When it's time to give Strawberry up

[mistyb]

Hi everyone. I have 2 orange tabby cats. They're brother and sister and are 7 years old. I've had them since kittens. Their names are Einstein and Strawberry. I've had problems with Strawberry for 5 years now. Off and on bladder infections and urinating problems. We've been to 3 diff vets, tried everything under the sun and been on hill's c/d food for 3 years.

For about a month now I put a litterbox next to the sofa because she pees on the sofa. This seemed to help for a while but yesterday she peed 2 big puddles on the sofa and it was just plain yellow urine. She pees on the shoes, rugs, any clothes on the floor, etc. She used to love going out on the patio, now she sits by the door meowing the whole time waiting back in. I'd hate to give her up, but at this time I have nothing left to do.

I've been thinking of 3 diff things to do: have her euthanized by our vet, drop her off at the humane society, or take her a farm/rural area. I need help with this! I really can't have her anymore...

 

[orangeishcat]

This is just my opinion, so please don't be offended when I say this, but euthanizing a cat because it potties outside the litterbox is a HORRIBLE IDEA. My grandparents did it about eight years ago and my grandfather STILL feels guilty over it. Please, please do not put her down for this! I can understand how frustrating it is, but there might still be tests and such that can be run- other TCS members would know which ones better than I. Putting Strawberry down should be your very literal last resort. If she's had a lot of bladder infections, there might be an underlying cause that someone will be able to figure out.

As for the rest, if it's behavior-related...

Have you tried Nature's Miracle on the couch? It's supposed to work wonders for getting rid of past odors and such. You'd be amazed at how well cats can smell and find places they've been even when you think you've cleaned it thoroughly. There are also Feliway plug-ins to make kitties relax and feel happy. What kind of litter do you use, and how many boxes do you have? Have you tried switching litters?

Also, is Strawberry declawed? That can make a difference, too. I'm assuming she's fixed, you didn't specify- but if she isn't, that would also be something you need to look into.

Again, I hope I don't sound overly harsh or anything- I just want to make sure you don't have to say goodbye to one of your best furry friends if it's not necessary!

 

[mistyb]

There's been so many tests done, saying she has crystals but that was years ago when we first noticed something was wrong. She's had MRI's, x-rays, TCM, antibiotics, herbs, Feliway, 4 litterboxes with the same litter (recycled paper), her own room... the list goes on and on. We've tried everything. I do use the Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer. Works great on the smell, but she will still pee in the area.

I don't want to give her up. This has been causing me stress and it's gotten so bad that I have triggerpoints in my neck and can't work (web developer) as long as I used to.

I know some people on here won't understand. Strawberry has some sort of behavior issue and I've tried fixing it. She's just had too long for anything to change. I called a behavior specialist about a month ago and told her my story. She said the same thing. The behavior would be almost impossible to change. Plus I don't have $400 to spend on something like that. I've already spent enough. Strawberry is just not right. I don't know what else to say. I'd rather put her out of her misery than have both of us stressed out all the time.

She is fixed, not de-clawed.

 

[orangeishcat]

Wow... what a difficult situation. I'm so glad you've done all of those things for her, and I honestly hope someone else here can help you with more information or a similar story. Good luck to you and Strawberry, you are both in my prayers!

 

[otto]

Originally Posted by orangeishcat

This is just my opinion, so please don't be offended when I say this, but euthanizing a cat because it potties outside the litterbox is a HORRIBLE IDEA. My grandparents did it about eight years ago and my grandfather STILL feels guilty over it. Please, please do not put her down for this! I can understand how frustrating it is, but there might still be tests and such that can be run- other TCS members would know which ones better than I. Putting Strawberry down should be your very literal last resort. If she's had a lot of bladder infections, there might be an underlying cause that someone will be able to figure out.

As for the rest, if it's behavior-related...

Have you tried Nature's Miracle on the couch? It's supposed to work wonders for getting rid of past odors and such. You'd be amazed at how well cats can smell and find places they've been even when you think you've cleaned it thoroughly. There are also Feliway plug-ins to make kitties relax and feel happy. What kind of litter do you use, and how many boxes do you have? Have you tried switching litters?

Also, is Strawberry declawed? That can make a difference, too. I'm assuming she's fixed, you didn't specify- but if she isn't, that would also be something you need to look into.

Again, I hope I don't sound overly harsh or anything- I just want to make sure you don't have to say goodbye to one of your best furry friends if it's not necessary!

Since the other options are dumping her off on the road in a rural area which is incredibly cruel, not to mention illegal, or taking her to the pound where she will most likely be euthanized, alone and frightened, having her put to sleep safely in her owner's arms is actually the best of the three choices, in my opinion.

