Urinating/spraying outside the litter box

If you don't mind reading/checking out my other related posts, to get the full back story: 

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/327661/...fellow-cat-owners-lovers-considering-rehoming

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/327692/cheapest-most-affordable-grain-free-or-healthiest-canned-food

I have an almost 5 year old male cat (Qi) urinating constantly outside the litter box ( he has a littermate/brother as well) 

I have done hours of research online and in books over the years and done all the things off the list that have been within my means (and even not within my means, I'm in debt because of this issue!) 

Things I've tried: 

Perscription hills c/d urinary care food

Different shapes and sizes of litter boxes

I made a litter box out of a storage/rubbermaid bin 

Different levels of litter

Different litter (Cat Attract) 

Feliway spray

Feliway diffuser 

I use an enzymatic cleaner (Urine Destroyer- Nature's Miracle) to thoroughly clean the urine 

I have placed a litter box everywhere that he has peed outside the litter box (5 litter boxes in a 1 bedroom apartment) My apartment is essentially a giant litterbox...they are everywhere...

Vitamins and Supplements (Anitra's Frazier's vita-mineral mix recipe homemade) 

Feline omega 3- fish oil added to the food 

Successfully transitioned him to wet food and off of his prescription hills c/d urinary care DRY food (which is super crap/expensive food and he was addicted to it, and still urinating outside the box, vocalizing while urinating while eating that food...didn't have crystals but still the urinating outside the litterbox issue) 

Eureka! (is what I thought once he started eating his brother's wet food one day a couple weeks ago, thought all of the urinary problems were solved, as everyone had told me, even vets, if you could just get him to eat wet food...But it is a constant battle/stress and always don't know whether it's behavioral or medical...or both)

Every time in the last year and a half that he has had a urinalysis (which has been 2-3) it has come back as no infection, no blood, no crystals. 

There have been times in the last year where he has stopped for about a week or longer and then it will start up again, kind of like a binge.

Right now it's a really bad one and he has started vocalizing while urinating before or after (which he has done in the past, I have rushed him to the vet and there was no infection) I actually can't continue to afford hundreds of dollars on vet visits, urinalysis and meds that amount to nothing. 

I will continue to go into debt and purchase things people on this wonderful site have suggested as a last resort. The last thing I want to do is have to rehome my cats because they are my family. But I am honestly at my wit's end. 

Even if anyone here can relate or just have understanding and compassion I am grateful. But any additional tips, resources that I have not mentioned would be so helpful to me. 

Thanks for your time in reading my post. 

 I first must commend you for your dedication and effort to your cat. I can relate, although not in your particular situation,  to the struggle (and clean up)!
Ensure he isn't suffering from chronic UTIs. That's good news the urinalysis   came back negative--but also frustrating since we still don't know why he is acting this way.  Renal biopsy is a definitive method of assessing individual renal pathology, but is not without potential significant risk.

Did your vet rule out chronic kidney disease, dietbetes, or FIC? 

To rule out CKD a urinalysis is also done (specific gravity is the important lab value). 

Does the cat have any other strange s/s?

For instance the main symptoms for dieabtes are increased thirst and increased urination (also weightloss, vomiting, depression weakness, etc.). 

Stress has an important role in the development of feline interstitial cystitis (FIC), which is the most common diagnosis in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease. It seems that the glycosaminoglycan layer of the urine bladder wall is thinner in cats with FIC than in healthy cats, and there is an increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system that causes altered bladder permeability (and thus peeing outside of the litter box). 

Is the cat fixed? 

Is your cat suffering from stress? Some of the stresses most commonly encountered by cats include changes in environment, inter-cat conflict, a poor human–cat relationship and the cat’s inability to perform highly motivated behaviour patterns. 


Fig. 1  Behavior changes related to stress
As they say in Psych. Every behavior has meaning! Several behavioural changes in cats, such as some elimination problems, aggressive behaviours or compulsive behaviours, are related to stress. Certain breeds are more prone stress-like behaviors, and even the color of your cat's coat can put your cat at risk: "Some studies have found that orange cats are more aggressive and darker cats more sociable than cats with other coat colours" (...hmm that explains those red heads).

