Since the female is sort of skittish, perhaps work on her individually first, before concentrating too much on their interaction together. The most important thing is ensuring she feels safe and secure in her environment. Many "skittish" cats often feel intimidated by another cat, even if the other cat is mild-mannered.
Did the rescue know the cause of the loss of the eye? Was it due to an untreated respiratory infection as a kitten or youth, or was it due to an attack from another animal or some other trauma? If it was due to an attack from another animal, it's possible she is distrusting of other pets, which might take some time for her to feel trusting again, but not an impossible feat.
The fact that she hid under the bed for ~two months when you first acquired her might be due to not having had the individual attention she rightfully deserved, or due to intimidation from one or more cats in the previous environment. It sounds like she has already progressed with trust of humans at this point (you and your family), but she might still be leery of another pet. 6+ months is plenty of time to learn trust between pets, but this is also where you come in to make her environment even more secure.
Her preference for being on the kitchen counters: Many cats like to do this, not simply to spite you and to get into trouble, but because they like to be on levels "above" everything else so they can watch other activity and observe from a distance without feeling threatened. Another reason is that if the house is small, cats like, and should also have, vertical spaces to perch and rest. If you haven't already, consider investing in a safe cat tree, one that has more than one level, and a cubby if possible. Sprinkle catnip around the base, and in the corner of a perch or shelf of the tree to encourage the cat to use it. Most cat trees are covered with carpet, so try to find one that has sisal rope entwined around the posts of the tree, most cats prefer this. Just because they don't have claws, doesn't mean they still don't enjoy "scratching", the motion also "massages" their toes and feet.
Make sure the cat-tree has a safe and sturdy base. Place next to a safe window they can watch out of, but keep drapery/miniblind cords tucked above and out of reach to curious kitties (cords are very hazardous to cats!)
Such a cat tree is also ideal as a tool to introduce cats and help them bond. The excitement of something new can encourage them to investigate and explore together and learn how to play together.
Since she is healthy and active and likes to sprint, consider playing "fetch" with her. My cats love the little kitty nerf balls (small nerf foam balls that look like little soccer balls, made specifically for cats). Toss it in the air and let her chase it, she may instinctively learn to fetch for you. (they come in a two or four-pack, so give one to Max to play with as well).
You can also drag a string or cat feather toy across the floor and this will encourage the cats to learn how to play together, with their focus on the toy and not necessarily on each other. Designate a playtime session each day or evening for them, and keep the playtime session consistent, they will learn to look forward to the session and will get accustomed to sharing the same space together. Try having your girls drag feather toys across the floor for each cat, and slowly move the toys so the cats are in closer proximity to each other. If they hiss or growl, immediately create space between them, and try again later, again being consistent. (please keep feather toys, strings, etc put safely out of reach to the cats when playtime is over)
Playtime should be a pleasurable experience for both of them, so when the session is carried out every day about the same time each day, they will start to appreciate the attention and will learn to trust each other more each day. When they get along during playtime, they will carry this over to other routines, like napping together, playing on the cat-tree together, etc. Don't ever force them to play together, but DO encourage them to share the same space with playtime and exercise/activity. Playtime is also a healthy way for them to stay in shape and exercise.
Consistency is the key, try to keep the playtime session at around 10-15 minutes each day (don't overexert them). It's rewarding for the cats, encourages trust and bonding, and when consistent, the chances of bonding increase greatly. (Of course, individual attention is still required so their individual needs are met)
Cat won't defecate in the litter box
Here's an update on Max...
