Question about male cats...

[sinner's girl]

I have a male kitty, Katrinoe less than a year (he was born around when Katrina hit, my parents found him in the back shed after the storm, a few days old).
For some reason, he won’t pee in his litter box, I keep catching in going on the carpet, once even on the tile in the bathroom (and last night on the bag of cc…but can’t blame him there). I change the litter once a week and clean it out b/w changes. I learned real fast he doesn’t like a dirty litter box. This is reason problem and is growing worse. He get plenty of attention. But since he chews wires (CNC mechine, laptop, phone charger, ect) he is locked in my office (with litter box, food and water) at night and while we are gone. At some point in the future, the computers will be moved from the living room to Sinner's office, but first we have to move my 75gl tank from his office to my office.
Is this normal for males? Is he acting out? If I get him fixed will he stop? I’ve always had cats, and never had this problem, but I'd mostly females, one male and he was fixed, also all my cats growing up were indoor/outdoor, Katrinoe is strictly indoors.
Any tips to get him to stop?

 

[alyssia]

So he isn't just spraying? My male cat was spraying but he stopped after we got him fixed. I have had female cats with litter aversion though and it can be a real pain to break them of it. We had to completely retrain them.

 

[blessedyo]

Usually when you get them fixed, the issue may demminish, but may not stop entirely. You may have to purchase a water gun, and stay on top of his bad behavior by shooting him. Everyone in the house has to be on alert. I know that it sounds silly, but this is true. Domestic animals are two year old's "kids" for life, and when my toddler acts out, he gets reprimanded (spelling). With cats, telling them to go to the corner is not very affective. lol I have used the water gun approach, and I am also very vocal with them. Now, the older cats know when I snap my fingers, clap my hands, or simply by the tone of my voice, they know to stop...(or whatever is the case). I do not want them in my kitchen or on my counters, or my leather furniture. They do not get up there, or make for sure that I don't see them! LOL
Getting my male cat neutered helped with the spraying, and most of the bad behaviors. However, the chewing on the wires, well, electricity fixed that. (current line on a wet tooth doesn't feel too good). I have heard that putting aluminum foil on the wires (things that they tend to chew), helps. It doesn't feel real good on the teeth for some reason. Also, try bitter apple, cyanne pepper (spelling) or a very strong sented citrus spray. (such as orange oil). Cats do not like citrus smells. Try peeling an orange around your cat, they do not like it, and scruch their noses, and go the opposite direction. I have used mouse traps on top of my aquariums to scare them with the sound. This has worked, but you HAVE to monitor the situation closely to keep them from getting hurt.
I hope this helps.

 

[kpptn]

great info blessedyo, was about to post a very similar post untill I read yours!

 

[jafrancis]

As mentioned by these other knowledgable members, getting him neutered is the way to go, not only for the spraying but other medical issues. Another thing that may help....many cats do not like dirty litter boxes (as you mentioned) so to combat this, you can either keep them very clean and the other thing I would recommend is adding multiple litter boxes in your house.
Now for the chewing issues....all the suggestions made are good...as we all know, all of our pets have unique personalities so figuring out why your cat is chewing on things may be difficult. Bitter apple and pepper on the things he is chewing may do the trick. other things to considered would be to put out some other toys for him to play with and a good scratching post or something along those lines may help as well.
For the toys, sometimes it is helpful to have many toys...3-4 toys at a time is good. Now If you have 10 toys what you can do is put 3-4 toys out then after a month or so rotate out 3-4 different toys and put the others away. Do this every month or so and this tends to keep them more satisfied then just leaving a lot of toys out at a time. Just like a kid when they get a new toy.
GOOD LUCK and GET HIM NEUTERED!!!!!!

 

[sinner's girl]

For the toys, sometimes it is helpful to have many toys...3-4 toys at a time is good. Now If you have 10 toys what you can do is put 3-4 toys out then after a month or so rotate out 3-4 different toys and put the others away. Do this every month or so and this tends to keep them more satisfied then just leaving a lot of toys out at a time. Just like a kid when they get a new toy.
I do this...only because I pick up all the toys from around the house once a week, put them in his jar, then get a few out...then I retreve them from where ever then end up. The balls end up under the frig and everywhere else. Though lately, he hasn't played with any. He likes to chase the flashlight (we do this with him daily).
He likes water...I doubt that would do. But I'll try. He goes in his cage when he's bad, husband has him trained on most issues. He doesn't like loud noises. That scares him. (He was outside in a shed during Katrina.)
So he isn't just spraying?
that's the only thing I'm worried about. The chewing will be solved when we move the computers from the living room...when Sinner throws him out...CNC mechince very expensive...more money in that than in my tank...it's gonna be hard to sell it with chewed up wires...
the other thing I would recommend is adding multiple litter boxes in your house.
Oddly, expect for once, he's only peeing on the carpet in my office, which is where is litter box is...I never close my door unless he's in the room. I keep the box clean, way better than I did growing up...we had one in the bathroom, but he makes such a mess with the litter. I've been buying whatever is cheapest and that'll change with box (plus walmart seems to always be out of litter). I'm going to switch to Fresh Step, and try to stick with that. thinking maybe he doesn't like the changes. But like I said, he poops in the litter box. Both times I've caught him, he box was clean. The first time it was all fresh.
GET HIM NEUTERED
we are, we were waiting for the money, now we're waiting for time, within the next we weeks he should be. Sinner's working on his final right now, then he has grading.
I have used mouse traps on top of my aquariums to scare them with the sound.
what if he get caught in the trap? soon the tank will be in my office...though I don't think he'll bother my tank (no fish to watch), he'll try to drink the water (that's another issue, him and water)
thanks!

