How to retrain my cat to use litter box again?

1. 88

   Kristen Howeposted 9 years ago

   How to retrain my cat to use litter box again?
   
   This marking problem have gotten out of hand and out of the litter box for the past couple of months. I've used pee pads and a carpet runner for the past couple of months to get him to get where it's safe. Though it's been a bit much. I've taken my senior male cat twice to the vet to rule out any medical issues, which brought us back to behavior and marking, since the previous owner of my new apartment had a cat here. The smell is from the closets and should've been removed when I moved last fall---too late now.
   
   He tends to do this in the mornings/overnight. Any ideas?

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2. 84

   ii3rittlesposted 9 years ago

   Based on what you said, it sounds like he is only peeing outside the box. And you mentioned a new apartment as well. Anything else he is doing? It sounds like feline depression to me. A lot of cats get this after moving, specially older cats who have spent many years in the same place. I have an older cat myself who does this when he gets upset.
   
   http://purrfectlove.net/2014/08/6-signs … epression/
   
   Read over that and consider using lavender oil/spray and Feliway spray in the apartment. --> http://www.chewy.com/cat/training-clean … gQod6UQAZg

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3. 88

   Kristen Howeposted 9 years ago

   Hi. The vet suggested to use a Feliway difuser, three weeks ago, which haven't worked out. I've also used foil on the spots he used and Zero Odor spray to remove the smell on carpet. That haven't worked as well. The second vet suggested anti-anxiety medcine, in which my brother and I have decided to pass on. I see him go in for poop and not urine in months.  He passed the litter box and has marked in front of closet, near new book case and now higher up in middle of carpet near TV, as of this morning. He's spent 4.5 years in my old apartment.  Online, I saw temporary solitary confinement for an option and revoting tie to him and catch him in the act by moving him to the litter box. So how do I do this when I'm sleeping at night?
   
   He does hide under the bed. He's 15.

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   1. 88

      Kristen Howeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Lady Guinevere. He's not peeing on wood. He's peeing on the carpeted floor. I'm not allowed to paint anywhere in my apartment either. I've changed my litter twice and most recently use World's Best for the past two months. They've had no problem w

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   2. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Cats can smell things that we cannot.  What is under that carpet...wood.Wood soaks up and retain odorseven under carpet.  To really get rid of the pee in the carpet would to remove that carpet, paint the Killz on the floor and put new carpet down

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4. 67

   Lady Guinevereposted 9 years ago

   I have had/have many cats and can relate to your problems.  Do you have the paint by the name Killz?  Get it and paint the wood where the cat is peeing and all around the area.  You may need to paint many coats of it as the wood will soak it up like no tomorrow.
   The other thing that worked with my females when I first brought them to this house was to change the brand of litter.  I tried many brands before they chose the one that they liked.  I now only buy the brand Ever Clear.  It is heavy and they like it because there was little dust...there is still dust when I clean it out, but not as much after they are done covering their business.  I did try the Arm and Hammer brand that is supposed to be dust free...what a crock that was!  There was dust all over the walls around it, on the floor in front of it and the cats sneezed all the time after they used it.  I had to throw it all out. 
   I do hope that you can help your cat with these suggestions.

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   1. 88

      Kristen Howeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Okay. I would have to get permission from the landlady to remove the carpet and repaint the wood with the help from maintenance.  I never heard of that paint. Any other ideas?

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   2. 67

      Lady Guinevereposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know of any other kinds.  Here is the website for the primer/paint:  http://www.kilz.com/

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   3. 88

      Kristen Howeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Okay. I'll keep it under consideration and see what my brother says. If you have any other ideas besides this paint, please let me know. I'm really desperate now. :-(

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5. 71

   catspyjamasposted 9 years ago

   Something is stressing him out. Any changes to the environment? Could be as simple as moving litterbox or food dishes. I would limit his access to that closet. Clean with hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda. If it is carpeted, you may need to rent one of those steam cleaners.
   
   The litterbox could be the problem. Cats prefer unscented litter. Also if his box has a lid on it, take it off. I use those large Rubbermaid containers that are made for storing clothes under the bed. It is large enough to give the cat room to move around in.
   
   As for changing his behaviour, I would give him extra attention so he feels secure. If he is anxious, he's more likely to act out. A last ditch solution could be to put him on anti-depressants but I would recommend that after everything else has failed.

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   1. 88

      Kristen Howeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Catspy, I do have a steam cleaner but the shampoo/rinse option doesn't work anymore. It only comes out with water. I would hae to look into unscented litter in the future from World's Best.  The food dishes stayed in the same place, while I moved

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