He's become extremely happy being an indoor kitty. He doesn't even try to go out anymore. Traci, I took your advice and put him in the litterbox first thing every morning and everytime I thought about it. A few weeks ago, he actually got closed in my living room-with my new sofa that he had used for a toilet! The next morning, my daughter came running upstairs telling me I had made the biggest mistake ever and locked him in the living room. I was positive I was going to find my sofa covered in poop. BUT he didn't do anything! i scooped him up and took him down to his box and he used it. So far no more "accidents". However, he has found gravel type rocks that are around my furnace in the basement that he likes to pee on. The litterboxes are in the basement as well. He will poop in the box and get out and pee on the rocks right next to the box. When I catch him, I pick him up and put him back in the box. Is he doing this because he's used to peeing outside? Is there something I can use to deter him from the rocks? I sprayed Nature's Miracel on the rocks to try to get rid of his scent but so far no luck.
Secondly, how do I get him from chasing my dogs? My dogs are very cat friendly, often sleeping with and grooming my other 3. Max is a very mighty 10 lbs and my 90 lb Mountain Cur runs and hides when she sees him! My little Mountain Feist won't even come up our steps. Max is fine and is actually somewhat affectionate towards the dogs if they are sitting by me. He will walk up purring and is happy to be petted along with the dogs. If i get up or one of the dogs moves, he chases them!! I have never seen anything like it! My big dog, Callie, could have Max for a snack if she wanted to! She never would of course!! I praise both the dogs and Max when they are getting along.
Also, I'm not quite at the point that I trust Max in my bedroom at night because he's peed on my bed in the past. When I go to bed, I let one or 2 of the other cats come in and leave the other one or 2 out with Max. Every night, I hear Max yeowling. I've gone to see if he's hurt or the other cats are bothering him but I just find him sitting alone in the hall crying. Is this normal? Any advice?
He's become extremely happy being an indoor kitty. He doesn't even try to go out anymore. Traci, I took your advice and put him in the litterbox first thing every morning and everytime I thought about it. A few weeks ago, he actually got closed in my living room-with my new sofa that he had used for a toilet! The next morning, my daughter came running upstairs telling me I had made the biggest mistake ever and locked him in the living room. I was positive I was going to find my sofa covered in poop. BUT he didn't do anything! i scooped him up and took him down to his box and he used it. So far no more "accidents". However, he has found gravel type rocks that are around my furnace in the basement that he likes to pee on. The litterboxes are in the basement as well. He will poop in the box and get out and pee on the rocks right next to the box. When I catch him, I pick him up and put him back in the box. Is he doing this because he's used to peeing outside? Is there something I can use to deter him from the rocks? I sprayed Nature's Miracel on the rocks to try to get rid of his scent but so far no luck.
Secondly, how do I get him from chasing my dogs? My dogs are very cat friendly, often sleeping with and grooming my other 3. Max is a very mighty 10 lbs and my 90 lb Mountain Cur runs and hides when she sees him! My little Mountain Feist won't even come up our steps. Max is fine and is actually somewhat affectionate towards the dogs if they are sitting by me. He will walk up purring and is happy to be petted along with the dogs. If i get up or one of the dogs moves, he chases them!! I have never seen anything like it! My big dog, Callie, could have Max for a snack if she wanted to! She never would of course!! I praise both the dogs and Max when they are getting along.
Also, I'm not quite at the point that I trust Max in my bedroom at night because he's peed on my bed in the past. When I go to bed, I let one or 2 of the other cats come in and leave the other one or 2 out with Max. Every night, I hear Max yeowling. I've gone to see if he's hurt or the other cats are bothering him but I just find him sitting alone in the hall crying. Is this normal? Any advice?
Re: Cat won't defecate in the litter box
Susan,
Re: your furnace. Is your basement like a large crawlspace that doesn't have a concrete floor, hence the gravel or is the gravel actually chips of concrete that have broken/been damaged over the years? Either way, they should be removed and replaced by a cement slab or the furnace should be lifted and set onto some sort of block structure (wood or cement blocks). If the furnace is sitting on gravel or dirt (an unfinished floor), that's a very unprofessional set-up by the furnace people or the contractor.
If it's just loose gravel or chipped concrete on an already concrete floor, simply sweep them up and make sure no other rocky stuff is present on the floor.