Analyze your cat's behavior closely!

What's his enviorment like? Some of the main causes of stress in cats include environmental changes, a barren environment, a poor human– cat relationship, inter-cat conflict, and  lack of control  and predictability. Are there constanly people in & out of your apartment? Are your neighbors loud?

Is he getting enough stimulation? Outdoor cats spend a high proportion of their active time hunting and exploring their territory, and the inability to engage in such behaviours when cats are kept indoors (particularly in a barren environment) may result in stress related problems. In my apartment every room, expect the bathroom (although if you count the toilet paper that is often unrolled), is catifed! I have tunnels, cat toys galore, beds, boxes, a hammock, empty window-stills, a scratching post, and a 7ft cat tree. Make sure your guy is getting enough play. Spend more time with him and play with him more. That will help with his stress and may help with the spraying. 


Fig. 2 Flavia and Abraham in their 7ft cat tree
The fact that he does have a brother does increase the frequency of spraying: "Oftentimes, but not always, cats mark by spraying urine on vertical surfaces. Stress increases the frequency of urine marking and, in particular, cat density and the likelihood of inter-cat conflict seem to have a major effect on the frequency of this behaviour, which has an incidence of 25% in single-cat households and up to 100% in households with 10 or more cats".

Are you 100% sure the brother isn't spraying as-well?

Which cat is the more dominat cat? On some occasions, elimination problems are a consequence of a territorial conflict as the territorial cat does not allow the other cat to access the litter box...although I find that hard to believe his brother is guarding all 5 litter boxes. 

Do the cats like each other? Are they aggressive toward each other? Make sure you have separate food/water bowels too.

If you suspect the brother is part of the problem I suggest following this protocol: " In cases of inter-cat conflict, for example, a reintroduction protocol could be used.The protocol is divided into three phases: olfactory habituation, visual habituation and direct contact habituation. The duration of each part is variable, depending on the severity of the conflict, the cats’ response and the owner disposition. In the olfactory habituation phase, each cat is confined to a different part of the household and all important resources (including food, water, litter box and scratching post) are provided in both areas. Each cat is then moved to the other area so that both animals are exposed to the other cat’s odour. Additionally, using a piece of cloth, the secretion of the facial gland of each cat can be applied to the cheeks of the other cat. The visual habituation phase can start when both cats are relaxed during territory exchanges. In the visual habituation phase, visual contact between cats through a mesh door, for instance, is provided when cats are engaged in a pleasant activity. Cats are otherwise kept separated and the duration of the visual contact sessions is gradually increased. Finally, in the last phase of the reintroduction protocol (direct contact habituation), the wire mesh is removed".


Fig. 3
I have 1 female and 1 male. The female, to my knowledge, has never sprayed in the house. The male, however has a few times and I believe he has due to the litter being too full, and/or to expand his territory (we also share a 1 BR Apt.). He has notabily sprayed on his shark bed, and on my $200, worn-once, boots he just loved to lay on (RIP boots). I guess that's what I get for buying boots that were made out of lamb. 

I have learned never to scream at him. I caught him spraying once (specifically on a towel in the bathroom), and that was the first, and only, time I yelled at him. He was stunned because I have never yelled at him, and he actually sprayed again the same day. Screaming is a horrible way to correct behaviors in cats. They simply do not understand! In-fact punishment by owners should be completely avoided. It will only cause chronic stress . 

I do give Abraham a special treat once a day. They are urinary health soft chews by essential pet. They interestingly contain cranberry! I use to have a whole bunch of them, but gave them away to family members. I would have happily sent you one =/ The good news is they are relatively cheap and can be found at petsmart. I don't think they are the sole answer to your problem though. 

I think you need to closely montior his behavior for s/s of a medical disease and stress. Since you live in a small space I do firmly believe he feels his territory is threatened. But still watch out for a medical processes, and try the protocol I suggested. 

I do hope the instances of his peeing delcine. Please keep us updated and let me know if you want me to dig up more information for you! =) xoxo

References:

• Amat, M., Camps, T., & Manteca, X. (2016). Stress in owned cats: Behavioural changes and welfare implications.  Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 18(8), 577-586. doi:10.1177/1098612X15590867

• White, J. D., Stevenson, M., Malik, R., Snow, D., & Norris, J. M. (2013). Urinary tract infections in cats with chronic kidney disease.  Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(6), 459-465.

