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

**jaspertux** · 16th February 2011, 12:02 PM

I need some advise on my 8 month old male neutered MC.He does his business in the litterbox placed in the balcony but occasionally (almost everyday now), he also pees at the entrance of my door next to our shoe rack. Otherwise in the toilet. We used to think that perhaps he wasn't happy with overused litter crystal so we try to keep it as fresh and clean as possible.

I've tried using vinegar to remove any remaining urine smell, and have been googling for answers as to what's wrong with my little boy. I've also tried those sprays bought from a pet shop.

I don't think it's UTI as he drinks heaploads of water and unlike my previous cat who's had UTI - he doesn't spray everywhere. Just one or two specific spots in the house aside from his litter box. Funny thing is, he does his business (both pee n poop) in his litterbox most of the time. :-(

Thanks in advance

**WoodsideMaineCoons** · 16th February 2011, 12:13 PM

Hiya

Unfortunately, once cats find a favourite spot, they will continue to go there!

We had one boy that used to always pee by my front door and the only way we stopped it was to stop him from being able to go to that spot. We literally would put the hoover there, boxes, shoe rack...anything to stop him from having access. Within about a fortnight, I moved the stuff away and he didn't go there any more.

You could try putting lemon juice or orange peel there as cats tend to dislike anything citrus scented or maybe even put a litter tray there for now and see if he uses that instead of going on the floor?

Good luck

Louise

**jckkerrison** · 16th February 2011, 12:30 PM

I would do as Louise suggests & pile stuff in front so he can't get to that spot but have you also got room where you could give him a second tray to use as an option as well,even if it is alongside the first one.....

**Helen & John** · 16th February 2011, 01:25 PM

Try cleaning the area with a solution of bio washing powder/liquid, it breaks down the wee better than carpet cleaner. It worked for us when our pair were babies.

**paul75** · 16th February 2011, 10:14 PM

My cat had a uti and peed in the spare bedroom on the carpet in the corner and even when he was better he still peed in that spot as he could smell he had peed there before , luckily it was an old carpet so I took it up and he never went there again, so I can only guess but if you use something really good to clean the area and put something there to discourage him like people have said in the other posts above

**mcguy** · 16th February 2011, 10:29 PM

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.

**Howlinbob** · 17th February 2011, 02:26 PM

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).

**Helen & John** · 17th February 2011, 03:12 PM

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.

**jaspertux** · 18th February 2011, 05:28 PM

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!

**Walter Coonkat** · 19th February 2011, 04:29 AM

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.