new cat urinating around home

by Kendall Allison
(North Platte, Nebraska)

We have a female cat, we inherited at the death of a loved one. She is about 3 years old, spayed, and indoors. We also have two other cats that spend a large amount of time inside. The problem is this female insists on urinating in a couple of remote corners in the house. It is driving me nuts and I am contemplating putting her down. I can't have this. There are two litter boxes and I put one near where she has been peeing. Do you have any suggestions.

Ken

Answer from Kate
Hi
Her behavior is completely normal for a cat whose circumstances have changes ie she is in a new home, she has lost her previous owner and now she has two other cats on her new territory.

She is not being naughty in any way but is simply trying to make her mark on the new home and also to try and make herself feel more settled in the home. Scent is very important to cats.

you did not say how long you have had her for. If it is very recent then i would try the confinement method for a week or so. this will help her to relax without the worry or the other cats. it will also give her time to learn to use the litter box. Then after a week or so you could try to introduce her to the other cats in a slow controlled manner using the carrier method. This allows the cats to get to know each other in a safe environment.

Both these methods are described here in more detail

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-litter-box.html - bottom of page

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/introducing-cats.html

If all else fails then please do not put a healthy cat down but instead try to find her a new home where she will be the only pet.

best wishes Kate

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