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	Older Neutered Tom who is Messing in the House Q: I have an 11 year old neutered tom cat who has always been clean, but the last few months he has been messing and urinating all over my home. there is no specific place he goes, just anywhere.

A: The possibilities are physical or behavioural. 1/ At 11yrs old, neutered and male, he could fit the profile for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, especially urolithiasis or bladder stones. Many cats with urinary discomfort pee in odd places to call attention to the fact. This can need urgent attention if a blockage occurs so get him examined to rule this out first. Also, any physical illness which is affecting his health generally could cause a breakdown in normal behaviour, but there would be normally other signs as well. Rule out physical causes first, with a visit to your vet for a full health check up. 2/ Marking or inappropriate urination can indicate that a cat is feeling stressed about his territory or anxious about something. He's not really doing proper scent marking as he's not spraying up an object, so it is more likely anxiety, if it is behavioural, but I could be wrong. More background information would be required. See if you can think of anything that's upsetting him, in or out of the house. Changes in routine or new cats about, just about anything really, especially if the messing in the house dates back to it. It often takes an outside observer to pick up the influences on an animals behaviour, and here your vet will be able to advise on a local animal behaviourist who could come and help. You have let it go on for some time so, even if you get rid of the cause, you may need help to re-train him into using his litter tray again. If you need to get back to us, please give more information, but I think your own vet is likely to be the better source of help June Third-Carter B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S., Vet.M.F.Hom. for PetPlanet.co.uk

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