I'm at wits' end

[katcopter]

Hi all! I'm a newbie on this discussion group. I've been a cat lover since a child and have 2 of the beautiful creatures.

I have a problem with my 12-year old Maine Coon and I don't know what to do about it. He's been my baby for the past 12 years. Lately, he has been spraying on stuff all over the house because of a new cat in the neighborhood....that's not the main problem because I seem to have fixed that with those pheromone plug-ins all over the house.
The main problem reared it's ugly head this morning while I was working at my computer. He was lying behind me on the floor (or so I thought!) when all of a sudden a horrible smell was in the room. I turned around to see a pile of s*** on the carpet and he was in the hall cleaning his butt! I cleaned up the mess and sent him outside for the morning.
I'm heartbroken and very alarmed. I can't have him doing this!
Have any of you had a similar problem? If so, what did you do about it? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I can't get rid of him...he's too dear to me.
Kathy

[Squawksx3]

Hello Kathy and welcome to the board :)

Have you changed his food lately?. He may have eaten something that gave him the runs. You also might want to take him to the vet for a check up. Its very common for senior cats to get urinary infections or other medical problems. I have a 13 yr old female that will accidently potty in the house because she cant make it outside in time. Just like people, their bodies sometimes dont function like they should as they get older. If it continues I would definately take him to the vet. Bless you for not getting rid of him... so many people dump them because they dont want to deal with it...its so sad. Good luck to you and please keep us updated.

[katcopter]

Thank you for the reply and the suggestions. I haven't switched his food lately and he has a cat door to let him outside. The only thing I can think of is the new cats in the neighborhood are upsetting him as well as his old age as you suggest. If he does it again, I will definitely call the vet to see if I should bring him in for a check up.
Get rid of him...oh no! I wouldn't even consider it no matter how mad I get at him. He has been my "child" since he was 3 months old. I can deal with the occasional goof up on his part (and mine!). It's just that he has been spraying a lot lately and I was shocked when he pooped in my office.

[Squawksx3]

Hows it going Kathy?. I also have a pet door for the cats and dogs... birds use it occasionally too LOL. My 13 yr old female cat just cant seem to make it through the door sometimes :(

[miraclezoe1]

Kathy,
Sounds to me like you are correct in thinkiing that your cat is having a problem adjusting tto the new addition to your neighborhood since his behavior coincided with this new arrival. I unfortunately know first hand how frustrating this can be. i have a female cat who started peeing all over and I tried everything to get her to stop. I eventually found something tht worked. You can add 2 drops of Willow - a Bach flower remedy -into his water everyday - you can get them at vitamin stores or online. Bach Remedies are homeopathic in nature...using flower essences to encourage change. They can be used for animals and people. Add 2 drops to a small amount of water, if he drinks it all then give him clean water but do not add any more drops for that day. Another one is called Rescue remedy - it is a combo of 5 essences and can be used for many situations. If you want to look up Bach remedies online or pick up a book, you may find that there are others essences that may also apply to your situation. Just add 2 drops into his water ( you can add more than one essence at a time). You can also try (you say you love cats so hopefully this does not sound strange) talking to your cat, telling him that you would like him to change his behavior since it upsets you and start peeing in his litter box again. Ensure him that his household status is safe - please try speaking in the positive only...animals do not understand our words but the do pick up on our intentions. So try speaking to him and encourage a change in his behavior and how that would please you. Also praise him if you find him using his litterbox - cats seem to love praise and this may encourage him since he'll be getting something out if it too. Hope this helps

[Squawksx3]

Thats great info miraclezoe, I've never heard of Willow... thank you!.

[miraclezoe1]

Kathy,
There is also a product available called Feliway, it comes in a spray and you spray it where you don't want the cat to spray. It is a spray that has pheromones in it...the same ones your cat is putting on you when he rubs the side of his face on you, or the wall etc. He is depositing his scent on things to mark them as his. You spray the Feliway on things and your cat will smell it and not feel that he has to remark, thus curbing/eliminating his need to respray/urinate. This product can easily be found on the web. Hope you are seeing positive results.