Cat reacting to prev. owner & peeing

Hey guys!

I have a friend who rehomed her kitten to a friend's house at about the age of one, due to having to move to an apt that doesn't accept pets.

Her and her friend have figured out that he urinates outside the litterbox after every time she visits (probably from missing her, and not being happy she's left).

They've had him tested, and found that there is NO health reason behind his behaviour.

I think they're spot-on that he's doing it in reaction to seeing the woman who considered him "her baby", and being upset when she leaves again.

Does anyone have any idea how to prevent more urinating accidents in reaction to this? I'm sure she doesn't want to have to shut him in a room every time she comes over, as she's very happy to see him and spend time with him. However, she doesn't want her friend to continually have to go through this. I would suggest her taking him in at the apartment, even despite the fact that they don't allow pets, but I don't want to offer advice that would traumatize the kitty further.

Any thoughts?

I would say that if there is one particular area he seems to urinate than perhaps she could try bitterapple?

What would bitterapple do? I have a similar problem. My cat pees outside of his litterbox too and he usually goes in the same spot...could he be spraying?

Bitterapple is to keep a cat (or dog) from chewing on things....it is the flavor that is bitter, so I doubt it would work for urination problems.

kittyluver27, go back and re-read the responses I gave to your other posts. If the cat is standing while peeing and the pee shoots straight back against the wall (about a foot up on the wall) it is spraying. If the cat is squatting while peeing it is peeing.

Miss Mew has an important point.....does the cat pee in the same spot each time when his previous owner visits?

Originally Posted by lotsocats

Miss Mew has an important point.....does the cat pee in the same spot each time when his previous owner visits?

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I'm not sure, but I'll ask her to find out. Good thinking!

I'll let you know what she says.

This is sort of out-there as theories go, but maybe he feels the need to mark his territory after she leaves. Does he also rub his scent all over the place?

Don't advise her to bring the cat to a no-pets apartment. If she gets caught (which she will) the cat will have to be rehomed again. (Responding to this: "I would suggest her taking him in at the apartment, even despite the fact that they don't allow pets" if that clears up what I was talking about)

Zissou'sMom, I wouldn't advise her to rehome the cat again, no matter where it would be, because it sounds to me like the cat's been through enough...I don't think it would even solve the problem to rehome it with the orig. owner if she lived in an apartment that DID accept pets. Ya know? I do appreciate the thought, though!

Just thought I would let you know that little detail. I'll keep an eye out for any responses she gives, and let you guys know.

Originally Posted by maherwoman

I'm not sure, but I'll ask her to find out. Good thinking!

I'll let you know what she says.

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Ok, she says that the cat is urinating in different spots.

Any ideas??

Clean the areas good with an enzyme cleaner and spray the areas with Feliway spray. It's primary purpose is for inappropriate urination. Past that, maybe consult with a cat behavior specialist?

It might be a good idea for your friend to stop visiting her friend's house for a while so that the cat forgets who she is. That might not be what she wants but maybe it would be better for the cat who now has a new home.