Nature's Miracle isn't the original anymore, the proprietary formula is now Petastic. Two other options you could try are Anti-Icky-Poo, and Ceva's Urine Away, both can be used when you've already saturated an area with other products. Do NOT use any other cleaning product if you use either the Anti-Icky-Poo or Ceva Urine Away. All you have to do is remove any urine (or feces) residue, apply the product and allow to dry. Both products smell like strong bath soap, but the smell dissipates fairly quickly and will indeed take care of previous urine smells. (just be sure you've already removed all traces of urine first).
Make sure there are two boxes, preferrably a good distance away from the furnace, and place the boxes side by side or within a foot or so of each other. Cats generally don't like using a litterbox near noisy appliances (nor damp, musty areas - and a furnace is probably such an area if in a basement), and if the furnace is older by chance, it probably has some aged smell to it and might be causing Max to urinate by it. Yes, he could be associating the gravel with the outdoors, so removing the gravel or concrete pieces would be the best thing to do.
You could also try using a Feliway plug-in diffuser upstairs in the room he is most comfortable in, just make sure it is not plugged in an outlet that is blocked by furniture and that your dogs aren't curious they would bother it. Be mindful to check the plug-in in about 3 weeks and replace as necessary, as the wick can dry out in this time regardless of the appearance of some oil still residing in the plugin (and could burn your outlet, which would be a fire hazard). The Feliway might help him feel calmer in time, but be warned it won't work for every cat. You might have to invest in about 3 plugins and use them for about 3 months to gauge any effect on the cat. (the cheapest I've found them is at entirelypets.com, their Feliway products are HERE )
As for the nightime howling, he is probably wanting to be with you in your bedroom, it's natural for most cats to want to sleep with their owners. Some cats are perturbed when another cat gets to sleep with the owner but the other doesn't. When he urinated on your bed before, it was probably either marking behavior, or, due to stress from the other cats since he was relatively new to your home. I think it would be better if you focused on any urination/defecation issues in other parts of the home before allowing him into your bedroom at night. The key is getting him accustomed to using the litterboxes faithfully, feeling secure in all areas of the home and with the other pets first before allowing him a certain area you are least likely to appreciate urinating (your bed).
As explained earlier, at some point when you feel you're ready to allow Max into the bedroom, you can use a shower curtain liner to place on the bed when you're not in the room or away from the house. The cats probably won't mind it as long as you provide them a small kitty blanket on top of the liner. So, if an accident does occur, all you need do is wipe the liner clean (or possibly washing the kitty blanket once or twice during the cats getting accustomed to it).
Another thing you can do which is a bit more time consuming, but I've found works for me, is actually take Max to bed with you, but only for a few minutes or so, cuddle with him, then place him outside the room and close the door. Each night, extend the time with you by 5 minutes if you can. He will learn there's nothing special the other cats are getting while he is outside the door. Eventually, and if you're consistent, he will be able to come into the room with you and actually be calm enough to take a kitty nap with you and eventually safe for you to keep the door open for all of the cats.
You can also do the same thing when you're home on the weekends or any other extra time you may have during the week. Attempt to take short cat-naps with him on your bed, not only is this a good way to teach Max not to urinate on the bed, but it helps you bond and helps him feel more secure.
Keep the liner and kitty blanket on the bed at all times you're not in the room to supervise. It's only temporary, and with consistence and patience, it should work and then you can remove the liner and Max will probably not even know the difference.
I too have a cat who used to do this. I kept her out of the room as often as was necessary and trained her with the liner on the bed. Most of her problem was feeling intimidated by the other cats, since she is naturally skittish, as well as having a problem with any type of litter in the litterboxes. Eventually, I learned she would only use folded-over paper towels in the box. She has had her own litterbox with paper towels now for years and we're all accustomed to it, it makes her happy and it's easy to keep clean for her.