If you have the funds consider taking him to a specialist. 

I do not know your location, but look unto University vet clinics. I highly recommend UPENN Vet if you live close to the Philadelphia area. They actually have: "comprehensive services and certified specialists in urologic and kidney care for companion animals."

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary...-hospital/services/comprehensive-urology-care

Search around near you, and talk to them. They may be able to reduce the price!

Thank you for your response and suggestions. I  really appreciate it!

I ordered some things from Amazon I'm hoping will help. Including some Feliway diffuser refills (I ran out a while ago and I'm praying and hoping with all my might that is why he started up again and the diffuser will resolve the issue) 

The "Safe space" spirit essence from Jackson Galaxy 

A replacement pump for their cat fountain (they don't really drink a lot of water now that they are both eating wet food) 

They are both fixed and I'm pretty positive his brother Magic is not spraying or peeing outside the box. Because we live in a small space together, I see them all the time and I have never seen his brother Magic ever go outside the box. Magic also pees way less than Qi. And I always see him and hear him in the litterbox. 

I try not to scream at him or get upset. I've only done it a handful of times from sheer distress. He also responds really well on other things when I don't want him to do something I just have to say his name or no in a particular low tone and he will freeze and stop what he is doing entirely. But I suppose that won't be helpful if I do that while he is urinating out of stress or a medical issue that has not been discovered yet. 

I added a 6th box yesterday and he does what he has been doing the whole time which is urinate in front of the last box I place down. 

How do I know if both my cats aren't getting along? They are littermates and been together since 8 weeks old. They play fight and chase each other around but they clean each other and I'm not sure if they are territorial with each other.... 

His brother is not guarding the litterboxes or anything like that. He doesn't bug Qi at all when he is in the litterbox. His brother is definitely more dominant since they were kittens but Magic lets Qi eat, pee, poo from what I can see, completely undisturbed. 

I'm not really seeing any other symptoms in Qi other than the urination issue....no increased thirst, he eats his food, he plays a bit, he sleeps, he purrs and cuddles. 

It's also hard for me to believe he is stressed because one minute he will be purring and receiving massage and pets from me....and then he will walk out to his spot and pee...It's almost like he is just doing it out of habit now...Like it's where he thinks it's okay to pee? I have no idea. I'm at a loss at this point considering all the research and money spent and tests. 

But he has always been a more fearful, jumpy, stressed out cat. 

Waiting for Amazon shipment, to hear back from the vet and will just keep pushing forward. I have decided to not eat out and try to save money that way, and continue to put things on credit cards until I get it resolved. I really don't want to rehome him/them. So I'll keep doing my best. I just can't afford the frequent tests and vet visits, supplements and all that is involved in trying to resolve this chronic and extreme urinary issue. 

Thanks for reading! I don't have anyone in my life who has cats or understands the stress of this issue. 

Yeah I totally get it. It's very stressful, and sometimes it feels hopless, but you love them & they love you. 

The first cat I had, Nana (means princess in my husband's language), was a 13 year old senior from the shelter. She was found wondering the streets; her front paws were actually declawed so she most likely had an owner, and I think the owner abandoned her on purpose for reasons I would soon find out.

At the shelter she was grossly underweight and failing to thrive. I figured it was the shelter enviorment and being a stray, but it was actually much more then that & to my dismay our relationship only lasted 6 months. 

When I brought her home she would puke everywhere, and would rarely make it to the litter-box; her stools were bad. I did everything I could for her; ultra sounds, x-rays, lab tests, medications, injections, etc. It took my vet awhile to figure out what was happening, and unfortunately her prognosis wasn't good. She had lymphoma; so there wasn't much I could do. All I could give her was hospice care. 

I learned a lot from her. Taking care of her was truly a spiritual experience.  She unbelievably was kind and gentle. Through all her pain and suffering she never lashed out. Although she was actively dying she was so full of life
Fig. 1 Spraying Vs. Inappropriate Urination 

Cats are masters at disguising stress and sickness.

