Hi folks,

Ok, so I need some help. A little less than a year ago, I got a kitten and we named him Max. He's adorable, but he's naughty as hell. He uses the litter box to poo, but he will literally pee on anything else, towels, furniture, carpet, laundry basket of clean clothes!?! He also is ALWAYS on the table and counter, and if he finds anything that is cardboard of paper, he destroys it, like his bags of cat litter, phone books, my text books for school, everything! He's not a mean cat, he's just a brat and because he refuses to use the litter box (all three of the different ones I've tried with him, as well as several different types of litter) my house smells when I get home, and I don't have the time to be cleaning it so thoroughly every day, with 2 jobs and going to school full-time. If I can't figure out someway to train him, I'll have to get rid of him, but since he is a black cat, in MA, if he were to go to a shelter he would be put down and I can't do that to him. I don't want to get rid of him, but unless I can figure out how to get him to behave, I have no choice.

PLEASE HELP!!

Has he been neutred

Yeah, he was neutered about 4 months ago. We were hoping that would help, but he hasn't changed, his pee just isn't as smelly.

Has he been checked for a uti infection?

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Some cats like to use one tray for wee and one for poos - have you got two trays? Also you need to make sure that everywhere he has pee-ed is really really clean - either with a propriorty cleaner or with bio whasing powder - cleaning otherwise leaves trace smell residue that he can smell and not us that will tell him it is okay to go there He could also be stressed - as you are working so hard (school, 2 jobs) do you have the time to give him enough attention - sometimes inappropriate peeing can be a sign of stress and attention seaking.

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Would echo the sentiments already expressed and do feel a check up at the vets for a UTI may be a good idea.

Try a second tray and some Cat Attract litter. Does he go out at all? Do keep trying different litters. A kitten we bred went to his new home and was fine for a day or two, using his tray, but then started weeing and poohing on the owners bed. I suggested changing the litter to the one we had been using. She did change it a couple of times but to other different types but this inappropriate toileting persisted - eventually when she finally got around to changing to the brand we had used he immediately stopped - and has been great ever since. You just have to figure out what he is trying to tell you!

If he is an indoor cat and you obviously have a lot going on yourself perhaps he is bored and is attention seeking so to speak. Would invest in a couple of Feliway plug-in diffusers, rotate his toys and perhaps put some Bach's Rescue Remedy in his water.

Good luck.

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

For cleaning I've been using a product called Nature's Miracle. I had never heard of it until I asked around about products for such incidences, and it's appropriately named because once I'm done, you'd never guess there was cat pee anywhere in the house. We don't let him out, however, that doesn't mean he doesn't sneak out from time to time, but generally, no, he is an indoor cat. We got him checked for a UTI shortly after this behavior started and he's all set on that. I know I don't get to spend that much time with him, but my little brother is home a lot and we have another cat and a dog and they all get along great, so i don't think it's any sort of thing from him being alone. I'm definitely going to check out that litter though, as well as those other products. Do you know if those products are sold here in the US? He's a good kitty, he's just a little devious, and I would hate to have to get rid of him because of that, especially since I'm a bit devious myself (aside from peeing in inappropriate places ) Thanks all!

Feliway plug in diffusers are an excellent product. I have found them at an online store for a good price. I'm not sure of the rules here for posting those kind of links, if you want more info feel free to PM me. Yes it is available in the USA. I use it.

You should also get a black light to be sure all soiling has been removed. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean he can't. A black light will show you any spots that odor remains in.

It sounds like you have enough litter boxes. Three for two cats should be enough, make sure they are kept spotlessly clean, some cats really hate to pee in dirty boxes. Make sure the other cat is not barring him from using them. This can be done by keeping at least one box in a different place than the other two.

You said he's been to the vet, but did not say whether a urinalysis was done. If not, I recommend you bring him back and get that done. The only way to know what's going on in the bladder and urinary tract is for urine to be taken and tested (best to be sent to a lab)

As for the other stuff, the chewing and counters and tearing things up, that is normal behavior for a year old cat, especially one with too much energy. He needs interactive play, one on one time with you, or another human every day. Interactive play with string on a stick toys, or throwing chasing catching games, that get him your attention and get him running and leaping.

Give him a cardboard box, with the sides about 4 inches high, with the flaps torn off for his own chewing pleasure, and keep things off the floor that you don't want chewed, or that he might be tempted to pee on.

Cats like to jump and climb and to be on high things so he needs a cat tree of some sort, or a couple of graduated high bookcases, with the tops cleared for him to climb and jump on. If he has his own furniture he will be less likely to jump on things you don't want him on. You can help him understand that by, when you catch him on the counter, take him over to his own perch.

here is an example of what I mean about the bookcases

Like it was said I would look into cat trees. It would be beneficial for everyone.

Some really nice ones can be found here. However the cheaper ones can work as well.
Like Chinablue said I would try Cat Attract Litter as well. It can be found at most pet stores. Here's a little bit of info on it.

I am not familiar with Nature's Miracle but as long as it has enzymes and no ammonia in it you should be fine. Vinegar and water can also be a safe alternative.

Da Bird is an excellent toy. I would also try the cat dancer and cat charmer.

BTW does Max have a good scratching post?

Keep us updated!

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Some cats don't like sharing litter trays. By having two or more as others have suggested, cleaning up all wee's and ensuring no scent remains [very difficult since you can't smell it] may just help. Is there a particular place he likes to wee in? That might be the spot to put a litter tray. I would also suggest you have various trays dotted around the house to encourage appropriate toileting.

It could also be a case of habit now and once developed its hard to break. Have you thought about a weeks break in a cattery? That would be totally new sourroundings in which he had no preconceived ideas about toileting and being totally on his own in the pen might just stop this behaviour.

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