Litter box issues still! Please help

[Bindiandpumpkin]

So after having tried everything, moving the litter boxes, 8 different varieties if litter, a trip to the vets to rule out infection, I'm am still stuck as to why my girl sphynx (bindi) is still weeing everywhere. She has been spayed and although I thought that stopped the problem temporarily we seem to keep finding spots she likes to pee on. All are soft materials - clothing/the spare bedrooms/ a pillow in my partners office! We always try and keep the doors of the spare room closed but at any given chance she will sneak in and pee. I recently found online something called 'kitty boot camp' where you isolate the cat in a small room with their litter boxes and food. I was hoping for some feedback as to weather this works effectively or will upset her even further. Any other suggestions are welcome. We are at our wits end cleaning up after her! And where she pees my boy sphynx (pumpkin) follows. It's never pooping just peeing- and she does use the tray when she feels like it. I have 4 trays between both cats. I've got a black light to clean up any undetected areas. My plan was to try kitty boot camp and clean the whole house top to toe (4 storey Victorian house! :wideyed in hope that when she finally re alliterates with the tray, & all traces of urine will be removed preventing any temptations. Please help! :cry:

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Are you using a enzyme cleaner to clean with?
That's the only way you can get rid of the sent from them.
You can put her in a room with the litter box, food and water.
I would spend a lot of time with her thought. But, if you don't clean everything
with the enzyme cleaner, while she's in isolation, it won't do any good.

 

[Bindiandpumpkin]

Yep, enzymatic cleaner- I've read every Google page imaginable! I think the key is to find all the spots that I'm unaware of. I've honestly tried everything so I think isolation is the only way, I just feel awfully bad doing it! Would you recommend putting them both together in isolation?

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Well, they would do better together. Not be as stressed or lonesome.
Just, be sure to spend a lot of time with them. Play, snuggle, etc.
See if she does better using the litter box. I would make sure she has stopped, before, I, let them out. Then, make sure she still knows where the litter boxes
are. What type of litter boxes are you using? Sometimes, that can be the problem
also.

 

[Bindiandpumpkin]

Ok, yeah I think they'll get on better together as they're never apart! I've got 4 boxes - all different shapes and sizes. Two hooded which my boy likes to use and two unhooded one with with higher sides and one with barely any sides. I've noticed that she poops in one and pees in the other. So I've been cleaning/scooping them as regularly as possible. Let's hope this last hope works!

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin , Bless you for all your love care and patience..
I would not allow free unsupervised roaming-
I would "retrain" - make a "kitty room" preferably with a window - a room where you will leave the boxes permanent - set up the room with their fav boxes
Set up cat trees etc - and spend lots of time playing with a pole toy etc and a cuddle sofa or bed there too to read etc and let them snuggle with you..

I had a female years ago that oddly too used two boxes- one covered with unscented dust free litter and the other low sided uncovered with yesterday news pellets to poo... She would literally go from one box to the next- right next to each other.
I scoop several times a day and wash boxes out completely .. These have been the pickiest cats compared to any other I have had- I have to keep their boxes as if I just changed and cleaned them. After scooping , I sprinkle a little fresh litter on top..

I adopted a male Bengal stud years ago- I made the "kitty room " and trained him like a dog-
Praise as soon as he used to box
Treats on the floor in front of the box as soon as soon as he came out of the box.
Then treated randomly- I still do this with all kitties now

I let him free roam supervised only - when I saw him sniff- I picked his butt up and put him gently in front of his box-
He would go right in and piddle in the box- more treats n praise-
It became a game to him and we lived in peace after "kitty room" boot camp training
It was a lot of work but well worth it

My mom recently adopted a kitty that went outside the box- ruled out medical issues- we switched her to Dr elseys clumping unscented litter-
It was like magic - my mom said she has behaved ever since- this was the first time my mom used unscented litter.
You are dong it right with enzyme cleaners- if there are any walls "hit" there is a product call "Kilz" that I painted walls with redoing after enzyme cleaners in my first house I bought.