Stress though can manifest itself in over grooming, decrease play, usually decrease appetite, hides more, more aggressive, urine marking, etc. 

Your interventions are great! A fountain will encourage him to drink more, and although I've never used feilway I've heard great things. I love Jackson Galaxy, and I just looked up his serum & it seems to have great reviews. We'll both cross our fingers and hope it works 

Cleaning the urine thoroughly is also critical. Since cats can smell 100s of time better than us. If they smell urine they most likely will return to that same spot. I've heard great things about Angry Orange Pet Oder Eliminator: 
If this truly is something psychological, and stress related psych medications have proven to help. Have you considered using them? 

In veterinary medicine, SSRIs are used for behavioral modification, including the treatment of aggression and urine spraying. Prozac would help Qi, but I suggest ensuring he starts out on a small dose. This is relatively rare, but people/animals can suffer from  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis. In cats the prognosis is excellent, and it’s relatively easy to treat (stop med, IV fluids, and charcoal).It's RARE your cat will overdose, but just be mindful and observant while she is on the medicine.

 S/s of SSRI toxicosis according to one study: “Of the symptomatic cats, remarkable sedation was the most common clinical sign (6/8; 75%), followed by gastrointestinal signs (4/8; 50%), central nervous system stimulation (1/8; 13%), cardiovascular signs (1/8; 13%), and hyperthermia (1/8; 13%)”.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24016243

Let me know how Qi does with the items you ordered, and remember I'm here to listen so feel free to send me a message if you ever need too
Nana at my parent's house 

We are going through almost exactly the same experience, so I am eager to see the replies here. I just can't think of any viable reason he's behaving this way, and we've tried so much to stop him. I'll be following this thread eagerly. I hope a solution can be found. I'll probably start my own thread to explain the differences in our circumstances, as I don't want to steal your thunder and have any attention directed away from your equally serious issue, but I'll let you know here if I find anything out.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/brochure_housesoiling.cfm

^ I found this link to be very helpful. 

Here are some highlights below that I think are worth reading.

"The longer the behavior persists, the more likely it is to become a habit".

Some interventions listed:

"

• Sheets of plastic, newspaper, or sandpaper, electronic mats that deliver harmless, mild shocks, or a carpet runner with the nubs facing up can be used to discourage your cat from entering a soil-prone area.
• Try changing the significance of a soiled area. Cats prefer to eat and eliminate in separate areas, so try placing food bowls and treats in previously soiled areas. Playing with your cat in that space and leaving toys there may also be helpful.
• Try denying your cat access to a given area by closing doors, or by covering the area with furniture or plants. Baby gates will not keep a cat out of a room.
• Catch him in the act. A bell on a breakaway collar tells you his whereabouts. If you can catch him within the first seconds of his elimination routine, startle him with a water gun or shake a jar of pennies, so that he associates being startled with those actions. It is important that you startle rather than scare him; fear will only worsen the problem. Moreover, if you catch him after he’s eliminated, your window of opportunity is gone—you must catch him just as he’s about to eliminate. "

"

• Does she prefer a certain type of surface? If so, it may be possible to modify your litter to match it. If she likes soft surfaces like carpeting, buy a softer, finer litter, and put a carpet remnant in her box. If she has a penchant for smooth, shiny surfaces, consider putting tiles in her box, covered with only a small amount of litter. Over time more litter can be added.
• Is there a certain location she prefers? She may have developed a preference for a new area because something bothered her about the old area. Try placing a litter box in her “preferred” location. Once she reliably uses it, gradually move the box just a few inches a day back to the desired location. Stop moving the box if she stops using it; instead simply move it back to the spot where she last reliably used it, then gradually begin moving it again. "

I've been reading from multiple sources that an uncovered litter box may be better. Covered litter boxes keep the smells inside, and can make some cats feel confide. Ensure some of those litter boxes you have out are uncovered.

Additionally here's some helpful information concerning the location of litter boxes: "Some cats may not like where a box is located. It may be located too close to their food or water. It may be in a high traffic area where they cannot have privacy. It may be in an area where they can be easily ambushed by another cat. It may be on a different level of the house than where they spend most of their time. In addition to trying various substrates, also place extra boxes around the house to see if box location makes a difference. There should always be at least one more litter box than the number of cats in the household.

