Is it a coincidence that since male cat died our female cat keeps urinating?

[scraggy]

Very sadly our male cat died about a month ago and since then our female cat has been understandably very quiet. However, about a week after his death she started urinating in the house. She is an outdoor cat and normally urinates outside, she has easy access to the catflap. I am worried that she may be depressed and I am wondering whether I should get another cat to replace him to keep her company. Can anyone help please?

[Frenchy]

Same thing happened to me , with my 2 previous cats. The male died and the female started to pee everywhere. You have to take her to the vet to make sure this isn't a urinary track infection. If it's not (like for mine) there are meds out there for this , if it's only a behavioral problem. They have "valiums" for cats , but I don't remember the name.

[scraggy]

I will definitely take her to the vet to get her checked out for an infection and possible tablets to help. Did you on either occasion get a second male cat to keep your female happy? and if you did, did it stop the urinating?

[Love4himies]

In your female cat's eyes, you can't replace that male cat. Getting another cat will not guarantee that your kitty will not continue to be drepressed and miss her companion. In fact, there are no guarantees that they will even get along.

I think what she really needs is extra loving from you until she gets over her companion, then you can think about getting another cat. And, of course, the vet visit to make sure it is not a health issue.

Good luck.

[14+kitties]

A vet visit is most definitely in order. You want to make sure, as Frenchy said, to make sure there is no underlying reason for the urinating in the house.

You could also try to put a litter box in the house for her. She may not like the cold weather if she is getting older. I sure don't! It wouldn't add hardly any extra time to your cleaning in a day and would probably help her.

As L4H said, it is not always easy to "replace" a cat. They form a deep bond over the course of years. One that is not easily broken. She is probably mourning, as we do. If you decide to get anouther kitty then wait a while. At least until you know she has no underlying health issues. Then great idea to get another kitty. Better idea to make them indoor kitties.

You would need to do a slow introduction to each other. Keep them in separate rooms to sniff each other out, exchange sleeping blankies, exchange rooms in a day or so so they can explore the smell up close, let them see each other after a week or so but not be able to get to each other, if all goes well you can try them in the same room for a short time. 5-10 min. Increase the time each day until you feel comfortable they are safe to leave together. It can take a long time for cats to feel safe with another cat in their home. Sometimes they never do.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by scraggy

Did you on either occasion get a second male cat to keep your female happy? and if you did, did it stop the urinating?

No I didn't get another cat to keep Missy company. She was always anti social and would not have been ok with a new cat.