You can also use the liner method on your couch at night, if you think it's necessary. Remember, it's only temporary, and you can get clear liners that can still show off your beautiful couch. If you choose to use a liner, be sure it is an extra large one to cover the largest surface of your bed or couch.
For now, until the elimination thing is under control, try not to worry too much about the crying at night, but do try to play with the cats near the time you plan to retire at night, it will help calm them and help them rest easier during the night. Do provide a nightlight in the hall or the major living are he is accustomed to at night so he doesn't feel so alone. It is actually ideal for another cat to be in the same area with him as you've done. In the meantime, try the tricks above for slowly allowing him into your bedroom for short amounts of time and be consistent, hopefully soon you will both feel safe and comfortable sharing the bed!
As for the dogs, it could be that Max was never accustomed to sharing a home with dogs, although it does sound like he is not truly fearful of them, which is good. But remember, he has been through an awful lot of stress in a relatively short amount of time, was an outdoor cat and is now an indoor cat, now has other kitty siblings and canine siblings, had to be trained to use the litterboxes, has to adjust to so many new things. Perhaps try to accommodate a small space in the living area just for him, but close by you. Or, let him have one corner of the couch the dogs are not allowed on or by. At the same time, you'll have to train him to respect the dogs too when all they are wanting is to lay by you. At those times he chases one of the dogs, use a squirt bottle combined with a vocal "NO, Max", and be consistent. He will associate the squirt bottle with an unpleasurable experience and will learn he is not allowed to chase the dogs or intimidate them. Take this very very slow because he is barely getting accustomed to the litterbox training as it is! You don't want to make him fearful of everything he does, it's a learning experience for him too. At some point, all you'll have to do if he chases a dog is simply shake the squirt bottle and not actually have to use it, he'll get the message.
It's not uncommon for the two species to display jealousy when they are trying to share their owner's attention. This is where one-on-one attention becomes necessary (like the playtime session for the cats). I don't know what your routine is like, but perhaps when you let the dogs out for potty duty, divide some time while the dogs are out, by playing with the cats, and vice versa with the dogs. You'll have to find what works best for you and the pets, but also encourage your girls to help. Play and exercise sessions usually calm and tire the pets so they are more likely to get along while resting and sharing the same space and attention with their humans.
Sorry so long, but hope I've been able to help. Keep us updated on progress, ok?
Re: your furnace. Is your basement like a large crawlspace that doesn't have a concrete floor, hence the gravel or is the gravel actually chips of concrete that have broken/been damaged over the years? Either way, they should be removed and replaced by a cement slab or the furnace should be lifted and set onto some sort of block structure (wood or cement blocks). If the furnace is sitting on gravel or dirt (an unfinished floor), that's a very unprofessional set-up by the furnace people or the contractor.
If it's just loose gravel or chipped concrete on an already concrete floor, simply sweep them up and make sure no other rocky stuff is present on the floor.
Nature's Miracle isn't the original anymore, the proprietary formula is now Petastic. Two other options you could try are Anti-Icky-Poo, and Ceva's Urine Away, both can be used when you've already saturated an area with other products. Do NOT use any other cleaning product if you use either the Anti-Icky-Poo or Ceva Urine Away. All you have to do is remove any urine (or feces) residue, apply the product and allow to dry. Both products smell like strong bath soap, but the smell dissipates fairly quickly and will indeed take care of previous urine smells. (just be sure you've already removed all traces of urine first).
Make sure there are two boxes, preferrably a good distance away from the furnace, and place the boxes side by side or within a foot or so of each other. Cats generally don't like using a litterbox near noisy appliances (nor damp, musty areas - and a furnace is probably such an area if in a basement), and if the furnace is older by chance, it probably has some aged smell to it and might be causing Max to urinate by it. Yes, he could be associating the gravel with the outdoors, so removing the gravel or concrete pieces would be the best thing to do.
