Indoor senior neutered male cat started urinating on throw rugs

by Linda
(Mesa, Arizona)

A friend of mine has a beautiful long-haired, senior, indoor, neutered male cat, (isn't this an oxymoron? Male cats that are "fixed" are NEUTERED, females are SPAYED).

Anyway, he recently started urinating on her rugs. I told her that this new behavior is not spiteful or deviant behavior but is medical or mental behavior.

In observing him, I noticed that his fur looked un-groomed and oily. He allowed me to sit near him on the couch and pet him which surprised my friend. I like to think of this as a compliment since they say that "you can't fool kids or animals".

My friend is ready to have him put to sleep. Does anyone see this "new" behavior as a cry for help from this beautiful boy? Any suggestions about what should be done so that he doesn't have to face this fate?

My thoughts: I'm sorry to hear that your friend's kitty is having problems. You're correct, urinating outside the litter box can be due behavioral issues or quite often, an undiagnosed medical condition.

An oily or greasy coat could be a grooming issue. That is, as the cat has gotten older, he can't groom himself as well. It could also be a sign of a number of illnesses or conditions common to elderly cats.

Here is a list of illnesses and conditions that can cause an oily coat in cats.

Given that both the coat/grooming and urination problem could be medical in nature, I would suggest that a veterinarian be consulted with these problems in mind. Once a cause has been found, decisions on a treatment plan can be made.

I hope that helps and please update us on his progress.
-Kurt