I want a cat...Do they crap everywhere?

[jellybelly]

I moved into a fully renovated apartment 3 months ago...new cabinets, tiles, sink, toilet, tub...you get the point...
I also paid for an installation of white, plush carpet. Yes...I said WHITE carpet...gorgeous carpet:loveya:

The problem is that I want a cat. My bf says a cat will pee and crap everywhere. Is it humane to leave a cat in the kitchen only? I could never let him in any other room...Or is it fine to let a cat roam free throughout the apartment after he pooped out a big dookie in the litter box?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. cats do not pee everywhere ...they pee and poop in litter boxes

[tjdee]

2. Cats pee everywhere? No way. My 10 week old goes only in her box.

She's been doing that for awhile.

I've never had a cat that crapped everywhere.

Does your bf think you want a DOG? :)

I don't know if unneutered male cats spray like male dogs--but as I said, they know where they're supposed to go.

[KG]

3. they prefer a litterbox

have had cats before - the only place they went was the litterbox

now dogs, on the other hand, will piss and crap anywhere.

[Maddy McCall]

4. Only if you close the door to the room where the litterbox is.

I forgot to open the bathroom door yesterday. My kitty pooped in a sack of quail food I have in the kitchen. Hey, it was the texture of her ltter, so she did the right thing, at least she thought. I doubt the quails will agree, though. :-)

[politicaholic]

5. Cats are cleaner than your boyfriend most likely.

Let it roam, give it love, and you will have a wonderful pet.

[jellybelly]

9. but ithink of the white carpet....

There's a gorgeous stray cat constantly begging for food outside of the house...My bf won't let the cat in...He promised that he'd get me a cat after we moved in...The white carpet changed his mind.

[politicaholic]

17. Get a white cat.

[jellybelly]

19. Do they piss and crap white substances?

They stray cat is white:loveya:

[politicaholic]

29. No, but they think clean thoughts and make a great hat (if trained).

[amandae]

68. lmao

:D

[candy]

Get a cat and get rid of the boyfriend. Sounds like a control freak.

[jellybelly]

24. No...I'm the controlling one

:silly:
I'm also worried about the cat ruining the carpet...that's why I'm asking the experts on cat pee and poop for advice.

[Medium Baby Jesus]

25. Oh yeah. that's a great answer

You must work as a counselor.

:eyes:

[DELUSIONAL]

16. This was the BEST answer.

You forgot "give it a litter box".

My new cat was trained to use shredded newspaper -- he will also use cat litter.

My old cat (bottle fed and raised by a dog) only uses a litter box -- he's 14. He's never had an accident in all those years. In those 14 years my husband would have destroyed a white carpet when he forgot to take his shoes off at the door instead of walking to his chair.

Dogs have had accidents in the house -- especially when they were puppies. Even as babies my kittens used the litter box.

Dogs drool and cats rule.

[Blue Diadem]

6. Every Cat I have had

has pissed on something. Even the one I have now...If I am not home by a certain time...she will piss on something. I have never had a problem with any of them pooping outside of the box though.

[jellybelly]

14. so they piss everywhere?

That's what my bf said...even if the cat had a litter box, he'd want to mark his territory..

[Blue Diadem]

22. Yes even if they don't at first

This one is about 3 years. The male I had was actually better, but I had one that would pee on anything plastic..got up the the table and pissed on a bag with a new pair of jeans in it. This one will be on my bed if I am not home by about 11. But other than that she's fine.
I have one of those automatic litter boxes because she's won't use it if she's used it once already.

I think it all depends on there personality.

[jellybelly]

28. everyone is telling me different things....

I guess I'll bring the cat in, leave him in the kitchen for awhile to see if he uses the litter box regularly...then I'll gradually let him run free...I gave myself the best advice...You're all idiots:silly:

[livinginphotographs]

26. Not true!!!!!!

Keep the box clean, they'll pee in that.

Don't leave box-like objects around (empty shoeboxes, etc.) Neuter/spay the cat. They won't piss anywhere they're not supposed to.

Seriously, you're better off with a cat than a dog for this sort of thing.

