Ready to throw in the towel

laststraw

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We have had Pepper for almost 10 years.  When we adopted him from the Humane Society he was two years old, neutered, and front claws gone. He wasn't the friendliest kitty but after awhile his spot was firm in our little family.  Over the years he's had problems with peeing around the basement underneath the windows. We figured the neighbor's cats were visiting outside and he was marking his territory, so we cleaned the basement, moved his box upstairs, and he's no longer allowed in the basement.  There was then a period of no more mishaps, but for some reason, he then started peeing again, now inside the front doorway and under the kitchen table.  There have been multiple vet appointments and no problems discovered.  Advance a few more years, and we had to rip the wall out in the kitchen it was so bad and reeked because urine had soaked into the wallboard.  He is now forbidden from the kitchen and front doorway.  So he started peeing under my husband's office desk.  My husband is now VERY unhappy with Pepper and the cat is banned from the office.  I have used Nature's Remedy, I have tried multiple litter boxes, I have taken him to the vet, I have used Feliway, and now there is a new problem.  Whenever my husband and I spend any time together at home without Pepper, Pepper now pees on my husband's shoes or all over the bathroom floor.  Nothing like spending time with your spouse and then stepping into a fresh puddle of pee outside the bedroom door.  Last trip to the vet was a week ago where Pepper went bonkers, hissed non stop, and the vet finally had and assistant capture him in a net device, before finally giving him his rabies shot.  I've grown up with cats and have never had this problem before. He does not pee outside of his box unless my husband and I are together. Any advice or help would be appreciated.
 

calicosrspecial

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I think there could be a couple of things going on. It could be territorial marking as you mentioned was happening in the past (and the fact it is by the front door now recently it could be an outside cat). Cats do not like territory being taken away so he could be rebelling because he has lost territory (areas no longer available to him). Cats also can take on our emotions. If a cat feels unliked or unloved they can rebel especially towards the person with the most negative energy.

So I believe it could be any or all of the above. It is always tough to tell exactly until we work on it and narrow down the potential causes.

So here is what I would do if I were in your situation. I would work on building his confidence and let him know that you and your husband love him. I would step up playing with him. Both you and your husband if at all possible. After play feed either treats, a meal, or something special. Give him places to go high. Cat trees, window perches if possible, cat shelving if possible. And most importantly give him as much love as possible and let him know he is loved by both of you. If you can pet him and get him to purr (without being scratched or hurt in any way). If you can't pet him just sit with him calmly and confidently and talk softly and lovingly. Feed him treats during this. Try to make him as happy as possible.

I would also really encourage your husband to feed the cat. Especially special food, food he loves. Food is a great way to get to a cat's heart. I think this along with play could do wonders. Also with a calm, confident and loving attitude from both of you towards the cat. 

I personally would consider opening up territory as soon as you are comfortable. I know it is hard to think about but I think that is a partial source of some of the problems.

The above should help him go back to being a good cat and stop this behavior. I am happy to help you during this process. Please let me know if you have any questions and I am happy to help you during this process. I think we can solve this problem.

 

Primula

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I think there could be a couple of things going on. It could be territorial marking as you mentioned was happening in the past (and the fact it is by the front door now recently it could be an outside cat). Cats do not like territory being taken away so he could be rebelling because he has lost territory (areas no longer available to him). Cats also can take on our emotions. If a cat feels unliked or unloved they can rebel especially towards the person with the most negative energy.
Last sentence makes total sense.
 
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