improper urination

My spayed female seems to prefer to urinate outside of the litter box. She will urinate in any box-like item or in anything left lying around (gymbag, clothes basket, lunchbox, toychest, bookbag, the sink, any Tupperware left on the counter, you get the picture...) . I have tried keeping the litter boxes really clean each day, switching litter, and keeping the area clean. To no avail.

She started when we got a new kitten 18mo ago. He is a real nuisance to her and completly bullies her, attacking her, tackling her, etc. I dont know how to get him to stop distressing her. I think thats what the issue is. (side note: she hides all day long to avoid him). Any suggestions to keep her from ruining everything I own and to keep the new cat from dominating her? thanks

Yeah your cat is definitely acting out. It's not going to be easy to try and curb her behaviour but it can be done if you're willing.

First off, Is she the attention-loving type?
If so your going to have to condition her into relating peeing in the litterbox to attention and treats from you; this must be consistent. Seeing as you will not always be there to catch her this will take some time. Don't give up.

You may also want to do something about the other cats behavior. Your eldest cat obviously donsnt like it so maybe you should work on treat training for him as well

cats usually get used to each other because they really have no other choice. But that doesn't mean the behavioural issues will cease. You'll need to work on that.

I would say that the boy kitten will eventually grow out of his rambunctious behaviour but the female may harbour resentment for the other cat. So don't let this go on for too long.

It can be hard sometimes and really stressful (we always assume cats are easier than dogs) but owning an animal is always a big responsibility. And it can be very rewarding

Hey at least your not in my moms position

Her lab/ pit bull constantly escapes and breaks stuff from stores/ other ppls houses, pees when he's nervous, chews anything available (including drywall), tortures the other cats and dogs without end, and digs crators in the yard. But hey, we love him. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Good luck.

I'd love to hear your feedback

I'd really really REALLY suggest that you take the cat to the vet first. In a large portion of cases, improper urination stems from a physical problem. I have seen this with multiple of my own cats. I have also seen that the quicker you take them in, the quicker the problem can be solved & the faster they go back to normal litter box use. My parents waited to long, in my opinion, and now still occasionally have issues with the cat peeing outside. So bring the kitty in to ensure that there is no issue like urinary tract infection, bladder crystals, bladder stones, kidney issues, etc. 

I would have her checked out by a vet just in case it's a physical problem. Have you tried giving her a litterbox of her own, i.e., one that only she has access to? You could install a collar-key or microchip activated cat flap in the door to a room or closet and put the box there. Your young male may be ambushing her when she uses a litterbox, making her avoid them.

Thanks for the advise. the cat did have crystals before, which may cause her to have issues but I have been to a vet and the vet said there was no physical issue. The young male does ambush her but she is hesitant to use a box with a door or dome. I think she prefers to not actually touch litter, she never scoops or covers anything she leaves behind.

Thanks for the advise. A vet has ruled out physical issues and gave me a pamhplet on keeping it clean, changing litter often, optimal litter depths, etc. She did have crystals in the past but again the vet has given her a clean bill.

@kyface

Thanks for the advice. She does like attention but is hard to find because she spends most her time hiding from and avoiding hte male cat. She has actually taken up residence under my sofa and spends the whole day there :-(  But when i catch her using hte littler box i will remember to praise her.

what do you suggest to curb the other cat from bothering her? A water pistol?

I didnt mention it in the initial post but she also has a licking issue. from stress i imagine, Her under belly is raw and missing fur and i think the two are linked.

I agree with you that the boy kitten/cat is the problem.  She needs to have a "safe room" with her food, litter and a bed in it, where you put her when you are not around to manage the aggressive one.  As someone with lots of cats, through rescue, I've seen this a lot, and I group like personalities with each other.  The quiet and senior cats have the bedroom, they only want to sleep anyhow.  The playful youngsters have the Rescue Room, which has things to climb, a huge cat tree, shelves etc.  New cats get their own small room, and once they feel secure and WANT to venture out, that is fine.  They will find their way into the proper group.  I would strongly suggest you get another playful young male to play with your rough guy so he will stop bugging your female.  In my experience, while male and female kittens may play well in their first year or so, by the time they reach their second year the females are much less interested in play and more interested in holding their territory.  Your female needs a territory to call her own that he is not allowed in.  And I think your male needs a playmate and there are many cats in need of a good home, so give Christmas gifts to all:  A peaceful place for your girl, a Playmate for your boy, and a loving home to one of last year' kittens who has nowhere to be but a shelter right now.

I completely agree with Red Top Rescue, females are fine the first year or two, but then want to rule the roost. (Their own) Two males get along much better at playtime.The

perfect' family is two males and a female to keep them in line!

brianne said:

@kyface

Thanks for the advice. She does like attention but is hard to find because she spends most her time hiding from and avoiding hte male cat. She has actually taken up residence under my sofa and spends the whole day there :-(  But when i catch her using hte littler box i will remember to praise her.

what do you suggest to curb the other cat from bothering her? A water pistol?
I didnt mention it in the initial post but she also has a licking issue. from stress i imagine, Her under belly is raw and missing fur and i think the two are linked.

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Well you'll probably have to play with the boy for at least 10 minuets a day so he doesn't feel such a need to take it out on the female. Then everytime you see him attacking her, scold him or put him for time out. You don't want him to fear you so I wouldn't use a squirt bottle. Plus you could accidentally get it in his ear. Every cat is different so your going to have to find something he responds too.

The axesesive licking is likely do to stress. You should have some alone time with her to try and console her. Cats DO like human companionship, even if they don't act like it. Just having you around where she feels safe could help her calm down quite a bit. I suspected they will both get over this eventually but for now your going to have to step in.