Does anyone have any ideas on how to stop them from urinating on furniture. We have 3 boxes set up in the basement, and they always have access to them. Sometimes we stick them in the basement, but they still use the furniture and places where they shouldn't go. We have the spray and sometimes that works. I just got new couches, and I still have the plastic and wrapping on them for the fear that they will pee on it. I would appreciate any help
Answers:
A couple of options:
There are products available such as Feliway, which is a pheromone used to entice a cat to ensure certain behaviors. They offer a spray which you can spritz in their litter boxes to attract them to the area, but the downfall is that its not guaranteed; hell, nothing usually is.
There are other products like repellants that'll keep the cats away from the furniture too. However, these usually aren't the best smelling things in the world and will adhere if sprayed directly onto your furniture. You could spray the product onto a towel and lay it near to the furniture pieces as well.
Other things to consider:
Sexes of your cats-
Its quite true that unneteured male cats will mark their territory and if you have more then one that is unneteured, well that could be/is the big issue. Secondly, "cat spray" which is what male cat territory marking is referred to, is much more potent then say a female's urine, for such reasons as staking that area's claim. If you have any cats unneteured or unspayed, you may want to consider, well for the lack of a better term, "nip them in the bud". It'll significantly reduce the chances of marking.
Places previously urinated on-
What sort of cleaner did you use on these areas? If you're using regular cleaners or "odor-covers" like Lysol, Bleach and even Febreeze, they won't work in deterring the cats to reuse the area. Why? Products such as these do not remove the ammonia found in an animal's urine. All its really doing is cleaning the surface, not the underlying problem of their ammonia. Ammonia is how cats/dogs and others alike identify their own markings or the opportunity to reclaim anothers. Its just a flag for them, calling them to remark their spot. PS--Cats have a sense of smell 20 times better then we mere humans. So, just because you don't smell it, doesn't mean "Slyvester" doesn't.
The only products available that will kill the ammonia are products with enzymes.
Two most popular products are:
1. Simple Solution by Bramton
2. Nature's Miracle by Pets N People.
Both solutions utilize the necessary enzymes that will attack and kill the ammonia when used properly.
If you've not used these products, you may want to consider doing a complete carpet treatment or at the very least, use it in the areas you're most aware of. Especially the area where your new furniture sits. It will help lessen the possibility of them choosing your couch as there's nothing attracting them to the area.
The last thought that comes to mind is the possibility of your cat(s) lashing out at you or other. Cats are infamous in showing their displeasure by urinating on/in places that aren't made for it and with their knowledge that you frequent. Such as your bed, couch, shoes.etc. This situation usually arises by a change in the household. Examples: Moving their litter box, new people in the house; generally something that impacts them directly. This is a behavioral problem more then anything else and not usually an easy fixer. But, with time and patience, definitely can be acheived.
The water gun/spray is a good device because it is a humane manner of training. You have to make the training simple for them though. They aren't like dogs, but cats have a great intelligence and can be taught certain disciplines too. If you decide you want them nowhere near the furniture, utilize the water gun/spray anytime they reach within 6" of the couch/other. Through consistent reputition they will learn that they are not allowed on that couch and will not be able to use that as their personal John.
On the opposite end, if these options don't work for you, you may want to consider them staying in the basement while you aren't home. That way you're not surprised when you get back.
Good luck!
Aw. Poor you! Are your cats males? If they are, you may need to get them splayed. This will stop them spraying over furniture. They do this because they are marking their terriotory. How about introducing them to a litter tray?
Try spraying them with water . It's not cruel , but it will let them know not to do that . Good luck.
take them or ring a vet and ask for suggestions
Put a citrus fragrance on things that you don't want your cat to pee on. Cats hate citrus, and desex them too.
my advice:
1.try to clean up the area with wine vinegar or lemon
2.try to catch them when they pee! and teach them that is bad
Cats won't use a litter tray that is:
a) dirty
b) in a scary place
c) somewhere they don't like
d) where they may feel trappable/vulnerable (EG a basement)
e) too high and can't get into properly (4-5cm is fine)
f) in a damp place
g) in a very cold place (despite their fur, they feel the cold like we do with clothes)
h) unknown - Have you actually shown it to them?
I would suggest moving your trays somewhere else. Cats don't like basements a great deal - usually because they fear being trapped in and isolated. Cats are free spirits that like to enjoy their freedom. PLEASE though do not smack/hit your cat(s) if they are not comfortable using your basement trays for whatever reason. did the previous owner/occupant have a dog down there?
Also if these cats are NOT litter trained you will have problems. I'm assuming that they are though? and that they are simply being stubborn. IF these cats ARE NOT litter trained and are older than 4-6 months then you have a major problem on your hands. You should consider allowing them out more and not keeping them in. Cats that are not litter trained and getting older generally do not learn very well as they mature.
I also have one other very important tip: When you setup the cat tray/move it, Always take EVERY cat to it and show it to them. Hold their front paws and forcefully demonstrate to them that they should dig in this box. Some cats understand this instantly, others take a while. Don't be surprised if the cats runs away fast after this demonstration - they don't tend to like these demo's much..
You should also try spraying lemon OR orange juice ON and/or around your furniture. Cats hate this. The citric acid in oranges and lemons makes them absolutely cringe. If you spray it either on or around your furniture on a daily basis this should deter them from even going near it.
Also if you don't have one, consider fitting a cat flap so your felines can escape to the call of nature when required.
Cats are outdoor creatures generally. They don't mind using cat trays BUT some cats don't like sharing. As I've said above, please consider moving your cat trays. Always make sure the cat tray is clean too. From personal experience I will tell you this is extremely important - Otherwise you will find a cat sitting on you and you will suddenly have wet trousers. I've had this happen to me so please beleive me and act on my advice.
I've had many cats in the past and practically all 100% would use a tray that they were happy with. As long as it is setup correctly your cat should give you no problems.
J
take a large tray, fill it with mud, then take your cat's head and rub it there. everytime henceforth the cat will go there to do the job. seriously it works. jsut in case it doesnt them rub the head again, it has to work!
Use a spray bottle on their faces. It works with mine.
i was going to say get that spray called no mark and if that doesn't work then get them fixed because my cat mr. frank is now peeing in my house on everything new we bring in and nothing is working so i'm going to have him neutered soon.
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