In some situations, it may be helpful to confine the cat to a small room with food, water, toys, bed, and litter box. Once she is using the litter box in the smaller area, gradually allow her into larger areas of the house." 

Retrieved from: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2174&aid=158

I've been thinking if you should try soil in the litter boxes. If Qi had a history of being outside he might prefer the soil. When I first got my feral cat I put soil in her box mixed with litter. It may be worth a try. 

Let us know how Qi does!

@AlmityTlstVoldy

Sorry to hear you are having similiar problems with your cat!  I'm interested to see input from people with experience whom successfully treated this problem. Let us know if you find anything!, xoxo

Warp peed on the carpet again yesterday. I decided to ask my friend that works in animal rescue and rehabilitation for her advice. She asked me all the usual stuff, "Is he declawed?" "Is he fixed" "How many cats?" "How many litterboxes?" "Does he have signs of health issues?" etc. When all that was ruled out, she suggested to me this re-training article: https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-behavior-and-training/cat-litterbox-training/  I just read it, and I feel so much better already. From what I gathered from the introduction, it simply sounds as though his mother (whom we KNEW was a TERRIBLE mother XD She tried, but poor thing didn't have a CLUE what she should be doing) never actually taught him how to use the box properly. It sounds as though he never realized that was supposed to be the only place that he was supposed to go, and we just assumed he'd pick up the behavior, which he obviously hasn't. I found a lot of useful information and insight, and I plan to start on this regimen right away. I may even be able to curb some of his OCD problems at the same time. He stresses out when there isn't food. He doesn't graze all day, but he'll just walk over and make sure there's food, and if there isn't, he'll start chewing plastic, which can make him sick, or he'll chew and destroy cords, which, you know, is terrible. In the confined space it recommends, I'll hopefully be able to restrict his food without having anything in there that he can chew in its absence, and fix a lot of his problems at once. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. Hope this helps, both us, and you.

Good luck with it - yes, keeping the cat in a confined space for awhile can help. I succeeded in changing the behavior of one of mine by keeping her in a bathroom, where she had everything needed including 2 litter boxes. No rugs or mats or cushions, a folded towel on a hard chair to sleep on. She did occasionally pee in a corner to start with, or in the bath and on her towel, but eventually she began to use the boxes more and after about three months I was able to keep the door open and she never peed anywhere but the bathroom boxes. Before she died she was 5 years free in the house, and she always used the same boxes. I think no-one else did. She liked to be private and the others respected that.

Thanks for the suggestion and sharing your experience. Unfortunately, I'm not sure confining him to the bathroom would work in my situation and only cause more stress. I'm really starting to think that it's a combination of medical and behavioural, not strictly behavioural. I'm taking his urine in for a urinalysis first thing tomorrow when the vet opens and I will let everyone know an update when I have one. 

If nothing comes up in the urinalysis I will truly be at a loss. 

You have done and are doing an excellent job.

I commend you so much for all your efforts and dedication. You truly have a kind heart. I'm hoping the vet will be able to give some answers.

I just wanted to give a brief update and continue my search for support and any advice or suggestions. 

I know this will be a contested issue, as I know I am in a space with true cat lovers and advocates. 

Without going too much into it as it is very personal, I am in the process of making the heart-wrenching decision to rehome my cats. Or at least begin the steps of looking into it. It is an extremely difficult and painful time and I am overwhelmed with grief. 

I am not able to financially, physically or emotionally care for them as a result of a chronic illness and disability. 

I am still committed to doing everything within my capacity to resolve Qi's urinary issue and take care of them to the best of my ability until I am able to find local support. 

Does anyone have any suggestions or links to other forums about rehoming? Again, I know it's a very difficult subject matter. I just ask for your respect for this difficult decision, compassion and understanding. 

I know not everyone will know the in's and out's of my circumstance but I hope you can trust that I take the responsibility of caring for these cats very seriously and I love them so much. It's like considering rehoming my children.

Again, any support would be so appreciated. 

I live in Ontario, Canada. I am researching organizations that could potentially help me. 

My fear is that no one will want two adult, black cats, particularly one that doesn't always pee outside the litterbox and is quite vocal/meows a lot. 