I would definitely let them together in "the kitty room" - make it fun and interactive and it won't be isolation-

Also, just a thought - are there outside stray cats hanging outside any doors or windows ?
And is pumpkin neutered?

 

[momdeeze]

Quick suggestion; you could also try adding a pinch of catnip to the litter box(es). It can help.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Did you try kitty attract litter?

 

[Toa and Ross]

Bless you for your patience. I don't have any advice to offer, cause I don't have a clue what else you could do. Really hope the tips of the others here will work!

 

[Bindiandpumpkin]

@Bindiandpumpkin , Bless you for all your love care and patience..
I would not allow free unsupervised roaming-
I would "retrain" - make a "kitty room" preferably with a window - a room where you will leave the boxes permanent - set up the room with their fav boxes
Set up cat trees etc - and spend lots of time playing with a pole toy etc and a cuddle sofa or bed there too to read etc and let them snuggle with you..

I had a female years ago that oddly too used two boxes- one covered with unscented dust free litter and the other low sided uncovered with yesterday news pellets to poo... She would literally go from one box to the next- right next to each other.
I scoop several times a day and wash boxes out completely .. These have been the pickiest cats compared to any other I have had- I have to keep their boxes as if I just changed and cleaned them. After scooping , I sprinkle a little fresh litter on top..

I adopted a male Bengal stud years ago- I made the "kitty room " and trained him like a dog-
Praise as soon as he used to box
Treats on the floor in front of the box as soon as soon as he came out of the box.
Then treated randomly- I still do this with all kitties now

I let him free roam supervised only - when I saw him sniff- I picked his butt up and put him gently in front of his box-
He would go right in and piddle in the box- more treats n praise-
It became a game to him and we lived in peace after "kitty room" boot camp training
It was a lot of work but well worth it

My mom recently adopted a kitty that went outside the box- ruled out medical issues- we switched her to Dr elseys clumping unscented litter-
It was like magic - my mom said she has behaved ever since- this was the first time my mom used unscented litter.
You are dong it right with enzyme cleaners- if there are any walls "hit" there is a product call "Kilz" that I painted walls with redoing after enzyme cleaners in my first house I bought.

I would definitely let them together in "the kitty room" - make it fun and interactive and it won't be isolation-

Also, just a thought - are there outside stray cats hanging outside any doors or windows ?
And is pumpkin neutered?

Pumpkin is neutered yes. And now you mention it we have had problems with a stray cat hanging around and defecating in our back garden. We have set up a kitty room in one of the spare bedrooms. I've done exactly as you have said and have a chair in there for me to go in for cuddle time. Along with all their favourite toys and large cat tree. I've put in two of her fave boxes with different litters in each. They're all in and I saw pumpkin go pee and rewarded him straight away. How long do you think it'll take until they can free roam? Thanks for the lengthy reply- it's good to know that others have been through the same situation and come out the other side.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin , sending positive vibes for success! I also put on TV or radio

Be sure Pumpkins fav box is In the kitty room too-

their fav boxes should still be set up where they are used to them -it may be wise to invest in multiple fav boxes and litters - especially in a multi 4 story house-

each floor should have boxes set up for success in my opinion and experience.

I dedicated time every day to supervise free roam- no distractions- 110% devoted to positive reinforcement-
I would do one floor at a time personally- that's a lot of house
Like dog training - set them up for success
The more you practice " boot camp" free roaming box n treat training may help decide on " how long"

I would also discourage outdoor kitties I your garden - perhaps some members have some nontoxic products tricks n tips for the garden

It could very well be partly territory related-

I commend you for your love and dedication
Don't give up! It will bring joy as you see successes and be encouraging! Make it a fun positive -
I compared it to potty training a puppy -
(I know my mans employee thought it was nuts to scoop all kitty boxes at least 4 X's a day - they laughed and said they scoop 1x a week- my reply was - do you flush your toilet every time or once a week ?
Cats can be picky- I know mine are- we just have to figure out their quirks

You are doing everything for success -looking forward to positive updates and let us know if you were able to get a non toxic kitty product perhaps for the garden- they may be reacting to the visual- so be sure to kitty proof the kitty room window too and see if the can see outside kitties from there

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin , sending positive vibes for success! I also put on TV or radio

Be sure Pumpkins fav box is In the kitty room too-

their fav boxes should still be set up where they are used to them -it may be wise to invest in multiple fav boxes and litters - especially in a multi 4 story house-

each floor should have boxes set up for success in my opinion and experience.

