Spraying cat-Losing my mind

crazyforinfo

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Connor did it again. He wanted to go outside but the neighbors dogs were out. We live in a row home and the dogs bark and try to get under the fence when they see anyone (another issue to deal with). Connor gave up after 2 hours and went over to a cat bed no one uses and sprayed. Last week he sprayed my pillows and mattress b/c Benson chased him from the living room to the bedrooms.

Connor doesn't fight with any of the cats, he just wishes they weren't here. He has been spraying for about 8 years now since we first introduced other cats to the house. For the longest time we thought it was a sick kitty peeing in the living room. I seem to be sensitive to the smell. Since we moved back in last year I smell it everywhere. I have tried enzymatic cleaners but they just don't work. I know some spots are old and too late to get the smell out.

I have tried putting foil on the walls but he finds his a new spot in that room. We tried Feliway for 3-4 months and the little bugger sprayed next to the diffuser. He is afraid of the spray which leads to more spraying.

If he doesn't get fed when he wants it, he sprays Mom's room which is where he lives 90% of the time. If Benson chased him, he sprays my stuff or my husbands stuff. If he wants outside he sprays in the basement.

I really hate the option of putting him down. I called two vets in the area. One he has seen for years recommends feliway. When I told them we tried that they wished us luck and ask for an update if we find our own solution. I asked for drugs and they said no. I called another vet and they don't have an experience with drugging the cats but they do prescribe calming drugs to dogs.

I emailed Spirit Essense for advice on their products.
http://www.spiritessence.com/instructions I found it under one of the expert columns. The bathroom and the bedrooms are going to be remodeled in the next 6 months which will lead to more anxiety for Connor.

I am losing my mind on this matter. Has anyone had luck with drugs? If so what kinds? How long did it take your vet to recommend them?
 

amarna

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it sounds to me like you have a very unhappy cat. he must be constantly nervous & feel threatened on a daily basis. you mention he has been playing up since you got other kitties & the dogs are a problem for him? perhaps it would be kinder if you found him another home. some cats just cannot cope with other animals, so it may be better for him to go to an only pet household. this is definately preferable to putting him to sleep - i don't think you need to do that at all. he's just trying to tell you something is wrong & it sounds to me like it may be the other pets that are the problem for him.
 
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crazyforinfo

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Originally Posted by Amarna

it sounds to me like you have a very unhappy cat. he must be constantly nervous & feel threatened on a daily basis. you mention he has been playing up since you got other kitties & the dogs are a problem for him? perhaps it would be kinder if you found him another home. some cats just cannot cope with other animals, so it may be better for him to go to an only pet household. this is definately preferable to putting him to sleep - i don't think you need to do that at all. he's just trying to tell you something is wrong & it sounds to me like it may be the other pets that are the problem for him.
I want to try everything else besides rehoming and putting him down.
We have had him for 12 years and his sister couldn't live without him. He has been like this since 2000 when we took in the other cats.

He doesn't have an issue with dogs, I just will not let mine outside knowing the dogs are there.
 

missymotus

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Are you able to get him an outdoor enclosure? So he could be outdoors and safe.

Or maybe try some stud pants, while it won't stop him doing it at least he won't be peeing inside the house.
 

cmoc

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I had two cats that lived together happily for years. When Dillon got older he started spraying everywhere in the lounge every night. I tried everything and nothing worked. In the end, I used plastic bags every night in all the same places he used to spray and wee, of which there were many. My husband suggested separating Dillon from Toby, but I pointed out that they had always been OK together for years and didnt try it. That was such a mistake, I cleaned up for years until at the age of 15, Toby passed away. From that day on, Dillon never sprayed or weed again. Is there some way that you can give your cat his own space, a separate room where he can find a bit of peace and quiet from the other animals? If you have had him for so long I am sure you will find a way to keep him happy in his old age. My darling Dillon went on to nearly 20 and I cherish every moment I had him.
Best Wishes
Chris
 
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