[Blue Diadem]

36. I don't know..

My father used to say that all cat pee on things. I didn't beleive him. But they do. I think most people just don't find it because they don't crawl around where the cat has been.
And all of mine have been neutered/spayed. I think it was after which I encountered the problem with the female.
I would agree that they are better than a puppy.

[livinginphotographs]

38. I've had cats my whole life.

They have never peed on anything that wasn't my fault somehow (not properly cleaning the box, leaving out prime peeing-targets).

The most important thing is to CLEAN THE CAT BOX!!! Cats will pee on things if they don't have a clean box.

Seriously, cats are neat-freaks. They like things to stay clean and the same. If you change something, or don't clean the box, they will pee all over the place. Keep it clean and the same, and you'll have no problem.

My two cats have NEVER peed on anything, and one was a stray that learned to use the box after a couple of days.

[tk2kewl]

37. I have had female cats that pissed on carpet

but my neutered male cats do not

[Be Brave]

7. Cats use the litterbox.

Many do shed. And they do like to look out windows (if an inside cat) and some like to snuggle in bed. So if your priority is your white carpet, then maybe don't get a pet.

[CelticWinter]

8. They use the litter box

I have 11 cats and 5 kitty boxes going and never have a problem with them going on the floor. I raise himalayans and you should see the babies at about 4-5 weeks old using the litter pan, they are so cute looking like the big guys doing their thing.

[mike_c]

33. himalayan kittens? against my better judgement...

...we must talk. Check my references: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2411040

[MidwestMomma]

10. Your bigger problem could be the gakking up of hairballs...

White carpet plus cat gak could be a problem :)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

11. Last cat I had (and I MEAN the last) pissed along every inch of baseboard

in the house. It would crap in the box but insisted on continually marking its territory.

For me, they are great mousers and outside pets.

[StaggerLee]

12. yes they do!

heck they'll even crap on the ceiling if they get the chance!

:D

Actually if you train them properly they'll use the litter box.

[Sandpiper]

13. Your bf must have been thinking dog when he said cat

Give your cat a litter box and they'll do their business in there as long as you keep it clean.

If you get a tom, be sure and get him neutered or he will spray when he gets older.

[tjdee]

15. I never understand people who get animals and keep them in one space.

I don't get people like that. They get dogs, keep them outside, or only in one room, or whatever.

Why couldn't you let the cat in any other room?

Plus, cats, unlike dogs, can jump over/get through/go under whatever you think you're blocking your kitchen off with (unless it's got a door).

I missed that in my first post, and now that I read your post again, that's got me scratching my head.

[jellybelly]

18. I'd block that pissing machine with a door...

the kitchen is huge...The cat will only hate the freezing cold tiles....:shrug:

[tjdee]

20. They don't piss ...

A door would work though. :)

[jellybelly]

21. but do you think it's okay

to only leave him in the kitchen?

[tjdee]

67. The cat won't be happy...but technically you *could*....

It'd be okay as in, the Humane Society and the ASPCA won't hunt you down...

but you won't get to hear it purr, have it sit on your lap, or snuggle with it unless you plan to spend most of your time at home in the kitchen. (Of course, you won't get kitten scratches either!)

I do think, after reading a lot of your posts here, that your bf won't be happy with a cat in any regard.

[koopie57]

34. I understand your dilemma

but even though I know you are a very nice person, it doesn't sound like it would be a nice home for a cat. He will never be able to cuddle and play "zooms" around the furniture. And they are very curious which I think is half the fun. A cat is a pet and sometimes gets sick, or a hairball, or poops on the side of the litter box. But that is just MHO.

[Pithlet]

42. I agree.

I think that anyone who is that concerned about a white carpet (and there's nothing wrong with that) should probably pass on a pet. It won't be a happy home for him/her. I didn't get a cat for the longest time for similar reasons, even though I adore cats. Then, my husband came along, and really wanted one. I decided f*ck the carpet and furniture, and got a cat. The love and companionship was well worth it, and the carpet and furntiure suffered minimally, although the carpet wasn't white.

