Stove Cat Box
My 3 year
old spayed female cat has been urinating in the electric stove burner
repeatedly for as long as we have had her. It took us a long time to
determine the source of the noxious and lingering odor produced when the
burner is turned on. And since we never catch her in the act,
disciplinary action other than tossing her outside seems pointless. It is
not related to the cleanliness of the litter or other obvious signs. She
was neglected and had produced several litters of kittens within a short
time when we adopted and spayed her. But her tenure is in danger in this
house with 3 other spayed/neutered cats and 2 young sons unless we find a
reasonable solution. I wouldn't write, but I have actually heard of
others who had the same problem!
Inappropriate urination has
plagued cat owners for centuries. Your cat may not understand that the
stove is not a cat box. She may not want to use the designated places
for a variety of reasons- bad smell, other cat's smell, wrong type
of cat litter for her, out in the open or intimidation by the other
cats. You should get her own cat box, with different litter. Place it
close to the stove, for you can move it later. Block her use of the
stove. You may need the help of behavioral modification drugs from your
veterinarian. You may need to keep her locked in a separate room with a
cat box for a week or more to help her learn what a proper bathroom
looks like.
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