I'm so worried and feel hopeless that I won't be able to find them the home and the owner they deserve and I am distraught with guilt and suffering. 

So just that we're clear, the results of the vet visit WERE that he DOES have an ongoing medical condition? And if he does, what is the nature of the illness? Is it mental illness like the cat OCD that requires special care, or is it medical like there IS something wrong with his urine? Just wanted to know for personal comparison so I know what to look for if my cat's condition doesn't improve. You don't have to go into the why. I've been faced with the same problem, that if I can't help my cat, or I can't afford to, I'll be forced to rehome him, which would be the most terrible thing. I always introduce him to people as my son, so I can sympathize what you're going through very clearly. I'll search around for rehoming options as well and tell you what I can find, because we are literally of the same fear. If I can't take care of my cat, who is going to want to? He's four years old, has terrible OCD, and won't use a litterbox. Everyone will just think of a him as a pain, and I don't know how things are in Canada, but animals in America are put down for much less, so I'm very frightened for him.

Hi Qiqimomo,

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. It takes great dedication for all you have endured. It makes us all sad that Qi has been having these problems . You need to consider yourself; it's not healthy for you. And i know from experience that having a sick animal, and being sick yourself, is depressing and very stressful. Please don't be afraid of being judge. You are truly a good person for trying to help Qi out. But as you have mentioned  it may be beyond your power to control.

I think he does need a really good medical follow up because all that urinating is awfully suspicious. If his UA was - then he needs extensive blood work, a good physical exam, probably be under observation, possibly a renal biopsy, xray, etc. 

If I lived in your area I would try to foster Qi for you for awhile, and take him to a specialist, but I unfortunately live in the States. 

Don't feel hopeless there are people out there that have the resources to care for cats with special needs. I know realistically not using the litter box is honestly a significant problem for most people that live in a house. But some people have barn cats, and many of times these cats are treated very good are invited inside from time to time. Many live very happy long lives living on a farm in a barn. 

You do have options so don't feel hopeless-as bleak as all this seems.

I would consider writing to a few local shelters near you and tell them what's going on. They may be able to provide you and Qi with some important resources. They may even be able to foster him for you for awhile. Shelters serve cats and the community.If they turn you away they are not doing their job correctly. 

Regarding your other cat please don't let your hurt feelings right now affect the way you see him. Don't let you emotions overpower you. Think carefully, and ensure you are in a good place (mentally) before deciding to re-home him. You might just be bummed out over Qi. 

Thank you so much for your kindness and understanding. I'm so grateful. 

I'm so glad I reached out to this space. What an incredible resource and community of cat lovers. 

I have reached out to Toronto Cat Rescue, which is where I rescued them from, and they have a policy of helping rehome any cats that were rescued from them if you can no longer take care of them. 

Qi and Magic are bonded truly. They have been together every day since birth and they really need to be with each other and live with each other. 

I have a phone interview set up with a volunteer from Toronto Cat Rescue who will begin the process and go through everything with me so I'm hoping that will provide insight and give me some hope. 

I'm sleep deprived and overcome with grief. It is a very difficult time and decision, although I feel in my heart it may be for the best for myself and these beautiful, loving cats. 

Thank you once again for your kindness. 

@AlmityTlstVoldy

I'm so sorry to hear you are going through similar circumstances. Please post a thread with more details regarding your cat! I'd like to do some research for you if I can (& others may respond too). If you do make a thread please post the link here for QiQimoomoo to read. People may be able to provide information that may help you both. 

I know it's utterly frustrating. 

I think you both should try psych medications (specifically the SSRI Prozac) if it's stress related. There are side-effects, but there's research that proves they have worked.

And for the members who wanted to know the results of the test etc. unfortunately due to my own situation, I have not been able to collect Qi's urine and bring it to the vet yet. I do intend to bring him to the vet and I am hoping they can collect a urine sample there. 

Since I plugged in the Feliway diffuser he is peeing in the litter box when I am awake and throughout the day and evening. It is when I am not home and at night that he pees on the pee pads. 

Because of current health issues, I am not able to stay up during the night to collect the urine sample and if I do not put the pee pads down it will continue to damage an already damaged floor. 

