Is He Spraying Or Peeing???

Ahhhh, this can be a difficult problem to work with, depending on his reasons.

I find most cats will pee on plastic bags, male or female. The same with laundry. I always keep my laundry in a closed basket, or in my dresser. And I have a bag hung up in the kitchen that I put all my other bags into. Sometimes it's just much easier to make the items hard to get to.

A lot of the time for me, it has to do with scent. Plastic has a strong chemical smell for a cat, one that irritates them. So they'll often pee on it to cover up the smell. The same goes with laundry. If it's been sweated in, or if you have a strong laundry detergent, this could be the reason why. For tissues and paper, sometimes they can have scent to them or it's simply because, in their minds, it's a good place to go.

First, check if he is squatting or standing when he pees. Then, when he does pee, does he lift his bum and rattle his tail? This is very distinctive and obvious when a male is "spraying" rather than just peeing.

Removing the scent of urine is also important. For myself, I mix the hottest water I can stand with soap and a strong dose of vinegar. I scrub the area until it's soaked, then attack with paper towel until it's as dry as I can get it. Afterward, spray with a very light air freshener. Usually, this will entirely cover the smell.

When you catch him peeing, always, always take him to the litterbox immediately. It can help to kinda "rub his nose in it" too as a figure of speach. But don't try punishing him, like a smack on the nose or locking him in a room, because that will just make him upset and he'll probably end up peeing more.

Getting him fixed would probably help, although it isn't always garunteed. Also, lavashing him with attention could help to. If it has nothing to do with what I meantioned above, then it could simply be that he's been affected strongly by being lost and he wants to make absolutely sure that his home is marked as his territory now that he's back. If it's this case, then it's a process of having him feel completely safe and secure once again.

thank's for the tips!!

He's marking HIS territory. He was "repalced" and now he's back. Get him fixed and he'll be fine. He and Zoey will be best buds:). All will be right with your world. Promise.

i did a search on cheap spaying and found a clinic that spayed once a month one day, that's all they did that day and it was about $ 40.00 !! . they did it as a service to the community. i can't remember if i found it through the NET or if the doctor was recommend by the humane society cuz i called them too for advice. not only does his pee not smell bad anymore, but he's a tad less determined to run out the door.

All the advice above is good. It sounds to me like he is spraying tho. He is marking his territory as they said b/c you brought in Zoey and he was gone for a while.It can also just be stress related due to anxiety from being lost. Fixing will probably stop it, he will not want to roam as much and be generally more laid back. He won't fight with other males either unless cornered -- another good result. Realize that Zoey could come into heat as early as 3 months old! And it is not good to breed one that young (like a 12 yr old) But if Midnight is not fixed soon, he will want to and try. Do check on the net for an inexpensive program in your area. It is not as major as spaying and they recover very quickly. There are some enzyme cleaners on the market that will help get rid of that awful smell even on carpet. But you have to really soak the area. Wash your clothes and stuff with a cup of vinegar and maybe a half cup of pine-sol if the smell is really bad in with the soap and hot water.. Give him lots of TLC and attention too. They are worth all the trouble!

Please have your male neutered soon. He got out once and he'll do it again. Next time, you may not be so lucky. There was a time when I didn't have a male "fixed" and while out looking for some pu**y he got hit by a car. A neighbor brought him to me in a shovel. YUK! And...of course he's spraying...he is a male cat! There are low cost spay & neuter clinics that can help you. Search them out. THANKS

the SPCA will do it for free,yes free! If your low income,just bring in your income tax return. They even tattoo his ear. They will do both cat's for you,Midnight and Zoey!! Zoey will need to wait till she's 6mths. I beg you please get them fixed sooner than later as the world doesn't need stray,abandaned or starving cats/kittens out on the street.(If Zoey gets pregnant!) Some people even leave them behind when they move! How cruel!! I suggest giving him lot's of love now,before neutering,and lot's after!! He will be out to lunch for few days!! He will be a happier cat too,less wondering around the neighbour hood! also there's cheap odour removal spray at wm or zeller's,it's the only thing that gets rid of urine(ph),that cat's can smell long after you think it's gone!!! Or your vet, they carry the odour eliminater as well! One more thing get your vet to check his health some cat's will do this if there's a health issue,ie FUS,very fatal if not taken care of right away!!! Look for no h2o in take/little h2o,straining to pee,in pain,blood in urine,stronger than normal odour!! Iam very proud of you for taking in the 2nd cat/Zoey!! Take care, lot's of luck!!! Luv ya prsian : ) ^..^

PS. also if Midnight gets out again he might run into a Raccoon or other animals with Rabies or what have you!! He just won't be sick any one in contact with him will get infected. Including humans!! the SPCA also gives low cost vaccinations too!! It would spread so fast!! A whole family in B.C-Mapleridge got Rabies!! Could get a few females pregnant too!! Luv ya best wishes!!!! Prsian:) ^..^

i have the same issue but they have shelters where you can get your cat fixed for &75.00 at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.Its a very helpful resource.The price includes a physical exam,spay (females) or neuter (males), rabies vaccine,distemper vaccine,heartworm test (dogs), flea and ear mite treatment, nail trim and a microchip. all for $75.00,but to get him to stop inthe meantime use a water spray bottle and put water and vinegar and spray the areas where he pees and he wont go pee there ever again trust me it works.

hey i had the same problem!!! the way i fixed it was........
1. Fix them as soon as possible the male 1st if money is tight then the female! just remember one hundred now or having six or seven cats to take care of if she gets pregnant! then it would get really expensive. plus his pee wont be half as nasty with out all the male kitty stuff in it
2. have a litter box for each cat plus one so you would need 3 total, use not to strong smelling litter and clean them everyday at least once
3. more attention lots of love and play!!!!

these worked for me I hope this helps