There are few things more frustrating than when a cat that was previously using the litter box quite happily suddenly stops using it and urinates around the house instead. Sometimes older cats can stop using the box after a lifetime of being house trained. However, there is generally a good reason, and with a little patience and understanding the problem can usually be resolved.
One of the most common reasons for an older cat refusing to use the litter box is a Urinary Tract infection (UTI). This makes it difficult for your cat to urinate and causes him pain and discomfort. Often the cat will associate the pain with the litter box and will try to find somewhere else to go, in the hope that it won't hurt. A cat with a UTI will also need to urinate much more frequently as a matter of urgency, so may not always be within easy reach of the box.
Signs of a UTI are obvious pain and discomfort on urinating, trying to urinate frequently, circling and scratching for a long time before actually squatting and only producing a small amount of urine at a time. As the infection progresses, the urine may have a pink tinge or be very concentrated. If you suspect that your cat may have a UTI, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection, and your cat should then be fully house trained once more.
An older cat may also become reluctant to use the litter box if he develops arthritis. If his limbs are affected, he may find it difficult or painful to jump in and out of the litter box and so will find somewhere more accessible instead. Signs that your cat has arthritis include stiffness and signs of pain when walking, reluctance to jump onto higher surfaces and reluctance to be picked up. Your vet will be able to prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and control the discomfort. You could also provide your cat with a lower sided box which is easier for him to get in and out of.
A change in your cat's routine may also be the cause. This can be a major change such as a house move or a new baby or a much smaller change such as a rearrangement of furniture. Cats are very much creatures of habit and any changes to his routine can cause him a great deal of stress. You will need to give him plenty of reassurance and help him to establish a new routine. Make sure he knows where the litter box is and praise him when he goes to use it. If you have a new addition to the household such as a new cat or dog, make sure your older cat's litter box is sited somewhere private. Cats will generally require a box each, preferably in their own private space.
Older cats can suffer from dementia, so it is possible that he may simply forget where his litter box is or how to use it. Signs of feline dementia include excessive meowing for no reason, especially during the night, and a lack of awareness of where he is. He may also display behaviors such as walking round in a circle or a reluctance to be left alone. Sadly there is no cure for feline dementia, although there is medication that can slow the process. You may simply have to learn to live with it. Try placing the litter box in the spots where your cat tends to urinate; it may be useful to purchase an extra box or two for this purpose.
Hopefully this article will help you to solve the problem of your older cat peeing around the house and rebuild your relationship with him.
Reasons Why an Old Cat Is Peeing Outside the Litter Box
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When your cat sneezes, the most common cause is one of the cat flu or cat cold viruses. Cat flu affects one in every 5 cats. Other common causes are environmental irritants and cat allergies. In some rare cases, your cat may have a respiratory tract tumor if your cat sneezes frequently. If your cats have white hair or skin, or you have calico cats, they are 13 times more likely to develop nasal tumors (Dr. Bruce Vogle, bestselling author and Vet, "Cat Owner's Manual"). Usually, when a cat sneezes, it is the result of one of three diseases, and he can be cured quickly and safely with a natural, chemical-free treatment at your home.
There are basically three different suspects that may be present when a cat sneezes. Let's take a look at them independently, as well as a possible cure for each.
1 - Cat Reovirus
This reovirus usually causes very mild inflammation and irritation of the eyes, with little or no nasal discharge. When a cat sneezes infrequently, this could be the culprit. A two to four week treatment of homeopathic, naturally occurring substances containing Borax and Phosphorous usually cures the patient.
2 - Cat Calicivirus or Cat Rhinotracheitis virus
These nasty guys cause a thick nasal discharge, with frequent sneezing, clouded, runny eyes, and ulcers on or around the mouth. In kittens, this crippler can even cause lameness, fever and loss of appetite, further weakening your kitty. Natural remedies should be used immediately, and if no sign of improvement is forthcoming, schedule a trip to the vet.