I've been thinking of 3 diff things to do: have her euthanized by our vet, drop her off at the humane society, or take her a farm/rural area. I need help with this! I really can't have her anymore...

 

[otto]

Instead do this:

Find another vet and ask about medication. Amitriptyline is often quite helpful in a case like this.

While starting her on medication, do a retrain. Keep her in a very small area with just her litter boxes, bed, toys, food and water. Usually two weeks is the prescribed time. While she is having this retraining, get an enzymatic cleaner and thoroughly clean all soiled areas. It has to be an enzymatic cleaner made specifically for pet stains and urine. Enzymatic means breaks down bacteria. If you don't use one, the odor remains and she will continue to use the areas.

Use Cat Attract litter in the litter boxes.

Install feliway plug in diffusers.

Welcome to TCS. I can tell you don't really want to give up on Strawberry, and Einstein would be devastated. Please don't dump her on a "farm/rural" area, that would be terribly cruel, and is illegal. She would not survive long, and it would be better to have her euthanized, rather than left to starve to death, be attacked by predators, or smashed by a car.

 

[Ms. Freya]

Just chiming in because something in your post caught my attention. You say you use the recycled paper litter in all of her litter boxes...my one female will not go anywhere near a box with paper litter - She peed behind shelves and in the back of closets when we tried.

The minute we switched to a clumping, she was back to normal.

I know you've tried a load of things, and this probably seems overly simplistic, but this just reminded me of my experience. I'll second the suggestion to try Cat Attract litter - that stuff is great.

 

[otto]

Originally Posted by Ms. Freya

Just chiming in because something in your post caught my attention. You say you use the recycled paper litter in all of her litter boxes...my one female will not go anywhere near a box with paper litter - She peed behind shelves and in the back of closets when we tried.

The minute we switched to a clumping, she was back to normal.

I know you've tried a load of things, and this probably seems overly simplistic, but this just reminded me of my experience. I'll second the suggestion to try Cat Attract litter - that stuff is great.

Good point about the litter.

Mistyb...do try the medication and the cat attract litter. And if all else fails, and you do decide that she "has to go", euthanasia would really be the kindest thing. There are much much worse things than death.

 

[sarahp]

I don't the OP was necessarily talking about dumping the cat in a rural area... If she truly has tried everything, and can no longer keep the cat, then a nice farm where she would be well fed, and have somewhere warm to sleep, and can pee anywhere she likes may be just what she needs.

I agree with Cat Attract and considering an antidepressant - it may help a chemical imbalance in her brain.

Good luck!

On a side note - I urge members to show compassion, and not immediately judge the OP. She's obviously tried many things, is upset and frustrated, and is looking for help, so if you cannot offer help, please refrain from posting. Thanks

 

[Willowy]

I agree that you should try amitriptyline and Cat Attract litter first (my cats won't use paper litter either. An unscented scoopable clay litter is most easily accepted by the majority of cats). Since it doesn't sound like you've tried those things yet, I think they're worth trying.

If all else fails, of your choices, having her put to sleep by your own vet is the best. If you dump her at a shelter, she'll die alone and scared with strangers (even a young healthy cat with no behavioral problems has very little chance of getting out of a shelter alive), and if you dump her in the country. . .well, beside being illegal, dumping a housecat in the wild is probably the cruelest thing a person can do--they really have no chance of survival and will die quite unpleasantly. If she must die, it's best she dies peacefully with people she knows.

Is building her an outdoor enclosure an option at all? I know a lot of people have done that for kitties with litterbox issues.

 

[Willowy]

Originally Posted by sarahp

I don't the OP was necessarily talking about dumping the cat in a rural area... If she truly has tried everything, and can no longer keep the cat, then a nice farm where she would be well fed, and have somewhere warm to sleep, and can pee anywhere she likes may be just what she needs.

There are some rural dwellers (not usually subsistence farmers) who will take in cats, and take good care of them, keeping them confined until they're used to the place, feeding them well, providing vet care, etc. If one of those can be found for her, I would recommend that. But just leaving her at any random farm (with or without permission) would not be good. Most housecats who are taken to farms (and not given special care) don't last a week.

 

[white cat lover]

I have farm kitties who are well cared for - one includes a chronic sprayer.

That said I had one of my own who would pee outside the box, with the help of behavior modification medications I did stop her long-term habit. So if you're willing to try one more thing talk to your vet about medications.