I dedicated time every day to supervise free roam- no distractions- 110% devoted to positive reinforcement-
I would do one floor at a time personally- that's a lot of house
Like dog training - set them up for success
The more you practice " boot camp" free roaming box n treat training may help decide on " how long"

I would also discourage outdoor kitties I your garden - perhaps some members have some nontoxic products tricks n tips for the garden

It could very well be partly territory related-

I commend you for your love and dedication
Don't give up! It will bring joy as you see successes and be encouraging! Make it a fun positive -
I compared it to potty training a puppy -
(I know my mans employee thought it was nuts to scoop all kitty boxes at least 4 X's a day - they laughed and said they scoop 1x a week- my reply was - do you flush your toilet every time or once a week ?
Cats can be picky- I know mine are- we just have to figure out their quirks

You are doing everything for success -looking forward to positive updates and let us know if you were able to get a non toxic kitty product perhaps for the garden- they may be reacting to the visual- so be sure to kitty proof the kitty room window too and see if the can see outside kitties from there

 

[ldlewis45]

I've been in your situation, and you have my sympathy. For my cat (now deceased), it was simply a texture preference, with a bit of "I don't want to go in dirty litter," and "You left me alone!" thrown in. I went through several years of misery with regular use of enzyme cleaners, adding litter boxes, changing litter types, constantly looking for pee, and shampooing carpets every month or so. I found that the only solution was that I couldn't have any carpeting or rugs, in the house whatsoever (I had moved to a new state and an apartment that had no carpet), not even a bathroom mat. That cleared the majority of it up, but there were still occasional instances where he'd urinate on the bathroom floor if I left him and my other cat alone for several days at a time, or if he thought the litter wasn't fresh enough.

I hate to say it, but sometimes there are no solutions. My cat wound up becoming ill and having to be euthanized before I had to make any hard decisions about his future due to the litter box issues, but it was coming. I needed to move closer to work, and wasn't able to find another affordable rental without any carpet. I couldn't find a rescue that was able to take him, couldn't imagine lying to any potential adopters, and I couldn't face living again like I had before. I was constantly examining my apartment for pee, had 5 litter boxes for 2 cats in a 1 bedroom apartment, was seemingly constantly soaking the carpets with enzyme odor removers, waking up in the middle of the night to see if he was peeing in the corner of the bedroom, could never have anyone come to the apartment, etc. It's a miserable experience.

 

[Bindiandpumpkin]

Thank you all for you ideas and positivity. They've had their first night in the kitty room and so far so good. I went round last night with the uv back light and to my surprise it wasn't so bad - a few spots in her usual spaces so I'm adamant with lots of thorough cleaning and treat training we will come out the other side. She is one of the sweetest cats I've met and I definitely won't give up on her! Supervised free roaming will be a good starter once I feel comfortable that she's litter tray trained once again I also think maybe she's fussy with how often the tray is cleaned. Almost immediately after changing/scooping them she pops in and relieves herself! Feeling positive, thank you, @Idlewis45 thank you for your message. Sorry to hear about the passing of your kitty, I pray this works for me as I don't think I could face rehoming her either :cry:

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin , I agree they can be very fussy with box hygiene- they have been the fussiest breed I ever had with boxes- I scoop constantly 4 plus times a day, just a teeny spec of wee clump left in to keep it a positive place- I sprinkle a little bit of fresh litter on top and wee they go!
They literally watch me scoop and I am telling you there is maybe one or two clumps in it- they sit right next to me and jump in as I scoop it!