I intended to go Monday morning to the vet with the urine sample but that was the day Qi decided he would use the litter box, which is great. But usually, I collect his sample with a syringe off a clean floor when he pees and it forms a puddle. 

I will keep all of you posted on any updates I get on Qi's situation in order to help you or provide some useful information for your situation with your cats peeing outside the litterbox. 

I just got the Safe Space from Jackson Galaxy's line of flower remedies in the mail and just started using it. 

The Feliway diffuser I plugged in on Sunday. Because my health isn't so good right now it has been hard for me to know if there is a change in Qi because of the Feliway and I'm not sure if it is wishful thinking...but I do think the Feliway diffuser has helped slightly. 

I'm hoping to get Qi into the vet as soon as I can. 

That really makes me happy you were able to reach out to a shelter QiQimoomoo! 

I do remember you saying they were close. It would be nice to keep them together. Hopefully the Shelter will be able to work with Qi, and be able to do some medical work up on him. If anyone can treat Qi's possible behavior problem it would be a shelter. Shelters are usually run by very very experienced pet owners.  They've seen all sorts of strange behaviors I'm sure. 

I really hope, and pray, all goes well for you 3. 

I know this all has been emotionally taxing on you, but if possible I would like to know what happens. If it's too stressful or sad, for you to update it's totally okay! There's no pressure! All I have are good vibes. If you need anything we are all here to help you. 

~Just read your new reply~

Those are also great things! I'm happy the diffuser may be helping, and I'm happy you may be able to take him to the vet. That will def. shine some light on Qi's situation.

I hope to hear from you soon,

xoxo

Awe, thank you so much ForNana! I think I will definitely keep posting and updating here through the whole journey. I find the space really supportive and I need all the support I can get right now. 

In my original letter to Toronto Cat Rescue I mentioned that I will not let go of the cats until a suitable home is found for them. When the Rescue volunteer replied she said it sounds like I am willing to foster them until they are adopted and she said that is wonderful...

Upon further reflection, it may be better that they are fostered with someone who can resolve the behavioural/medical urinating issue before they are adopted/rehomed.  And that they are in an environment where they can be cared for because my capacity is very low right now, I'm not sure how much longer I can care for them.

I didn't mention in the original letter about Qi's urinating outside the litterbox issue though so I'm nervous to give her the full story on the phone but once I tell her everything she needs to know I hope she will be able to provide support and solutions. 

Again, will keep updated and thank you once again for the support and kindness, it means so much to me. 

Your welcome! I find TCS to be really supportive as-well 

Out of curiosity I did look up the Toronto Cat Rescue, and it seems to be a great rescue from their website. They claim to be a no kill shelter, and even have a whole section for bonded pairs. Those are fantastic indications that they truly care about cats. They will especially be opt to help out Qi & Magic since you adopted them from there. They may had already been previously aware of Qi's issue(s).

If you do foster I'm sure they will at least provide verbal guidance, but I'm hoping they provide medical interventions, and at least some observations/analyze individualized to Qi & Magic.

 They may want to visit. You can see if an experienced & trusted team member of TCR can take them for a weekend for observation purposes.Stress this because Qi may not have a prolem & it may just be something r/t (related to) your house. They may have someone foster them, but I do know fostering is taxing for shelters, and the availability just might not be there.

I know it must be stressful waiting for the call. Ensure you are prepared before they call;that will help with some anxiety. It sounds like they will have pre-prepared routine questions. I'm sure they will ask you stuff like what's the situation?Background? What are his s/s (signs & symptoms)? Questions about his personality/behaviors. How long has this been going on? When is the last time he has seen a vet? Does magic spray?  What have you tried? What haven't you tried due to insufficient resources? What's the plan? etc. 

I'm sure the interviewer is anticipating there is some type of problem, and most likely they have encountered similar elimination problems from other cat owners. They should have an experienced cat owner conducting the interview.

If the interviewer is in-sensitive, or unprofessional then I would suggest trying a different shelter. I highly DOUBT that will happen though. 

Stay + as much as possible! In-fact that's my life motto. I try to look at things positively or neutral; but never a negative. 

Okay God Bless