 

[carolina]

Originally Posted by mistyb

There's been so many tests done, saying she has crystals but that was years ago when we first noticed something was wrong. She's had MRI's, x-rays, TCM, antibiotics, herbs, Feliway, 4 litterboxes with the same litter (recycled paper) Recycled paper litter, as far as I know, is pellets, and plenty of cats do not like pellet litters. Have you tried Cat Attract Litter? If not, try it... Make sure the boxes are uncovered too, all of them.
Also - urine culture - not just a urinalysis, but a culture - have you done it? It does take days do have the results, but it is a good test to run, as it gives you the correct bacteria you are dealing with so you can use the proper antibiotic.
, her own room... the list goes on and on. We've tried everything. I do use the Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer. Works great on the smell, but she will still pee in the area. Nature's Miracle does not work - sorry. IMHO there are only two good Enzyme cleaners: Nok-Out and Anti-Icky-Poo. Also, you really need to pour the solution on the area - spraying will do nothing for it. Take the excess urine off with a towel, paper towel, or any absorbent material then really pour the enzyme cleaner on the surface you are cleaning. Wait 30 min. to an hour and take the excess off. Then leave it air drying. It will take days or even a week to air-dry depending on the surface, and it Must be protected from the kitty - you can cover it with aluminum paper for example, but it has to be off-limits until it dries. It must air dry so the enzymes have the time to essentially "eat" the odor causing components in the urine.

I don't want to give her up. This has been causing me stress and it's gotten so bad that I have triggerpoints in my neck and can't work (web developer) as long as I used to.

I know some people on here won't understand. Strawberry has some sort of behavior issue and I've tried fixing it. She's just had too long for anything to change. I called a behavior specialist about a month ago and told her my story. She said the same thing. The behavior would be almost impossible to change. Plus I don't have $400 to spend on something like that. I've already spent enough. Strawberry is just not right. I don't know what else to say. I'd rather put her out of her misery than have both of us stressed out all the time.

She is fixed, not de-clawed.

Please don't think for a minute we don't understand... We do... You are not by far the only one with the problem here.... Many, many of us had this problem and found solutions for it, me being one of them...
It is frustrating, I know, but it can done.
IMHO your girl does have a medical problem and her behavior comes with it. Her history of bladder inflammation speaks volumes. Pain is the #1 reason for peeing outside of the box, and not liking the litter/litterbox itself (being the litter itself, location, litterbox design, cleanliness) is the #2 reason. You are using a litter on all boxes that many cats do not approve of.
IMHO your kitty has been sending you a message, and you have to listen to her...
Unfortunately, her way to do this, is by peeing outside of the box... that is a loud message in kitty's terms - they do not like to do that... Cat's are very clean creatures and do not like making their environment a litterbox.
I hope you do reconsider your options.... We will be here to help you.... Many many of us have been through it and found the other side - we still have our kitties and are living in peace with them. There are many solutions to try before you do that.
When you say you tried everything, maybe your everything isn't everything out there... I hope one of us can help you

 

[ldg]

We have a female with bladder problems. We know your pain.

We switched to using the Cat Attract, added Feliway diffusers throughout the house, put her on amytriptaline - and she started peeing in the box inside of three days. Amitryptaline is an old antidepressant that never worked very well as an antidepressant. It does have an interesting side effect though - it causes you to retain your urine. For whatever reason, this often helps cats start using the box again. Spooky used to pee once a day - a huge pee - when on the amytriptaline. It is used for children who wet their beds.

It did make her sleepy for the first three weeks, and she did gain some weight. But she ... balanced it out, I guess, is the best way to say it, and after those first three weeks was herself again. She was on it for about three-four months before we started weaning her off (you can't just stop using it, you have to gradually lower the dose).

But that gave us the time we needed to properly clean up the house while she started using the box again.

As to the couch... we found that even with the Nok Out we had to treat the cushions at least three times any time she peed on it. Because cat pee wicks, you have to really SOAK it, like Carolina says. And then it takes weeks to dry out.

What we'd do is soak the cushion. Then blot up as much as we could. We then put aluminum foil down over the top of it, and a blanket on top of that so we could still sit on the couch. Same for the floors... you have to really soak the carpet (down to the floor boards). Because it would always take a few days to dry, again, we'd cover the area up with aluminum foil so it didn't get our feet wet if we forgot and stepped on the area. That also discourages the cat from peeing there again just because the smell is there.

Get a black light and go through your home. You'll be able to see pee splotches. I've seen people describe them as green. The always look orange to me.

Either way - they're evident. Find all the places you need to clean, and give them a good soak. Blot up the excess after 15 minutes or so, and just let them air dry.

http://www.nokout.com Sounds to me like you may need a few gallons.