The treats and immaculate boxes with no scent litters really did the trick with my Bengal boy years ago-
The supervision has to be 110% - no distractions- if you see them sniff an "ah ah" - lol Buddha would talk back to me! And game over- back to kitty room calmly and place near box and wait till goes in and pees - treat immediately-
It is hard not to yell but try to stay calm and firm-

Set them up for success and try to retrain and figure out what makes them tick-

and like @ldlewis45 brutally honestly took the time to describe all the love and patience , sometimes there are just pee pee cats ..

Please know we are sending positive vibes for success!
Do not allow free roaming especially with four floors at a time
Take it slow and keep treats and immaculate boxes and one day at a time

Ps- give head smooches!love the adorable pic together!

Found this earlier post too

http://sphynxlair.com/community/threads/litterbox-issues-help-from-my-feline-specialist-vet.9221/

 

[Bindiandpumpkin]

Thanks so much for all your help and advice. My partner went in for cuddle time earlier today and witnessed this. This is her having a wee in one photo and a poop in the other.. Would you suggest keep trying other litters? Can shredded paper work as a litter? I think it could be hurting her feet?

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin , all paws clapping for progress! Whatever litter she just used - I would stick with it!
I would make up the other boxes same style and litter throughout each floor -
And of course watch for which pumpkin prefers! Mine see to " claim " their own boxes and styles

No free roaming yet... Lots of verbal praise treats !

I personally would not be switching to newspaper ...they like a routine and this seems to be progress!

Fwiw, I have had kitties that prefers to stand on the box edges for potty time

 

[Xandria]

My hat is off to you with your efforts. I have no experience to add, but I do send you positive vibes and am sure with your constant love and support, Bindi will be litter trained again.

Everyone here has given such great advice!

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin , checking in on updates- hoping for good news, progress

I chatted with a friend and she uses a product I never heard of called icky poo -

 

[Bindiandpumpkin]

@Bindiandpumpkin , checking in on updates- hoping for good news, progress

I chatted with a friend and she uses a product I never heard of called icky poo -

Oooh I'll look into it. I've finally found a litter they both like and will use. After so much trial and error. I had four different litters in 4 different sized boxes. And rotated. It seems that they avoided the litter and not the size/shape of the tray. They have been in the kitty room for nearly a week now, I go in and play with them as often as I can! I think I will start the supervised roaming in the next couple of days and see how it goes. I hope I've managed to clean all the spots that she had been peeing in too. I think I'll have to watch them closely. One more thing- bindi gets lots of brown eye gunk that I need to wipe twice a day (which she hates ), sometimes they are huge, pumpkin barely gets any eye gunk. Could this be stress related or is it normal? Maybe she's stressed and that could've been a reason for the litter box issues?? That's for all the help

 

[Yoda mom]

@Bindiandpumpkin Good news on the litter liking discovery! Yah! Keep multiple boxes on all floor levels with the preferred litter-

http://sphynxlair.com/community/threads/sphynx-pooping-or-peeing-outside-the-litter-box.24319/

Treat when they go in the box exploring even if they haven't gone yet- then big praise n treats when they go in each box- I would do like you said with supervising especially watching any cleaned spots-
If they sniff there- gently pick up kitty and put gently in front of nearest box and praise treat

Progress!
I don't know much about brown eye boogers - we get a little bit here now and then-
I wipe with plain warm water baby wash cloth- I found less eye boogers if I wiped faces this way every few days
hope others will chime in- click on the triangle marked help center box itself too for articles there
You always want to watch out for green yellow eye boogers which can be a sign of infection.

 

[Xandria]

Congrats on finding a litter solution. Experimentation can be prolonged and painful, but it's the only way. YAY!!! Congrats!

As for eye boogers... it seems to me that every cat has its own kind of booger. Sometimes I wonder if it's diet related or environmental. Hopefully someone has some answers in that regard.