You could also try using a Feliway plug-in diffuser upstairs in the room he is most comfortable in, just make sure it is not plugged in an outlet that is blocked by furniture and that your dogs aren't curious they would bother it. Be mindful to check the plug-in in about 3 weeks and replace as necessary, as the wick can dry out in this time regardless of the appearance of some oil still residing in the plugin (and could burn your outlet, which would be a fire hazard). The Feliway might help him feel calmer in time, but be warned it won't work for every cat. You might have to invest in about 3 plugins and use them for about 3 months to gauge any effect on the cat. (the cheapest I've found them is at entirelypets.com, their Feliway products are HERE )
As for the nightime howling, he is probably wanting to be with you in your bedroom, it's natural for most cats to want to sleep with their owners. Some cats are perturbed when another cat gets to sleep with the owner but the other doesn't. When he urinated on your bed before, it was probably either marking behavior, or, due to stress from the other cats since he was relatively new to your home. I think it would be better if you focused on any urination/defecation issues in other parts of the home before allowing him into your bedroom at night. The key is getting him accustomed to using the litterboxes faithfully, feeling secure in all areas of the home and with the other pets first before allowing him a certain area you are least likely to appreciate urinating (your bed).
As explained earlier, at some point when you feel you're ready to allow Max into the bedroom, you can use a shower curtain liner to place on the bed when you're not in the room or away from the house. The cats probably won't mind it as long as you provide them a small kitty blanket on top of the liner. So, if an accident does occur, all you need do is wipe the liner clean (or possibly washing the kitty blanket once or twice during the cats getting accustomed to it).
Another thing you can do which is a bit more time consuming, but I've found works for me, is actually take Max to bed with you, but only for a few minutes or so, cuddle with him, then place him outside the room and close the door. Each night, extend the time with you by 5 minutes if you can. He will learn there's nothing special the other cats are getting while he is outside the door. Eventually, and if you're consistent, he will be able to come into the room with you and actually be calm enough to take a kitty nap with you and eventually safe for you to keep the door open for all of the cats.
You can also do the same thing when you're home on the weekends or any other extra time you may have during the week. Attempt to take short cat-naps with him on your bed, not only is this a good way to teach Max not to urinate on the bed, but it helps you bond and helps him feel more secure.
Keep the liner and kitty blanket on the bed at all times you're not in the room to supervise. It's only temporary, and with consistence and patience, it should work and then you can remove the liner and Max will probably not even know the difference.
I too have a cat who used to do this. I kept her out of the room as often as was necessary and trained her with the liner on the bed. Most of her problem was feeling intimidated by the other cats, since she is naturally skittish, as well as having a problem with any type of litter in the litterboxes. Eventually, I learned she would only use folded-over paper towels in the box. She has had her own litterbox with paper towels now for years and we're all accustomed to it, it makes her happy and it's easy to keep clean for her.
You can also use the liner method on your couch at night, if you think it's necessary. Remember, it's only temporary, and you can get clear liners that can still show off your beautiful couch. If you choose to use a liner, be sure it is an extra large one to cover the largest surface of your bed or couch.
For now, until the elimination thing is under control, try not to worry too much about the crying at night, but do try to play with the cats near the time you plan to retire at night, it will help calm them and help them rest easier during the night. Do provide a nightlight in the hall or the major living are he is accustomed to at night so he doesn't feel so alone. It is actually ideal for another cat to be in the same area with him as you've done. In the meantime, try the tricks above for slowly allowing him into your bedroom for short amounts of time and be consistent, hopefully soon you will both feel safe and comfortable sharing the bed!