[jellybelly]

46. I understand...

when my baby brother comes to visit, I cover the carpets with bed sheets...he occasionally throws up and spills milk everywhere. It makes my mom so angry but who cares? It's white carpet damnit!...that's why I'll leave the poor kitty in the kitchen:silly: That's if I let the stray in, which I probably won't do

[Pithlet]

64. That's probably wise

I'm definitely not slamming you for it. I understand all about the carpet thing. You'll just stress out about it, and the kitty will pick up on it, and I don't think confining a cat to one room is all that practical, if possible. A kitchen tends to be a well used room with lots of coming and going. I don't think that's a good thing to do to a cat, either.

[barb162]

62. you're absolutely right..if the poster intends to keep the poor animal

one room, don't bother getting the animal. It is NOT FAIR to the animal at all. Prison.

[livinginphotographs]

23. Cats are cleaner than dogs.

If you keep their box clean, they won't crap anywhere else. Cats are actually kind of neat-freaks.

[Ready4Change]

27. MOST cats MOSTLY use the litterbox.

Almost every cat will have an incedent once in a while. It may be pee, poo, or most likely vomit. Poo is actually the easiest cleanup. Vomit is often the worst, as it is often freshly eaten food, which often has food dyes.

Some cats, however, either have or develop issues, and it is from their owners you hear the horror storys. I've lived it, as for a while my house contained 2 male cats engaged in a pee war. We will be rectifying the damage from that, literally, for years. (Can't afford the $$'s to ddo it all at once.)

So, you're most likely to be ok. but there's a chance you'll get a monster, and there is also a chance that your BF will see minor cat issues as major ones.

So sorry, there's no clear answer.

[HeeBGBz]

30. There's always that possibility

Cats will crap where they want to. The thing is keeping their catbox clean and inviting enough to be the crapper of choice. My opinion is your white carpet would be at some risk. Once they use a spot, they often reuse it.

[The empressof all]

31. Do not bring in the stray

I also will go so far as to say do not get a cat.

Your boyfriend, you and the cat will never be relaxed enough to enjoy each other. Animals get sick, make mistakes, and on ocassion make messes and not always of the bodily function type. I had a cat who walked over a nubuck leather sofa after walking in green paint my daughter was playing with.

Not everyone is a pet person. That's ok. You need to be comfortable with the unpredictable when you add an animal to the family.

[jellybelly]

35. did I mention my bf hates cats?

he was willing to allow one in the apartment because I wanted one so much...maybe it is a bad idea...

[Longgrain]

40. You need a new bf

I think I got one in mind...;-)

[jellybelly]

48. who?

:silly:

[Longgrain]

58. Axel Rose...; )

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2400669#2401188

[jellybelly]

66. nice thread...

nice pics...;)

[JVS]

47. Perhaps it would be best not to get the cat

[Medium Baby Jesus]

32. The cat will likely have a few accidents

but if you keep a close eye on them, they are easy to train. It's not a bad idea to keep it confined to one area until it is trained.

[TNDemo]

39. My cat never ever poops or pees anywhere but the litterbox.

I had a dog that thought that the house was a yard and peed on the rugs. Drove me crazy. Had full access to the yard but would sneak to do it on the rug. I think every cat and every dog is different. Some are great - others aren't.

[grasswire]

41. good to know this about your BF now...

....before you decide that you want the ultimate mess-maker --- a baby!

Re: cats peeing. There is a new product available from veterinarians called Feliway. It's a spray or a plug-in that relaxes cats by mimicking the hormones they produce for purposes of marking territory. It's supposed to be 91 percent effective in stopping the peeing outside of the litter box, if you have a cat that does that.

[jellybelly]

44. That is a nice idea

I never heard of that product...My bf won't be satisfied with anything:shrug:

[The empressof all]

51. If you are serious about this boyfriend

Don't get the cat. It really is not a reflection of who he is as a person if he doesn't like pets. Some folks just don't. I have had dogs and cats but I would never allow a rodent of any kind in my house. Doesn't make me a bad person. (Although my daughter who is in Guinea pig love would disagree with me on this issue)

If you really want a pet talk with him about what he might find acceptable. Maybe he'd be open to a lizard.

Forget the kittie. If the relationship with this boyfriend doesn't last let it be for another reason.

[JVS]

43. They piss and shit in a box, then they dig around in it, then they climb..

onto the counter and various other surfaces that you would prefer to have be clean.

