When cats urinate outside the litterbox, it usually indicates a urinary infection. This needs to be evaluated and treated by the vet ASAP. Because male cats have a very narrow urethra, a urinary infection can quickly turn into a life-threatening urinary BLOCKAGE (if crystals are present--crystals are grit-like particles that occur when the urinary pH is unbalanced; it can be controlled with diet and medication), that's why he should be checked out right away.
If no medical reason for the inappropriate urination is found, then the problem can be considered behavioral. Cats can sometimes start eliminating inappropriately if there has been any kind of change in their lives, in the household, etc., as this causes stress and anxiety. Cats are creatures of habit and do not take kindly to change. If you have had any new people added to your household, or if someone has left (for college, etc.), if you got new furniture, carpet, appliances, another animal, etc., or if your work/school hours have changed or you've gone on vacation recently, any of these situations could cause your kitty stress.
There are two products which will help you make sure your cat doesn't return to the places he's already soiled and also calm him if he's stressed:
Nature's Miracle is an enzymatic cleaner especially made to completely remove all pet stains and odors. Please see this website for more information:
http://www.petcarecentral.com/nm-155.html
Feliway is a made from a synthetic feline pheremone which can help to calm stressed cats and curb urine marking or inappropriate elimination.
For more information, please see:
http://www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html
www.felineway.com
Both these products can be found at major pet supply stores like Petco/Petsmart, online, and some vet offices carry Feliway.
There's another product which I think may help you get your cat back to the litterbox--it's a clumping kitty litter called 'Cat Attract'--it contains herbal attractants which encourage use of the litterbox. It too, may be found in major pet supply stores.
Keep in mind that first you have to get your kitty to the vet to determine the cause of eliminating outside the litterbox.
As far as the increased affection...I say ENJOY! : ) Cats becoming more distant as they age and/or because of developing an illness which causes discomfort, I've heard of. A cat becoming LESS distant at his age, is a new one to me, but I'd take any and all affection and give as many belly rubs as I could at this point! lol
I hope all goes well, and please let me know what the vet says.
Cher: )
Edited by Cerecita on July 25 2006 at 11:42pm
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