Mic

New cat introduced - old cat pees, what do I do now?

Recently I introduced a new cat to my household.  I currently have a 6 year old and a 15 year old cat.  The new cat is an adolescent, around 10 months old.  I started out with the new cat in a room to herself and progressed from there.  It's been about a month now and I've let her out to explore the house.  My 15 year old has had no problem adjusting to her and while they aren't quite cuddling together there is no hissing, growling or chasing between them. 

My 6 year old does not hiss, growl, or chase the new cat either.  Instead she just pees on rugs, clothes, and this morning my slippers.  She's obviously stressed and angry with me.  I've taken her to the vet to make sure there are no medical reasons.  I've also added additional litter boxes.  I now have 4 litter boxes, 1 on each floor of the house. 

I really don't know what else to do.  I have tried placing the new cat back into her room and closing the door.  But my 6 year old continues to pee on things even though the new cat is not around.  Since the other two cats don't have any issues, I'm thinking the 6 year old should be the one restricted to a room until she can re-learn how to use a litterbox.  What should I do?  Should I continue to keep the new cat in the safe room until the 6 year old adjusts?  Should I keep the 6 year old in the safe room instead?  Should I give up on the idea that this will work at all and find a new home for the new cat?


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1670 thumbs up

Surrender.  Surrender.  But don't give yourself away . . . .

   ~ Cheap Trick ~

Does the baby leap on the 6 year old?  Is the 6 year old stressed out, or simply intolerant?  First step is to give your 6 year old lots of love.  The second is to get a squirt gun and shoot her when she pees on the floor.  One month is not a long time for cats to establish their heirarchy.  She needs to learn that you love her, but that behavior will not be tolerated.  Try to be as consistent as possible.  Pee. . . Squirt . . . .give love.  You can also try putting a small amount of vinegar in the water, if the cats doesn't seems to be responding to the water.  Just a tiny bit though.  One or two drops in a small water pistol.  And, make sure that you give the  6 year old lots of love in front of the baby.


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First, let me commend you for starting out the right way.  It's always important when introducing any new animal to a household with other pets to let the new and old animals get the scent of the other.  It's either that or there will be one big fight right before your eyes.

As for your question, you didn't indicate the sexes of the cats.  That could play a big role in this whole thing, but I can address part of the issue and give you some suggestions.

Your oldest cat is very secure in that position.  This cat has been around for so long, that if something was afoot with you and this newcomer, the older cat would know it right away.  However, your youngest cat (child) has now become the middle cat (child).  Yes, that's no misprint.  Think of the cats as your children.  It will help you to figure things out.

Any cat that pees anywhere other than a litter box who has been TRAINED to use a litter box is marking their territory.  That's all this is -- a pissing contest.  How do you fix the problem?  Again, without knowing the gender of this cat, I would suggest you show a little more attention to the middle cat.  Assure the middle cat that their position in the house AND your life isn't going to change.  Little pats, a tummy rub, a snuggle or two throughout the day will help to get the message across that no one has to fear what is happening. 

Since it is the middle cat you will be paying the attention to, yes, I would contain that cat in a separate room.  Then, when you go in there, middle kitty will know, you belong only to them.  Also, cat nip works wonders.  No matter how pissed a cat is with you, give them cat nip and they will be your friend until ... well until the cat nip wears off. 

I hope this has answered your question.  Just to let you know, I am not a vet, but I have owned over 75 cats in my lifetime.

Merry Meet and Merry Bide

Cheryl


Posted 3 months ago ( permalink )
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67 thumbs up

Okay, this answer may show up twice.  If that happens, I apologize but my AOL seems to be having a nervous breakdown.  That said, let's get to the question.

First, let me commend you on doing the first thing right.  Whenever you are introducing any animals to each other in your household, it is always a good idea to give them a chance to scent (smell) each other before they meet for the first time.

That said, in answer to your question, which is two-fold.  First, your oldest cat is not reacting to the youngest cat because the oldest cat is very secure in this life.  If anything was afoot, senior kitty would already know it.  However, you 6-year-old cat has gone from being the youngest child to being the middle child.  Tha is not misprint.  If you think of your cats in terms of being children, you'll be able to handle them a lot better.

The 6-year-old has had his or her position in the pecking order changed and is reacting to just that.  When a cat, that has already been litter trained, starts to spray or pee in other places, they are "marking their territory" and saying to the kitten "stay out of my territory."  If you look closely enough as to WHERE the items are that are being peed on, you should be able to see some kind of area being contained.

As for how to correct the problem, I read the other response and can tell you that over time spraying a cat will get their attention and they will mind you.  However, the down side to that is:  cats are already cautious creatures.  If you start spraying the cat with water -- with or without vinegar -- the cat is going to be suspicious of all your actions.  Instead of being excited that you just walked into the room and they're going to get some hugs and cuddles, your cats are going to look to see if you have that bottle or gun in your hand first.  There are other ways to deal with this problem.

I would separate the 6-year-old from the oldest cat and the youngest cat.  Not as a punishment, but as a way for you to give this kitty some extra special love, care, and attention.  Take time out of your day to just spend with special kitty in the room.  Tummy rubs, cuddles, stroking the hair, will send your kitty into glorious rapture.  Not only are you paying attention, but you're doing the things all cats love to have done to them.  Equally, get some cat nip.  All your kitties will love you until -- well, until the cat nip runs out.  In the mean time, though, you will have peace.

I hope this has answered your question and this answer posts this time.  By the way, I am not a vet, but my knowledge comes from having over 75 cats in my lifetime.

Merry Meet and Merry Bide

Cheryl


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