[MycatTommy]

Hello, I have been having an issue with my 15 year old cat. It started with him urinating in our bed every so often (it happened once and then probably not again for another month) My husband went back to work after working from home for an extended period and our dog that had been with our cat for 13 years passed away. I know these things can cause major stress and anxiety but I’m not sure how to proceed. We took Tommy to the vet numerous times. He had a full blood panel, a urinalysis, and full physical (he’s gone twice and was checked twice) While he does have hyperthyroidism and takes medication twice a day, our vet said everything looks good on that end. Our vet had not determined any medical issues that may be causing the urination problem and believes it is behavioral. After our dog passed, the issue became worse. We also attempted to change his litter last week thinking that may help and that made the issue substantially worse. He has been peeing in the bed nightly. For the past three nights we have not allowed him to sleep in the bed. This evening he peed on the carpet and then again later when he was sitting on my lap on the couch. I already have feliway plugged in, and our vet suggested giving him CBD oil to his anxiety as well as arthritis. We have been giving it to him for about two weeks. We also give him cosequin joint supplements. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[marie73]

It seems like either he has a UTI (but it sounds like you have that covered) or he's getting on in years and has lost partial bladder control. You'll probably get better answers than mine.

 

[Mosi]

At his age he may be developing some incontinence. If that is the case, there may be nothing you can do about it. Before coming to that conclusion, though, I would probably see a specialist just to cover all the possibilities for a medical issue.

And, I would add more litter boxes with the litter he likes, and make sure that it is very easy for him to get in and out of the boxes, so not too high sides.

Why do you think he is anxious? what has he been doing (besides peeing) that makes you think that? I know you gave solid reasons why he might be, but I am wondering what behavior makes you think that he is. Or, are you just wondering if that could be a factor?

The CBD might help. Also Feliway diffusers might help - although not everyone says they do. Putting Cat Attract on the litter might help. Personally, I would try everything just in case it made a difference.

 

[MycatTommy]

Thank you. I’m going to try adding a second litter box. The current box I have is designed for arthritic seniors, so I’m going to get the same one. I read that he may be trying to mix his scent with our scent since we are both away a lot now. (He was used to having someone home all day for a long time)

He’s always been an anxious cat (jumpy, afraid of his shadow) I think it’s gotten worse since our dog passed. For instance, the door bell ringing made him urinate.

 

[catloverami]

Sometimes when cats get into their teens, they develop dementia. This is what it sounds like to me. One of my cats is 17 yrs. had perfect litter box habits up to a year ago and then started sporadically urinating in other places than a litter box. Have several litter boxes throughout the house and this may make it easier, but often there is not a solution to prevent him from urinating. Some have resorted to pet diapers, which do work. I used to need to use them with a stud cat when I was into cat breeding to give him some freedom in the house.

 

[MycatTommy]

Sometimes when cats get into their teens, they develop dementia. This is what it sounds like to me. One of my cats is 17 yrs. had perfect litter box habits up to a year ago and then started sporadically urinating in other places than a litter box. Have several litter boxes throughout the house and this may make it easier, but often there is not a solution to prevent him from urinating. Some have resorted to pet diapers, which do work. I used to need to use them with a stud cat when I was into cat breeding to give him some freedom in the house.

Thank you for the suggestion. Has adding litter boxes helped for your cat? We currently only have one but I’m going to add a second.

 

[MycatTommy]

It seems like either he has a UTI (but it sounds like you have that covered) or he's getting on in years and has lost partial bladder control. You'll probably get better answers than mine.

Yes he was checked for a UTI and does not have one, but thank you for the suggestion.

 

[catloverami]

I have 4 litter boxes--basement level, main floor, 2 upstairs. I use a clumping litter which they prefer. They are scooped am & pm.

 

[MycatTommy]

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I have 4 litter boxes--basement level, main floor, 2 upstairs. I use a clumping litter which they prefer. They are scooped am & pm.

thank you. We have just one floor so I think the two will work. Also scoop after each use. As he doesn’t realize when he’s peeing at night and the ones during the day seem to be caused from fear (door bell ringing, when he’s being given his medicine) I think it may be a cognitive decline 😢

 

[Tikatoo]

Make a larger litter box. Older cats do get some orthopedic issues, it can be harder for them to hunch their backs to pee or poop. We made a larger box with a 26 gallon Sterilite boxes. Measures the size and height off the ground of the regular cat box, and cut a hole in the new box. Now no pee goes anywhere, and she can easily pee with little distress. My brother did the same with his older cat, who was peeing other places, including the bed. Solved the issue. Worth a try.