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I have two cats, litter mates, male & female, both neutered. The female hasn''t used the litter bin regularly for about 5 years. It started when they were about 6 months old while I was away for about 10 days. I''ve tried many possible solutions, but nothing has worked. The best I can figure is that the male is "lording" over the litter bins. I''ve caught him many times watching her when she does use the litter bin and then he chases her and bites her on her hind quarters. Help ?

Submitted: 567 days and 11 hours ago.

Category: Cat

Value: $9

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Optional Information:
Age: 6; Breed: cat

Already Tried:
many litter bins, covered bins, many different types of litter, pheromone spray, places litter bins in separate areas, checking for bladder infection, pep talks, prayer..........

Posted by Jessesmom 567 days and 10 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi,

Where does your female eliminate, around the house (any particular areas)?

Does she do both urination and defecation outside the litter bin?

Has she been to the vet for a urinalysis, since this problem began?

How do your cats get along at all other times? Is the male always dominant?

Thanks for any additional detail.

Cher

567 days and 10 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to Jessesmom's Post: next to the litter bin on the floor.

yes, both.

yes, no health problems.

most of the time they get along well, once in while playing gets a little rough, and sometimes the female "lords" over the food.

Answer

Hello again, and thanks for your reply with additional information.

From your description, I do think that your male is terrorizing her while she's in the litter bin and this is what's causing her to eliminate outside it.

You should have more than one bin, if you don't already, as the rule of thumb is one bin per cat, plus one. Many cats prefer to urinate in one bin and defecate in another and some cats are fussy re: going into a bin the other cat has used. Also, if you have a multi-story house, there should be one on each level.

If you've already tried Feliway/Comfort Zone for Cats, (pheromone spray) and it was not helpful, try a kitty litter called Cat Attract; it contains herbal attractants that encourage use of the litterbox. Also, make sure to clean the area where she soils, with an enzymatic cleaner, so she can't smell it anymore, and she won't be encouraged to go there.

http://www.petcarecentral.com/nm-155.html
http://www.allivet.com/Equalizer-Carpet-Stain-and-Odor-p/26942.htm
www.zeroodorstore.com
http://www.redhotcarpetcleaning.com/en-us/simple-solution-faq.html

If you don't live in the U.S., you can ask for similar products in your major pet supply stores.

To help avoid your male from bothering his sister, when she tries to use the litter bin, I suggest the following: after she eats, place your male in a separate room, with a litter bin (in case he has to go), and put your female in the nearest litter bin. If she doesn't have to go, she'll jump out, but continue to place her in there every 10 minutes, until she goes. After she eliminates, let her brother out. If she gets the confidence to go without her brother around to bother her, she might continue to go on her own, but this will take patience and time. I realize this is a 5 year old habit, and it might be very difficult to break, but I do believe the key is to keep her brother out of the way, when she has to go. Also, if you see him bothering her, gently and quietly remove him, and allow her to finish eliminating.

If he 'lords' over the litter, he may be getting her back for 'lording' over the food!

I hope things improve, very soon!

Cher

Edited by Jessesmom on 5/5/2008 at 2:52 AM

Accepts:
Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Answered:	5/5/2008

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience

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Optional Information: Age: 6; Breed: catAlready Tried: many litter bins, covered bins, many different types of litter, pheromone spray, places litter bins in separate areas, checking for bladder infection, pep talks, prayer..........

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Reply to Jessesmom's Post: next to the litter bin on the floor. yes, both. yes, no health problems. most of the time they get along well, once in while playing gets a little rough, and sometimes the female "lords" over the food.

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Optional Information:
Age: 6; Breed: cat

Already Tried:
many litter bins, covered bins, many different types of litter, pheromone spray, places litter bins in separate areas, checking for bladder infection, pep talks, prayer..........

Reply to Jessesmom's Post: next to the litter bin on the floor.

yes, both.

yes, no health problems.

most of the time they get along well, once in while playing gets a little rough, and sometimes the female "lords" over the food.