Oh - after about a year, when she peed outside the box again, off to the vet she went. They found nothing wrong, but she needed a dental. She needed a tooth removed. The peeing outside the box stopped. It wasn't until the next year when the same thing happened - and she had another tooth extracted - and we realized that as soon as that was done she stopped peeing outside the box. Now she gets a dental every six months, so it hasn't happened again. But our Spooky pees when she's in pain - even if it has nothing to do with her bladder. Just a thought.

 

[mistyb]

Thank you everyone for replying back. I've been thinking about my decisions today and I'm not ready to give up on Strawberry. Reading your replies makes me feel like I need to give her a second chance. I will try the cat attract litter. And I will try a diff kind of enzyme cleaner and use a blacklight to throughly clean the house.

She's been in a confined room for 2 days now with her toys, food, water and litter box. I noticed yesterday and today that she's been going in and out of it a lot without much peeing. The peeing she did mostly was on a towel and it was red. This is new. I will take her to the vet for an urinanalysis and a culture and ask about the antidepressant.

I've thought of putting her on antidepressants and I wished I had before she peed on the couch this week.

If there are stray cats outside and if they're spraying outside around the house, what can I use to clean that? I have seen a few and I tried covering the windows but I can't have that as a permanent fix.

Thank you again for any help. This is truly Strawberry's last chance.

 

[stephanietx]

I'm glad you're not giving up on Strawberry just yet. I admit I haven't read all the replies, but in addition to what you're doing, I'd encourage you to try a Feliway diffuser and/or Rescue Remedy. Some of her behavior may be stress related and both of these would help with that. I'd start with the diffuser first since it's not something you have to worry about getting in her.

 

[carolina]

Originally Posted by mistyb

Thank you everyone for replying back. I've been thinking about my decisions today and I'm not ready to give up on Strawberry. Reading your replies makes me feel like I need to give her a second chance. I will try the cat attract litter. And I will try a diff kind of enzyme cleaner and use a blacklight to throughly clean the house.

She's been in a confined room for 2 days now with her toys, food, water and litter box. I noticed yesterday and today that she's been going in and out of it a lot without much peeing. The peeing she did mostly was on a towel and it was red. This is new. I will take her to the vet for an urinanalysis and a culture and ask about the antidepressant.

I've thought of putting her on antidepressants and I wished I had before she peed on the couch this week.

If there are stray cats outside and if they're spraying outside around the house, what can I use to clean that? I have seen a few and I tried covering the windows but I can't have that as a permanent fix.

Thank you again for any help. This is truly Strawberry's last chance.

Please, take her to the vet immediately - this is not a behavioral problem - your girl is in medical trouble and in a lot of pain

When my cat did this I scooped him 2am and took him to the ER. I am sorry, but going in and out of the box like that, trying to pee and not being able to and blood in the urine (the red you are seeing is blood

), in my book is an emergency.
This poor kitty is in pain... Please do not be impatient with her as though she is doing something wrong... she is really not... She is just sick the poor thing and in pain... a lot of pain

I would go to another vet since you have been going to this one for so long without results. Instead of only a urinalysis, make sure to get a culture

 

[otto]

Originally Posted by Carolina

Please, take her to the vet immediately - this is not a behavioral problem - your girl is in medical trouble and in a lot of pain

When my cat did this I scooped him 2am and took him to the ER. I am sorry, but going in and out of the box like that, trying to pee and not being able to and blood in the urine (the red you are seeing is blood

), in my book is an emergency.
This poor kitty is in pain... Please do not be impatient with her as though she is doing something wrong... she is really not... She is just sick the poor thing and in pain... a lot of pain

I would go to another vet since you have been going to this one for so long without results. Instead of only a urinalysis, make sure to get a culture

Oh my gosh, yes. Agree with every word. Poor little girl. Please do find another vet.

 

[ligwa]

Poor thing.

I hope she gets to the vet quickly.

 

[ldg]

Just adding another thought here, though it is expensive. Tuxie was peeing outside the box frequently, like he was blocked - only he wasn't. But he was clearly in distress. He did have a problem with crystals before though. The vet did an MRI and found nothing. We treated him for "idiopathic cystitis" (bladder irritation of unknown origin, no real solution other than just lowering stress and some anti-inflammatories.

).

After another week of Tuxie clearly being in serious distress, the vet suggested we get a high resolution MRI. THAT turned up a small crystal embedded in the wall of his bladder. It was surgically removed - and no more problems.

But peeing blood... is definitely an infection (and potentially other problems). I did read through the whole thread - but don't remember. When was the last blood panel? Perhaps she's developed a kidney problem?