Cat urinating everywhere but in litterbox

[Guest]

I've been having an ongoing problems with a cat that I adopted a few years ago I have two other cats that have never had a problem with using the litter box but Sweetie does not seem to like using it. She uses it every now and then but most of the time she either goes on the carpet, clothes bed everything but the litter box. She has even peed and pooed on my pillow as I was sleeping. I have tried everthing that I can think of. I have three litterboxes but there is no way that I can keep the cats seperated I think the main problem is she doesn't like sharing. I've tried changing litter types, and I keep the litter box as clean as possible but nothing changes this has been going on since I adopted her a few years ago. My fiance and I are very attatched to her and do not want to give her to a shelter or put her to sleep like my vet said I should. Has anyone had a similar problem or does anyone have any advice I'm desperate

Thank you all
Shannon

[Guest]

By the way I have had her checked out numerous times by the vet and she is in perfect health. He says its behavioral

[Traci]

First, you need a new vet.....shame on him for suggesting PTS a perfectly healthy cat....he doesn't deserve your business.

For this reason (and due to your vet's bedside manner), I strongly suggest seeing a NEW vet and at least ruling out health issues. I know you said she's been checked 'numerous times', however, we don't know what testing your previous vet ever did. For example, how many urinalyses were completed and were negative for bacterial infections? Was a complete blood profile ever done on your kitty to rule out other health conditions? If not, this would be a good starting point.

If new bloodwork and urinalysis doesn't reveal anything specific, then please seek the opinion of a feline behaviorist. Check with other vets in your area for a referral. Most vets have some sort of behavioral training to deal with these issues and can advise you further based on her general health status. Otherwise, a feline behaviorial specialist may be able to provide you more options that won't necessarily include the use of medications. It would be worth it to consult with one since you've been dealing with this for a few years.

You mentioned she urinates on your pillow and bedding, this might be an issue regarding you, as in her way of getting your attention to another matter, whether that be her health or a stress factor in her environment. Do the other two cats intimidate her or are they agressive toward her? As for the litterbox issue, if there is a more accessible, private area for one that she feels more comfortable, by all means, put a litterbox there for her and maybe 'train' or prevent the other two from using it. As for litter types, try using simple newspaper, or paper towels so that she is re-introduced to the new box in a new area, this may entice her to use it, and make her feel like it's her own box.

There are still various things you can try, but try getting a referral to a feline behaviorist, get your current vet records transferred if possible, and again, opt for new bloodwork/urinalysis if necessary.

[Nurse_Jamie]

Another thing you might wanna try is to limit your kitty's water intake at night. It won't hurt her to go overnight without water or food and then just make sure she has plenty throughout the day. That way she won't have to pee or poop at night. Maybe if you got her on a feeding schedule, you could anticipate when she will have to use the bathroom and put her in a room (i.e. the laundry room) for about 30 minutes with her litter box.
I had the same problem with my little one when I first got her, but she eventually started using the litter box all the time on her own.

Just a suggestion, It can't hurt to try.

[Traci]

Nurse_Jamie, one should never withhold water unless in cases of illness like vomiting. Cats can fast suffer dehydration, withholding water is not a good thing to do.