I have two cats, one siamese (8 yrs old) and my "bratty white cat," Griswold (6 1/2 yrs old). Both cats have been basically indoor cats since they were kittens, and were neutered as soon as they were old enough. We have lived three other places, prior to my current house. My problem and concern involves Griswold.
Sometime after moving to my current house, I noticed there was urine (spray) on a window overlooking my driveway. I removed the cat shelf that was there, but after the wall was all scratched up because the cat(s) were still trying to climb up, I put it back up. I determined that Griswold was spraying, and I suspect it was because he could see and interact with a neighborhood cat outside. Soon the spraying moved to many other areas of the house. Once he even sprayed MY LEG while I was at the computer!! He never did this at previous homes. I used Feliway as religously as I could, but I travel off an on for work (always have, long before the spraying days). Because I have a privacy fence in my current yard, I often let the cats out. The siamese stays in the small yard and loves it. Griswold would climb the fence (always the problem child!), so he would be confined to the screened-in patio. I saw him spray in there several times.
One vet suggested that limited outdoor access - although she was traditionally against letting cats outside - might help Griswold. If he had the opportunity to spray the "outer" limits of the territory, he might not spray inside. I got most urine inside cleaned up, and started putting him outside more often. It "seems" that the problem has been reduced. I haven't found "new" urine markings recently. I can't be positive, but it seems to have gotten much better.
My dilemma... Soon I will be moving in with my fiance, and of course the cats come along. We have a dog together (the cats have mixed feelings, but they are dealing). He has another cat (the cats have met several times, and although not the best of friends, I can see that they will likely be OK with time). The house is brand new, and my fiance has zero tolerance for Griswold's spraying (his items were too often the target at my house). He has no problems at all with the siamese, but has said Griswold can not live in the house at all, and I'm trying to find some compromise. I want Grizzy to be an inside/outside cat, since the spraying seems to be ended now that he spends more time outside. That's not my first choice at all, but if it keeps him from spraying inside, I'll do it. If I can find evidence that this arrangement, in the new house, will likely work, hopefully my fiance will agree to it. Otherwise, I will probably try to find him a new home. I just can't force him to live outside all the time, but can't justify cancelling my wedding over the issue either!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Sometime after moving to my current house, I noticed there was urine (spray) on a window overlooking my driveway. I removed the cat shelf that was there, but after the wall was all scratched up because the cat(s) were still trying to climb up, I put it back up. I determined that Griswold was spraying, and I suspect it was because he could see and interact with a neighborhood cat outside. Soon the spraying moved to many other areas of the house. Once he even sprayed MY LEG while I was at the computer!! He never did this at previous homes. I used Feliway as religously as I could, but I travel off an on for work (always have, long before the spraying days). Because I have a privacy fence in my current yard, I often let the cats out. The siamese stays in the small yard and loves it. Griswold would climb the fence (always the problem child!), so he would be confined to the screened-in patio. I saw him spray in there several times.
One vet suggested that limited outdoor access - although she was traditionally against letting cats outside - might help Griswold. If he had the opportunity to spray the "outer" limits of the territory, he might not spray inside. I got most urine inside cleaned up, and started putting him outside more often. It "seems" that the problem has been reduced. I haven't found "new" urine markings recently. I can't be positive, but it seems to have gotten much better.
My dilemma... Soon I will be moving in with my fiance, and of course the cats come along. We have a dog together (the cats have mixed feelings, but they are dealing). He has another cat (the cats have met several times, and although not the best of friends, I can see that they will likely be OK with time). The house is brand new, and my fiance has zero tolerance for Griswold's spraying (his items were too often the target at my house). He has no problems at all with the siamese, but has said Griswold can not live in the house at all, and I'm trying to find some compromise. I want Grizzy to be an inside/outside cat, since the spraying seems to be ended now that he spends more time outside. That's not my first choice at all, but if it keeps him from spraying inside, I'll do it. If I can find evidence that this arrangement, in the new house, will likely work, hopefully my fiance will agree to it. Otherwise, I will probably try to find him a new home. I just can't force him to live outside all the time, but can't justify cancelling my wedding over the issue either!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
