Answer

Hello, XXXXXXXXXX.

You're already on the right track, by giving her positive reinforcement (a treat) and praising her when she uses the litterbox!

Yes, I do believe she would benefit from a second box, as some cats are very picky and either don't like urinating and making stools in the same box and/or don't like sharing the box. I understand the 'room' problem, as I also live in an apt., but you can get a small litterbox, and find the right place for it; just do your best.

When a cat starts eliminating inappropriately, it's either due to a medical reason like a urinary tract infection, crystals (tiny particles which develop in urine that is not acidic enough), or the cause is behavioral.

First, you need to rule out the medical possibility, so it would be a good idea to bring this kitty in for an evaluation by the vet, and a urinalysis should be performed. After a definite diagnosis is made, treatment will be prescribed, if necessary. Antibiotics will be prescribed for a urinary infection and dietary changes and/or nutritional supplements, like Methigel to acidify the urine, will be suggested, if crystals are found.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/fusfaqs.html
http://www.1800petmeds.com/Methigel+Urinary+Acidifier-prod10470.html

"Methigel Urinary Acidifier is a supplemental source of di-methionine and aids in maintaining a low urine pH. When combined with a proper diet, Methigel helps maintain a healthy, natural urinary tract."

If a cat experiences pain upon urination or defecation, she will come to associate the PLACE of eliminating--the litterbox itself--with that pain, and then choose to eliminate ANYWHERE else. Cats in this situation usually choose 'soft' materials to go on, thinking this will avoid the pain, and that may be the reason why she's choosing your bathroom area rug. If you can't throw away the rug, in order to prevent your cat from returning to the place she's already soiled (if she smells it, she'll keep thinking it's an appropriate place to urinate), you can use an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove all traces of stain and odor. Nature's Miracle and Zero Odor are good products for this purpose, and can be found in Petsmart/Petco, most pet supply stores, and online. For more info and to view all related products, please see:

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

Cats can also sometimes start eliminating inappropriately if there has been any kind of change in their lives or environment, as this causes stress and anxiety. If the reason for eliminating outside the litterbox is NOT found to be medical, it would have to be treated as behavioral.

Cats are creatures of habit and do not take kindly to change. If you have had any new people added to your household, or if a 'usual' person has left, if you got new furniture, carpet, appliances, another animal, etc., or if your usual daily hours at home and/or away from home have changed or you've gone on vacation recently, any of these situations could cause your kitty stress. Because you noticed this change in litterbox behavior after her spay surgery, she may have been stressed by the surgery and once she started urinating on the area rug, she kept returning to it, because it now smelled like the right place to eliminate.

Feliway/Comfort Zone for Cats, is a cat-appeasing pheromone which can help to calm stressed cats and curb urine marking and/or inappropriate elimination. It comes in both a spray and plug-in diffuser. The diffuser plugs into an electrical outlet like an air freshener, but has no scent to humans. For more information, please see:

http://www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

Major pet supply stores carry Feliway, you can also order it online, and some vet offices carry it.

There's another product which I think may help you get your kitty back to using the litterbox--it's a clumping kitty litter called 'Cat Attract'--it contains herbal attractants which encourage use of the litterbox. It too, may be found in major pet supply stores.

I hope all goes well, and this problem is resolved
for you and your cat, very soon!

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/18/2008

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience