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New kitten suddenly peeing on couch

post #1 of 4
2/8/12 at 9:10am
Thread Starter 

I got a 3 month old male (neutered) kitten from the humane society in December. He was great about using the litterbox from day one. We've gradually introduced him to our two older (9 and 10 year old) cats and they seem to tolerate each other pretty well, although my female cat will respond to his attempts to play by taking a swipe at him or chasing him away. He keeps on trying, though, so he must like her response.

Last Wednesday, he pooped on the couch in our living room. We had lots of people there, so we could clean it up immediately -- but it was embarrassing! Then, two times more, he pooped in exactly the same place, although I'd covered it with plastic and tinfoil to protect the couch. Last night, he peed instead of pooped on it -- luckily it was on the tinfoil, and I was right there so I could clean it up without any getting on the couch. This morning he had peed --in the exact same spot-- after carefully scraping off the tinfoil cover. It soaked through the couch cushions and the underside of the couch. I removed the couch to the entryway for the time being, but I'm wondering whether I can save the couch (it was my great-grandmother's) AND what I can do to keep him from doing this again. He has never peed or pooped in any other weird places. Just this last week, and ONLY on this one spot on the couch. I'm taking him to the vet this morning to check for UTIs but the specific location of peeing/pooping seems really odd to me. Any suggestions?

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post #2 of 4
2/8/12 at 10:14am
Hi!! wavey.gif

You are doing the right thing by taking him to the vet. It is most likely a UTI, but here are some other suggestions in case it isn't.

First, get a good enzyme cleaner from a pet supply store or online. I use Bissell's "ewww" spray. I got it at Petsmart in a big black bottle for $10. An enzyme cleaner is the only thing that will completely remove a urine smell from something he's peed on, even to your cat's sensitive nose. If you don't completely remove the smell from that spot on the couch, he will probably continue to pee there for some time, even if he has no medical problems. Cats like to pee where they've peed before, and the smell of it is the main attractor to them.

Try getting more than one box (if you don't already). Some cats will only pee in one box and poop in another. Make sure your other cats aren't showing their dominance and "guarding" the box from him. This is a common thing in cats that are new to each other. Older/more established cats will intimidate younger/new cats into peeing somewhere other than the box. If you can, try putting his box somewhere where you know he'll have access to it.

Try using a different litter. Some cats are picky about which kind they'll use.

Is he declawed? If he is, he might be feeling some pain due to the fact that he's had his toes amputated. It can make scratching around in a rough litter box pretty painful. If he isn't declawed, please DON'T declaw him.

I'm sure more folks will come along shortly and give more tips, but these are the ones I could think of off the top of my head.

Welcome to TCS wavey.gif
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post #3 of 4
2/8/12 at 11:54am
Thread Starter 

Thank you! I've gotten an enzyme cleaner and am working on the couch. I also picked up some Feliway, as the vet suggested that it might "take the edge off" the aggressive behavior between the kitten and the female cat, in case the behavior comes from excessive stress. I don't want to change the kind of litter I'm using, as both the "grown up" cats are very finicky and ONLY use that kind. And, the kitten used it fine for two months himself. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions!

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post #4 of 4
2/8/12 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nesthead View Post

I don't want to change the kind of litter I'm using, as both the "grown up" cats are very finicky and ONLY use that kind.


How many litter boxes do you have (and are they covered or uncovered)? You could always offer a different kind of litter in another box to see if your little dude prefers that one. I highly recommend giving Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract litter a try.

 

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