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Q.: This is about a neutered male who lately has started urinating all over indoors, something he hasn’t done before.
First of all he chooses places with a drain (kitchen sink, bathtub, etc) and if these places are blocked he uses the stove or the kitchen counter etc.
The cat does have the choice of going in and out as he wants but seemingly doesn’t want to take this opportunity. The problem can be very big and we can’t bear maybe having to put him down.
It should be said that the cat maybe is reacting to a death in the family. But what could eventually be done?
A.: I think this is a mental reaction to the death.
First of all I think you should have a vet rule out the possibility of a physical problem. If the cat has come down with a bladder infection for instance that could be the reason for the strange urination habits and probably also a reason for choosing to stay indoors in the warm house.
It could also be that there is another cat who has "stolen" his territory so he simply can’t go outside.
If he hasn’t had a litter tray before but has always used the outdoors it could be that you might have to acquire one now. Cats who react mentally to a trauma will have a lesser tendency to go outside but will stay inside where they feel safe.
Otherwise you could try to drip lemon juice on the "criminal" places. Most cats don’t like the smell of citrus fruits. This will only work if you install a litter box as I suggested above. You should also remember to praise the cat and maybe offer it a treat every time he uses the litter box.
I hope you can use the advice above - if not, you are welcome to write to me again!
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