Naughty Persian - Carpet wetting problem

[kooky guy]

Hi All,

Just after a quick bit of advice really regarding one of my GF's persians.

To set the scene, my GF has two persians, both about 2 years old. They are both house cats although they are let outside whenever someone is in but they don't go very far and always come back in to do their business. Something I find a little odd a my cat has always useda cat flap and not needed a litter tray since he was a kitten.

Basically the naughty persian seems to go through phases of just urinating wherever she feels like it. They have two litter trays between them which are always kept scrupulously clean, yet this one often urinates right next to it rather than in it. Often it's just random patches on the carpet though - not even the same patches!

Both cats seems to get on with eachother fine and neither seems to have any particular issues, although the naughty one does seem to wash herself a bit too much.

My GF has tried spraying the affected areas with various expensive concoctions, but given that she doesn't seem go go in the same place more than once, I'm not sure that's really addressing anything.

Any suggestions or tips would be gratefully received!

[bexVN]

Overgrooming and inappropriate urination are signs of stress in a cat. Two cats should have 3 trays in discreet areas (not a thoroughfare) and away from their food)

Any chance you have other cats hanging around outside?

You could try a natural de stressing agent such as feliway plug ins or Zylkene capsules.

Ideally you should get her checked in case she has a low grade cystitis.

Edited by bexVN on Monday 7th October 16:46

[kooky guy]

bexVN said:

Overgrooming and inappropriate urination are signs of stress in a cat. Two cats should have 3 trays in discreet areas (not a thoroughfare) and away from their food)

Any chance you have other cats hanging around outside?

You could try a natural de stressing agent such as feliway plug ins or Zylkene capsules.

Ideally you should get her checked in case she has a low grade cystitis.

Edited by bexVN on Monday 7th October 16:46

Thanks for that. I did wonder if she was stressed and that perhaps if I was causing the problem. Not quite sure what I can do about that. Apparently she's always been an overgroomer. She just loves washing herself (and her sister).

My GF has tried Feliway spray but I'll suggest the plugins. I think she went through all this a while ago before we met and it seemed to resolve itself but has come back with a vengeance.

Litter trays are very much tucked away. Not sure where we could accommodate another one as it's only a 1 bed house but I'll suggest it. Hadn't considered cystitis. Would that cause her to maliciously miss the litter tray?

Fairly certain they don't have problems with any other cats as they are very relaxed outside with no sign of anxiety. The other cat is absolutely fine, it's just one of them that seems to have this problem. I suppose I could be carrying the smell of mine with me when I go over there...

[bexVN]

It's not always easy to pinpoint a cause as the reasons can be almost too subtle for us to pick up on.

Yes cystitis can cause this, it's more to rule out a medical reason and then concentrate on the behavioural. A lot of people struggle with space for enough trays

Try googling Francesca Riccomini, she has a very good understanding of feline behaviour and may have some useful info.

Edited by bexVN on Monday 7th October 18:21

[ali_kat]

I had a similar problem with Pepi, never did find the cause of it - he had cystitis for a while but it continued after; then he just stopped!

I found Pet Remedy better than Feliway, so if Feliway doesn't work, try that

Zyklene is also good to distress them

[kooky guy]

I'll pass on all of your suggestions. Thanks for the advice.