Thread: Neutered MC kitten often pees at the shoerack although he uses his litterbox

Having had a female kitten that got started with inappropriate urination, I agree with what others have suggested: (1) you need to thoroughly clean that affected area using enzyme-based cleaners; (2) you need to block access to the area for a period of time; and (3) you need to make certain litter boxes are plentiful, clean, and filled with acceptable litter for that cat.

We have successfully used Nature's Miracle ([ame="http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Remover-gallon-128-oz/dp/B00008437W"]Amazon.com: Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover (1 gallon jug -128-oz): Kitchen & Dining@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41sSKK3opDL.@@AMEPARAM@@41sSKK3opDL[/ame]) but there are many similar urine cleaning products. Non-enzyme cleaners won't generally eliminate the smell. You can also use a black light to see exactly where urine has been, to make certain you are treating all affected areas. The problem with our girl Bella started when we were trying a new litter. Litters can differ in scent and texture, and not all cats like all litters. We ended up having to treat carpeting with NM, cover area with a large sheet of plastic, and then going back to previous litter and placing a litter box right on top of the pee area. Kept plastic for a couple of weeks and then the problem was gone. However, Bella continues to be attracted to smooth surfaces, so she will occasionally still use a sink (if not blocked--we keep upside-down bowls in bathroom sinks) or plastic laundry basket if left on floor with no laundry in it. I suspect you may have to be careful about this guy for his entire life.

I had a similar problem with my old cat Bob (RIP) and someone on this forum recommended Urine-Off. Not sure of the link but I'm sure you can find it on Google. It really gets rid of the smell rather than covering it up with another smell. It's not cheap but it really worked in our house.

I agree with other posters, clean the area thoroughly and put a second tray there. Then gradually move the tray nearer to the first tray until you have 2 trays side by side. Or gradually move the 2nd tray to another appropriate area.

It might be a bit of a pain, but some cats seem to like options when it comes to their toileting area. So one cat, 2 trays could be the answer. I have 3 cats, 5 trays (all in the same area).

Originally Posted by Howlinbob

I had a similar problem with my old cat Bob (RIP) and someone on this forum recommended Urine-Off. Not sure of the link but I'm sure you can find it on Google. It really gets rid of the smell rather than covering it up with another smell. It's not cheap but it really worked in our house.

That was me!!!!!! You can get it from Hyperdrug.

Thanks so much for the advise everyone, will definitely try to clean it with an enzyme cleaner. Just need to find out where I can get them as I'm living in Malaysia. But i think i've seen Urine Off at the pet stores so I may try that instead. Wish me luck :-)

Btw, I seem to have a rather temperamental cat. He wouldn't let me snip his nails (even from a baby) and would hiss and get agitated. Also each time we carry him or when we stroke him (sometimes), he bites/nibbles at us. I wonder if that's a bad habit though it's really adorable? Is this normal in MCs? Other than that he's wonderful!

Originally Posted by jaspertux

Btw, I seem to have a rather temperamental cat. He wouldn't let me snip his nails (even from a baby) and would hiss and get agitated. Also each time we carry him or when we stroke him (sometimes), he bites/nibbles at us. I wonder if that's a bad habit though it's really adorable? Is this normal in MCs? Other than that he's wonderful!

A BIG wish of good luck on cleaning the carpet! As for the nails, I have no suggestions, but I can tell you with my previous MC I let him play with my hand as a kitten -- it was cute and he couldn't do any real hurt. But when he matured, it wasn't so fun any more. Those hooked claws really dug in* and the bites were also more painful. Thus, with Walter, I've scolded him when he tries to play with my hand (both nipping and grabbing with claws) and withdraw my hand. I know some here have mentioned acting hurt to reinforce the message.

* I'd never encountered hooked claws before my previous (first) MC. It isn't much fun having to grab the paw and pull it in the opposite direction from which the claws entered the skin in order to minimise the amount of damage. And that is another reason for getting him accustomed to trimming nails asap.

Originally Posted by candes

Also, some cats hate scented litter. Etc....

That is a very good point, though I would expand and say that some cats do not like various litters. We actually got into trouble with our girl Bella when we tried to move to an unscented litter! Ended up with Bella peeing on the carpet instead. Bella much prefers the Fresh Step perfume smell to no smell. There is one litter in the US that advertises as, "here's a secret: cats don't like scented litter." I always think, BZZT, wrong!! Bella is also very picky about litter texture and will simply refuse to use litters that are too coarse. It might be worth trying other brands of litter (just don't change all the pans of course). We got fed up with the Fresh Step perfume smell and dust, and have gradually been able to get all boxes but one changed over to World's Best. Two of the cats (including Bella naturally) continue to use the one Fresh Step (clay) box for some of their business.

one of my kittens nibbles and i blow very gently on his nose. He lets go straight away and i make a big fuss of how much it hurts (meeuuwwww) hes gradually stopping it. Luckilly i have had no problems with mine using the litter boxes. i find they like a really deep box filled up with lots of litter. Both my cats like to know thier business is well buried.

Originally Posted by jaspertux

Thanks so much for the advise everyone, will definitely try to clean it with an enzyme cleaner. Just need to find out where I can get them as I'm living in Malaysia. But i think i've seen Urine Off at the pet stores so I may try that instead. Wish me luck :-)

Btw, I seem to have a rather temperamental cat. He wouldn't let me snip his nails (even from a baby) and would hiss and get agitated. Also each time we carry him or when we stroke him (sometimes), he bites/nibbles at us. I wonder if that's a bad habit though it's really adorable? Is this normal in MCs? Other than that he's wonderful!

I also use an enzyme cleaner called 'OUT.'.here is a link

OUT! Hard Surface Pet Stain and Odor remover, 32 oz. - Shop for Pet Supplies

I buy mine from makro so I am not sure what is available in your area..either that or 'Urine off 'which is equally fabulous. I clean out all my litter trays with the stuff, after washing..works wonders.

as far as nibbling goes, I have a boy who loves to nibble my hands all the time..it is his sign of affection and one of the kittens that have just left for their new homes, used to lick everything..faces , hands and hair..very sweet

It seems that my boy had stopped urinating at the shoe rack. He's back to defecating outside our toilet (and even pulling the rug to cover his poop - how cute). Doing all I can with the advise above. Haven't seem to have found the urine-off and Out! or NM so I'll stick to citrus till I find them.

As for nibbling, well - I'm okay with it but it's not as nice for guests (especially my grandparents) to play with him and he tries to catch and nibble! So yes, i use the 'OWW' or 'Hiss' method on him.. sort of works sometimes