As for the dogs, it could be that Max was never accustomed to sharing a home with dogs, although it does sound like he is not truly fearful of them, which is good. But remember, he has been through an awful lot of stress in a relatively short amount of time, was an outdoor cat and is now an indoor cat, now has other kitty siblings and canine siblings, had to be trained to use the litterboxes, has to adjust to so many new things. Perhaps try to accommodate a small space in the living area just for him, but close by you. Or, let him have one corner of the couch the dogs are not allowed on or by. At the same time, you'll have to train him to respect the dogs too when all they are wanting is to lay by you. At those times he chases one of the dogs, use a squirt bottle combined with a vocal "NO, Max", and be consistent. He will associate the squirt bottle with an unpleasurable experience and will learn he is not allowed to chase the dogs or intimidate them. Take this very very slow because he is barely getting accustomed to the litterbox training as it is! You don't want to make him fearful of everything he does, it's a learning experience for him too. At some point, all you'll have to do if he chases a dog is simply shake the squirt bottle and not actually have to use it, he'll get the message.
It's not uncommon for the two species to display jealousy when they are trying to share their owner's attention. This is where one-on-one attention becomes necessary (like the playtime session for the cats). I don't know what your routine is like, but perhaps when you let the dogs out for potty duty, divide some time while the dogs are out, by playing with the cats, and vice versa with the dogs. You'll have to find what works best for you and the pets, but also encourage your girls to help. Play and exercise sessions usually calm and tire the pets so they are more likely to get along while resting and sharing the same space and attention with their humans.
Sorry so long, but hope I've been able to help. Keep us updated on progress, ok?
..........Traci
Re: Cat won't defecate in the litter box
Thank you so much for your advice!
I have a 150+ year old farm house and the furnace is an oil furnace. My basement is very big but does have concrete floors and walls. The furnace has a small amount of loose gravel around the base. I have 4 boxes placed in different locations in the basement. I will try the products you recommended. You are exactly right about not letting Max in the bedroom until he's completely litterbox trained. That's why I keep him out at night and the door closed during the day. I'm trying to limit his opportunities for accidents by only allowing him in certain areas. The other cats stay in the same areas as Max. When I'm home, they get much more freedom and Max is often on our couch with the rest of them. One of the benefits of having a farm house is that almost every room has a door.
I am trying to get the dogs and Max used to each other slowly. It is actually hilarious to see my huge dog run and hide from a cat!
I have been telling Max "NO!" and taking him away from the dogs, but I will go buy a squirt bottle today. I assumed the crying was lonliness which is why I left atleast one other cat out with him. I will be sure to give him some extra love before bedtime. I think he has gotten me conditioned because when he cries, I go check on him and try to comfort him.
I will definitely keep you updated with Max's progress.
Thank you so much!
I have a 150+ year old farm house and the furnace is an oil furnace. My basement is very big but does have concrete floors and walls. The furnace has a small amount of loose gravel around the base. I have 4 boxes placed in different locations in the basement. I will try the products you recommended. You are exactly right about not letting Max in the bedroom until he's completely litterbox trained. That's why I keep him out at night and the door closed during the day. I'm trying to limit his opportunities for accidents by only allowing him in certain areas. The other cats stay in the same areas as Max. When I'm home, they get much more freedom and Max is often on our couch with the rest of them. One of the benefits of having a farm house is that almost every room has a door.
I am trying to get the dogs and Max used to each other slowly. It is actually hilarious to see my huge dog run and hide from a cat!
I have been telling Max "NO!" and taking him away from the dogs, but I will go buy a squirt bottle today. I assumed the crying was lonliness which is why I left atleast one other cat out with him. I will be sure to give him some extra love before bedtime. I think he has gotten me conditioned because when he cries, I go check on him and try to comfort him.
I will definitely keep you updated with Max's progress.
Thank you so much!
Re: Cat won't defecate in the litter box
I can't remember if you stated Max' age, how old is he? Yes, he is probably attention-seeking. However, when having pets in the home, it is still the goal to allow them access to many of the same areas as you are, they appreciate the companionship and security. It's only temporary keeping him out of the bedroom and there's nothing wrong with checking on him when he's crying, but try speaking from the door in a calm voice instead and simply saying "Shh Max, go to bed". Sometimes all they need to feel calmer is to hear your voice. Yes, it's good another cat is out with him too for companionship or so he doesn't feel totally alone.
..........Traci