternational.org/art...ing/index.html

I agree with Cataholic that it sounds behavioral.

Since I don't remember your posts from July, can you repeat/share some info with us so we can help?

How many litter boxes do you have?

What type of litter? Do they all use the same litter? Do you use scented litter? I've met quite a few people that tell me their cat will only use XXX type of litter (fill in the blank..."Yesterday's News" or "Pine" "Sweatscoop" or clay...)

What depth of litter? Are all litter boxes the same? (One of my fosters hated it more than 1" deep because she couldn't stand the sinking feeling beneath her feet. My two girls now prefer to build sand castles )

Have you tried separating the litter boxes so someone could have a little privacy?

Is it possible one of your cats is harassing the others while using the litter box?

Are they located near anything noisy or scary?

I apologize if you've already been through this, but it sounds like you need to make sure you've covered everything.

Finally, are you willing to consider "drastic" litter box actions? My little RB Quasar, after some stress in her life, would only urinate on carpeting. The vet said some cats just prefer the way it feels. Anyway, we gave her cut up carpet squares in the litterbox to solve the problem. Of course, I had to constantly launder the carpet squares, but the rest of the house was safe.

We just need to figure out what's going on inside your cats' heads!