 

[misfit]

I do know alot about cats , I have four and they are all males.I have only had male cats all my life.My sister is also a vet assistant.First, you MUST get him neutred ,esecially since he is an inside cat.If ,you do this before his first heat, he will never know the urge to spray (about 6months old) if, you wait til later and he has gone through his first heat, he may never stop spraying !!!As for the litter boxes, you should have a minium of 2-3 boxes per cat!!To you the box was clean but to his keen sence of smell ,it was not!! I have one cat that will pee in one box and poop in the other!!He wont do both in one cause he doesnt like the smell.Talk about finicky.Scoopable litter is the best too, cause you are able to get all the urine out ,with the other ,you can only scoop solids.With 4 cats ,I scoop the litter 2 times a day.The only other explanation of him going outside of the litter would be a urinary tract or bladder infection.Hope this helps

 

[jafrancis]

Male cats do not go into heat (only female cats do), so that won't be an issue for him....also you may want to clean the carpet that he is peeing on with Natures Miracle to get the smell out so he doesn't think it is ok to pee there. But in all honesty, neutering him may be the biggest help to your problem (sorry...wasn't meaning to yell at you in the last post, just wanted it to get your attention)...ALSO changing the types of ltter may be bothering him, so i would stick with one kind that he seems to like.

 

[misfit]

I know male cats dont go into heat but for lack of better word.Maybe sexual maturity would have been a better choice.thanks

 

[jafrancis]

I know that is not what you probably meant...but i couldn't help myself

Just trying to help!!!! trust me I have felt the rath of others bashing others on this site and NEVER plan to participate in that....everyone here has EXCELLENT info and unique experiences to add and to help eachother out. I have found that those who claim to know everything know the least....and there is ALWAYS something more to learn!!

 

[sinner's girl]

I got another litter box and fresh step, but I hate fresh step, too much dust and the boxes make a mess pouring it. Now I remember why I didn't get fresh step before.
i've cleaned the carpet with something, odor out...don't remember the name, then I put carpet powder over it.
But in all honesty, neutering him may be the biggest help to your problem (sorry...wasn't meaning to yell at you in the last post, just wanted it to get your attention)...ALSO changing the types of ltter may be bothering him, so i would stick with one kind that he seems to like.
I didn't think you were yelling, he'll be getting neutered as soon as school is out and grades are turned in, next week maybe or shortly there after.
I'll stick to one, but I'm not buying fresh step again, too much dust and mess... I have Tidy Cats scoopable right now (in the box in my room), it seem to scoop the best.

 

[mimzy]

Neutering him will definitely help - as has been run into the ground thus far

As for the litterbox issue, you'll have to take your time to figure out why he's avoiding using the box you provided for him. Perhaps it's in a place that does not have enough privacy to keep him comfortable, perhaps the litter medium you are using is too coarse/too soft/too smelly. Keep trying different mediums, but give your cat time to get used to each one you use. If you find he is more apt to use one in particular, stick with it.
Also, using Nature's Miracle (an enzyme cleaner) or any other enzyme cleaner that will eliminate all the particles of urine your cat leaves in the carpets will help as well. Cats will often urinate in the same places over and over again; when they smell urine it triggers a in them the urge to spray or urinate again. Getting the smell out might help to keep your cat from urinating in the same place.
I also suggest taking him to a vet ASAP - this might be a physiological issue rather than a behavioral problem. He could have any number of internal issues that could be contributing to the problem. Rule those out first, and then getting your vet's help with the behavioral issue will be a breeze.
As for the chewing of electrical cords, I have two words for you;
Double-sided Tape.
Cats absolutely LOATHE the feel of stickiness under their paws. Cover your cords with double sided tape and it won't take log before your cat looses interest in them completely.
Spraying him with water every time you catch him doing something wrong is tricky... it's only effective if you get them EVERY TIME they perform an unwanted behavior, and they also cannot under any circumstances know that it is YOU doing the spraying... otherwise the only thing the cat will learn is not to preform the behavior in front of YOU.
So; double-sided tape, and ruling out any medical issues before going nuts with trying to adjust your cat's behavior.
Hope this was helpful... do keep us posted, and congrats on becoming a tom-cat mommy!! :jumping:

 

[sinner's girl]

double-sided tape sounds less mean to me.
He's going to the vet next week.
otherwise the only thing the cat will learn is not to preform the behavior in front of YOU.

