Odd Cat Situation *Updated*

I know everyone tells you not to do this, but the last time my cat did that I rubbed his nose in it, told him no!, spanked him and threw him out for the night. He hasn't done it again.

I know this often signals something physically wrong, however I know a number of people whose cats do this strictly as a behavioral issue. And my cat is a case in point. So it's not always medical.

And my cat DID do it to show us he was angry. It was always when someone was hogging the sofa, or when my husband wouldn't let him on his lap, or when we were ignoring him.

I am a veterinary technician at a clinc that is exclusive for cats. Let me begin by saying that cats do not urinate on things to be spiteful or to show you they are angry. They are extremely intelligent and very emotional creatures. That being said, they will urinate inappropriatly if they are sick or stressed out. Some things to consider: is the dog new to the house? Does your daughter give the cats attention in a way that would be stressful to them, like squeezing them, hitting them, or even tapping them, tail pulling, dressing them in clothes? I know it may sound silly, but you would be surprised. Has there been any kind of change in the household as of late? Construction? New laundry detergent? New litter? I would recommend cleaning with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water until the smell is gone. Then treat the area with an enzymatic cleaner. Buy yourself some Feliway, it is pricey, but very very helpful. Also, call your vet and schedule a urinalysis on both kitties to ensure that there isn't any cystitis occuring. Good luck, hope this helps.

I am backing up everything Emily B. said and also adding that if they are not spayed/neutered, that can be an issue too. Unneutered male cats urinate all over to mark territory and female cats that are not spayed have been known to do it too. I am assuming that they are done, but since you didn't say if they were, I figured I would mention it. AND it is so totally true that cats and dogs do not mess in the house or become destructive out of spite - they are not capable of such thoughts like people are. That's probably one of the biggest myths that we come across. Usually it's more because of a medical reason, or stress (change in routine, new pet or baby in home, moving, etc.). Get kitty checked out at the vet.

I have two cats as well that unfortunately have become outdoor kitties due to the fact that one of them began spraying a corner in my dining room. However, mine are older. We take ours to the vet to see if it was a urinary tract infection but it was not. I was told that cats are tempermental and will act out if they feel their situation has changed. One suggestion I have, considering yours are still young, is locking them in the bathroom or a small space with their liter box while you are away to "reintroduce" the liter box to them. There are also plug-in at most Petco's/Petland's that supposedly help their Farmones(sp??) and keep them calm. Of course start leaving her door closed at all times. Once cats start spraying in one area they will continue to do so. I would just make sure her door is shut at all times to avoid it. Good luck!

First, you need to take your odd kitty (or both kitties) to the vet for a checkup. Answering the call of nature in the wrong place is sometimes a symptom of a urinary tract infection, and the sooner that's dealt with, the better.

Then you need to get the, um, fragrance out of the bed. It may even be in the mattress. I think the people who invented Nature's Miracle should get extra stars in their crowns. You can use some of it in the laundry with the detergent if you want to try that (I've found that detergent works fine by itself). Use some of it on the mattress, too, if it doesn't pass the sniff test. The stuff smells as bad as what the cat left, but once it's dry its smell and the cat smell should be gone. If it isn't, then there's still some urine you didn't get. Check the walls, the pillows, anything. A little cat spray can get around, if you know what I mean.

You may want to make sure that the cat boxes are cleaned out regularly. Have you changed your brand of cat litter? Some cats are picky about that sort of thing. And yes, some cats will be jealous if THEIR bed is invaded by an intruder (your daughter). It stresses them out.

We had one cat who made a career out of doing this sort of thing, so I've had a little, um, experience at this. In fact, I picked up a blacklight at the pet store and that helps me find these "catted" places.

I have had fur babies since I have been out on my own, my ctas have always been great about using the litter box...Except when they had a urinary tract infection. Have your kitty checked, it requires an antibiotic to get over. Lots of luck to you and your kitties.

I've heard that putting a layer of newspaper on a surface keeps cats off--but if the cat is pissed off (no pun intended) it will probably pee elsewhere....definitely make sure the cat doesn't have a bladder infection.

My cat used to pee... After taking him to several vet appts and running tests, I found out he had a inflamed urinary tract... I moved his litter box in a more private area and HAD to put him on wet food ONLY... Dry food can sometimes be bad for there bladder.. My cat is now on Prescription CD wet food. You can only get it at the vets office.. also, don't have your cats share the same litter box and take the hood off if you have one on it.
KNOCK ON WOOD, since I switched those things and changed what he ate, I've never had a problem again...
Good luck!!!!

If it isn't medical, you may want to put Feliway in her room.

Have kitty checked for a uti. Also, if she has a down conforter or pillow on the bed then take it off. Lots of cats like to pee on them. If kitty is ok, then try using a screen door to the entrance to your daughters room. This will allow you to see your daughter at night but not let the cat in. Please do not hit the cat.