[B Calm]

45. Cats are the perfect apartment pet, but have it declawed.

[Medium Baby Jesus]

53. Never declaw a cat

It takes a few minutes a week to keep their claws trimmed.

[B Calm]

61. Better hope you have a cat that will allow you to trim their claws,

because most won't. Better go out and buy some used furniture because cats will use your good furniture as scratching posts.

[barb162]

65. and/or get a large scratching post. I do not believe in declawing.

Illegal, I believe, in England and more and more people here are seeing how cruel it is to declaw (cutting off the actual bone of the cat's toes to the first knuckle.)

[CornField]

49. Don't get an animal... and, for pete's sake, don't have children!

Living things are eventually gonna make a mess. They might get sick... or eat something that disagrees with them... eventually there's going to be an accident. If one isn't ready to accept that fact then, IMO, one doesn't need to be caring for other living things. I'd even recommend selling your houseplants.

[jellybelly]

52. LOL!!!!

my houseplants died:cry:

[Left Is Write]

50. Cats will not do their business where they're not supposed to unless

there is something wrong (they are ill or something has upset them).

[jellybelly]

54. so if my bf called the cat

a stupid fucking pissing machine he's get upset and actually piss everywhere? It'll happen...

[Left Is Write]

57. To be honest, he might. If there is a lot of animosity and hostility

toward the cat, he'll pick up on it.

I unfortunately had to rehome my beloved cat Gunder after my daughter (now five) was born. He was used to being the center of our attention, and for whatever reason, he simply could not adjust to the baby. He expressed his unhappiness by peeing in inappropriate places. Instead of getting better with time, he seemed to get more and more nervous and upset. He had to go live with a family that didn't have young children.

[jellybelly]

60. If I let the stray become my pet...

it'll be my bf lashing out and pissing everywhere...I'll stay with the cat in the kitchen and ignore him completely...

[sendero]

56. or...

... their box is dirty.

As a long time cat owner I can agree wholeheartedly.

Cats prefer a litterbox and will use it fastidiously if it is kept clean.

But - if they are really stressed out, not getting attention, being abused, etc., they will let you know by dropping a #2 in a very conspicuous place.

And - some cats can handle more stress than others.

[johnnie]

55. Not if you duct tape their ass shut

<ducks>
:evilgrin:

[bobo4u]

72. Takes about a month before they explode...

Then, talk about a mess.

:nuke:

[barb162]

59. keep the litter box super clean, get a female cat and you likely will

have no problem at all and can let her wander anywhere she wants. Get an extra large litter box, keep at least 2" of litter in it too or get 2 litter boxes.

[barb162]

63. 'Is it humane to leave a cat in the kitchen only' NO, you

wouldn't want to be kept in the kitchen your whole life, would you?

[yellowdogintexas]

69. one of the reasons cats will attack a baseboard, or a carpet

and pee all over it is because somewhere in the past another cat that once lived there did the same thing. They can smell it even if you can't. They HAVE to get the best of what they sense as an intruder.

If your carpet is new, there should not be traces of strange cat.

keeping the box clean or having outdoor access will keep them from indiscriminately turning your carpet into a litter box, if they are otherwise healthy and content.

A short haired white female cat would not show up on your white carpet.
Females are less likely to mark territory, and you want to spay the cat anyway.

I would recommend a kitten, female. Have her spayed at around 6 or 7 months. If you start trimming their claws when they are young, they get used to it and don't protest so much.

However, they will barf. They get hairballs, they can't help it.

Especially in hot weather, when they shed more.

If you are terribly anxious about the carpet, pets might be something you should avoid. You could get some beta fish of course.

[BikeWriter]

70. Get you a bear. They shit in the woods! n/t

[jonnyblitz]

71. I have some serious kitty pee/poop horror stories BUT

it was always my fault for forgetting how particular they are and they were just punishing me for breaking their stringent rules (ie, dont change types of litter and NEVER bring new kitties they don't like into the house). I have since learned to BEHAVE and I have had no problems.:P Seriously, if somebody in the household is not prepared to deal with possible inconviences then it's probably best not to be a cat owner because, if nothing else, cats puke. I also found a dead mangled mouse this AM on the living room floor.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

73. Just keep the litterbox available and the litter clean.