Yep, that why we didn't know he was chewing wires, expect for one night when we were sorted a whole bunch out, I never saw him play with any.
Now...anyone know how to get him to drink water from a bowl? (that doesn't have fish in

 

[blessedyo]

These guys know a bunch! Where were you when I went through this?!
Neutered is the way to go... like one person said, medically and bahavioral are the main reasons to. You may be able to get a neuter done by P.A.W.S. or the Humane Society, or whatever your local animal society is. Some verterinarians offer discounted surgeries, vaccinations...etc. You may want to call around. This surgery is outpatient, ....you can take him in the morning, and then pick him up after work.
Also, I have to say that I LOVE my litter maid. It keeps it clean in between our cleaning it. The cats are really specific about smells, and this is a must. I also use "ever clean" with the litter maid, and it clumps very well.
Like one other person said, make sure you use those products that will break down the urine with enzymes. Cheap products, and most household products will not do it. Cat urine is REALLY STRONG! (I am sure you know this by now.. lol

)
I also agree with changing out the toys. I have to do this with the dogs as well, AND the kids. lol

Good luck.
:cheer:

 

[sinner's girl]

I have to say that I LOVE my litter maid.
The thing is...I can get a litter maid $75 or a refractormeter $50 which I've wanted for awhile now. (I curently have a fish fund, but no cat fund...lol) When I moved out of the house my mom got a litter maid for my two cats (they've always shared one box). My goofy cats are indoor/outdoor but will come inside to use the box. TWO will sit at the back door and wait to be let in, then go striaght to her box.
. You may be able to get a neuter done by P.A.W.S. or the Humane Society, or whatever your local animal society is.
Ah, so I don't just take him to his vet?
About toys, although I do switch them out, sort of. I pick them all up, and give him one till I run out and have to find them all. He seems to like feet right now, and boxes and the flashlight, in the mornings before I go to work and when we come home or before bed we play with the flashlight (he chasing the light..catches it, 'kills' it, and continues.)
Thanks everyone...

 

[92protruck]

If after you have exhausted all of the above and find that this cat still won't use a litter box, you may look into a psycological/anxiety disorder. A common behavior in cats that have an anxiety issue/skiddish is urinating everywhere but the litter box. The hurricane may have caused such an issue. There is alot of info on the web about anxiety and refusal to urinate in a litter box. There are behavioral specialists that can prescribe drugs such as

[hr]
, clomicalm, clomiprimine, fluoxetine (prozac), amitriptyline, paroxetine (paxil), and a few other serotonin reuptake inhibitors. You can have your

[hr]
make these drugs into transdermal creams or liver flavored chews for cats that are too smart to take a pill. I have had success with most of the above but the prozac worked miracles in my house. My cat is no longer on any meds and will urinate primarily in the litter box and occassionaly on wee-wee pads I have right next to the litter box.

 

[sinner's girl]

if anyone going on prozac it'll be us...
but thanks for the heads up...he was only a few days old, if that when the hurricane hit, but he didn't have a mom. This is a new problem, so I'm guessing it isn't the huricane. But that's good info!
He's using the new box I set up. this morning I saw him looking, and stiffing, and knew what he was going to do, I put him in his box, he looked at me, then layed down, and was kinda crying. he walked around again and tried to go to the corner, I put him in his box, he layed down. I had him locked in my room (with the box and food and water) but took him down the hall to the bathroom and put him in that box, he looked at me, I left and waited and he used that box. I'm thinking, he doesn't like going in one for both right after the other. Like he poops in his box and has to pee, he doesn't want pee in it. at least that's what it seem like, maybe the waste is too fresh...

 

[newreefers]

This is going to sound strange, but.... We have 3 cats and one of them wouldn't use the litterbox, went through pretty much of what you are going through. Finally figured out that the cat didn't like the depth of litter in the box. Ended up buying a under the bed storage box from rubbermaid and used it for a litterbox. One half of the box has about 3 inches of litter, and the other half has about 1/2" of litter. The cat didn't like the deep litter, but uses the shallow end of the pan with no problem. Also used a litter with no dust.

 

[sinner's girl]

SInner picked him up this morning, all he wants to do is hide! as soon as he came home he (kitty) opened a cabnet door and hit for a long time. When I got up, he was in the litter box (he doesn't go at the vets...) and then he ate a little. He layed with me on the couch but once I got up he tried to go to my closet (where he hides when it rains), only since he has stuff all over him, I don't want him on my clothes. he hid under my chair on his blanket for awhile, then under a bookcase...just now he was crying at the bedroom door (he want my closet).
We'll see what happens. This all started the last time he went to the vet, I was told he could use litter, had to use newspaper (kitty was declawed), he'd have none of that! before that, he always went in his box.
He looks so sad...trying to find places to hide...I bought him a new toy and treats (hey, you get spoiled in my family), he just looked at the mouse (ugly mouse, moves around)...guess he's not up for playing...

 

[phixer]

Catnip?