3 - Cat Chlamydia or Bordatella
Chlamydia mirrors symptoms of Reovirus, with a heavier eye inflammation, and infrequent sneezing. A two to four week treatment of a natural cure with Borax, Phosphorous and/or Pulsatilla will generally wipe this disease out.
I know you feel horrible when your cat or kitten sneezes. You want nothing more than to take away their pain and misery. In most cases a natural, homeopathic cure containing naturally occurring substances and minerals will get your feline friend back in shape in no time.
Cat Sneezes - 3 Common Causes
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Although pet cats are becoming more and more common, and those who do not own one do not usually resist to pet or stroke them when one approaches them, there are people out there who keep their distance from these felines, and not because they dislike them, but they have allergies!!
For true cat lovers, it is very hard to overcome this issue, for they cannot enjoy the perks of owning a pet cat due to allergy reactions and the complications that come with it, especially if the cat itself is the allergy trigger.
As strange as it is, there are more people allergic to cats than there are to dogs. Cat allergies are not to be taken lightly, especially with children with breathing problems such as asthma, or other related issues for exposing them to cats may worsen the situation. For some people, having a cat nearby without actual contact may even cause serious reactions and other problems.
The biggest misconception is that the cat's fur causes the allergy reaction. The truth is, this substance called Fel D1 that is found in a cat's saliva is the culprit that causes the allergy. It gets onto the cat's fur when it licks itself clean. From there, it may get blown or carried by air or other medium into the surroundings, and any unfortunate person with cat allergies would react when breathing nearby a cat. As the substance is airborne, one do not have to be too near the cat to get a reaction. Therefore, when a cat comes within distance, one would start to sneeze or cough and so on.
Hairless cats prove to be just as hazardous as furry cats. Even if your cat's hair is shaved, or has naturally short fur, it does not mean that it won't cause allergy attacks, as aforementioned, the substance that causes allergy reactions are contained in the cat's saliva, not the fur, and it is natural for a cat to lick itself clean.
There are determined cat lovers who do own pet cats despite their allergy issues. If you are a true cat lover and would really want to own a cat, check with your doctor or find an allergist nearby who can help you control your allergies. This way, you can enjoy having an adorable pet cat around the house, with less allergy reactions. See below for more information on allergies to cats.
How To Own A Cat If I Have Allergies?
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There are several effective techniques to stop your cat from getting on the counter tops. The key to correcting this bad cat behavior is to either catch them in the act or have devices in place that are designed to catch them. Your cat will eventually learn to stay off the counter top through negative reinforcement techniques.
When your cat associates negative conditions as a result of a certain behavior, they naturally learn to avoid that behavior. It may take a while but eventually your cat will get it. You must catch them in the act so it is important to use various methods for this.
To prevent your cat from getting on the counter tops, try laying several mousetraps on the surface, facing down. When a trap activates as a result of your cat sniffing or moving it, the abrupt sound and action is startling. If your cat associates this sudden scare with getting on the counter, they will eventually stop!
Another method you may want to try is putting aluminum foil on your counter top. Most cats hate the feeling of walking on aluminum foil. Crumple the foil up first and then unfold it so that the result is a bumpy surface texture.
If you are around to immediately discipline your cat when he jumps up on the counter, try yelling "NO" and nudging them off with your arm. You can also try using a can filled with coins that you can shake at them. Cats hate this loud noise and will usually run.
You can also use a squirt bottle full of water or a can of compressed air. Once again make sure you catch them on the counter when you spray it at them. Be careful not to spray either item too close to your cat, both will work very well from a distance.
So there you have it, some effective ways to stop your cat from getting on the counter top. Correcting many types of bad cat behavior will take time and persistence. Try multiple combinations of these simple techniques and you will soon have success in correcting your cat's bad behavior.
Bad Cat Behavior - Stop Your Cat From Getting on the Counter!
Wait! Don't give up on your cat! A well planned behavior program may be all your kitty needs. Go here for simple tips to help you get your feline inline!