Cat is spraying/peeing on furniture/floor...

[xmelax35]

Hello! We have had this cat for years. He is about 7 years old.  He has been neutered years ago. However, this might be just a coincidence but there have been these cats hanging outside (they seem to find us and know we will feed them, lol). Anyway, our cat has been spraying/peeing too on stuff.  First of all the smell...is just gross we have tried everything to neutrilize it (any suggestions?).  Anyway, we have no idea why he is doing this. He is in perfect health. We forgot to ask the vet the last we had him there about it, because we had other cats there too...it was a pretty busy time there.  So anyway, any suggestions? He has been wanting outside really bad. He acts like he is in heat or something. He is marking his territory or something too.  We just don't know what to do. We don't want to get rid of him. He goes in the litter box so that is not the problem.  We need help. We love him a lot but we don't want this smell to keep coming.

Thank you ahead of time.

[xmelax35]

Thank you so much. I will definitely use this advice. It is very helpful!

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

Cats spraying urine is a common problem but have no fear...we are very good at dealing with it. First off good job bringing this to our attention early. Too often a well meaning cat owner comes into my hospital and explains there cat has been marking his territory for years and now they cant handle it...by that point it is often too late.
Call your veterinarian and explain you were recently there and forgot to mention this problem, hopefully they wont need to charge you for another examination. They likely will wish to run a urine sample just to be sure it isnt an infection issue. Otherwise what you are describing is termed "misdirected aggression". Your male cat is upset with the other cats outside and is showng his stress this way. Blocking his view of them will help, make sure you have multiple litter boxes, ideally one more then the number of cats you have...if thats possible. There is a great item called Feliway you may want to look into. Lastly, your vet may prescribe some amitryptilline to help reduce the temporary anxiety your cat is experiencing. Good luck!
Dr. Cliff