How can I remove the cat my mother loves even though she can't care for it?

Could kitty have his own UTI? I think that can cause that behavior in cats. Maybe a vet visit is in order. Another reason this happens is if cat smells another male cat-on a piece of furniture, or even on a new caregiver's clothing-doesn't have to be an obvious or urine odor. Could that be a possibility? If there might be a way to keep her beloved pet that is her "live in family" it would be good. I hope a vet visit solves the problem...

Is the litter box being cleaned daily?? and as was suggested, the cat may need to have a vet visit, cat's are normally very clean animals... so something is going on... please get this checked into before you remove the cat... I am a 'cat person" myself,,, and would hate to loose my girl ... so let us know what you find out... and I really hope your mom gets to keep her cat....

It really would be extremely sad for your mother to lose her pet if there is anything at all that can be done to resolve the unacceptable behavior. First, I'd try a vet.

As someone else said, first the cat litter box must be kept very clean.
Next, the areas that have been urinated on must be cleaned thoroughly with a strong smelling cleanser. After that, spray Lysol (linen scent is least objectionable) liberally where the cat has urinated.
The cat is doing this to mark it's territory or to complain about a dirty litter box. Or, she or he could have an infection. A vet visit is a good idea.
Don't break her heart by getting rid of her best friend.

Yes I wouldn't take the cat away either- my terminally ill mother gets what little enjoyment she has from her cat. If the cat is new to this place s/he will do this to establish his territory.

Please don't get rid of the cat!! That is THEworst thing you could do! I agree with the others about getting the cat to the vet, and keep the litter box clean. Also, your mom needs someone around who doesn't mind cleaning the litterbox,feeding the cat,etc.Before making any decisions,put yourself in your mom's shoes!!!

Please try everything to figure out what is causing the problem with the cat and correct it. Cat's don't usually do this without cause. Losing a beloved pet can really push you over the edge. My dog was lost for eleven days and I really went almost crazy, spent just over a thousand dollars to find him again and he is worth every penny of that to me.

As others have mentioned it could be something as simple as a urinary infection or a litter box needing better cleaning. If something has changed like the litter type being used or there isn't someone cleaning the box often enough cats will do that. Removing the cat could be devastating to your mother the more people are invested in a relationship with a pet the harder it is to lose them. Petsmart and most vet clinics carry things to clean carpets that neutralize cat urine and cleaning the spots also help cut down on possible repeat accidents. If having someone clean the box often enough is an issue they make self cleaning cat boxes now.

A male cat will spray if he is not fixed or if he was fixed when he was older. We have a male that continued to spray and our vet put him on a drug called Ovuban (I think that is the spelling) It is a hormone pill that will stop the spraying. It is usually given initially 3-4 days in a row then about once a week and he will pretty much have to stay on it. Cost here is about 8-10.00 dollars a month. It works. Kitty will calm down and all will be better.

I agree with what everyone has said. It would truly be devastating to your mother to lose this beloved pet. Having a pet around at this end stage of life provides so much comfort to the elderly and is actually proven to be healthy for them. Please follow through with the other's suggestions and let your mother have this source of comfort.

If she adopted the cat from a shelter or rescue, you could get in touch with their staff and explain the cat may have health or behavioral issues. They should be able to work with you to have it seen by a vet, evaluated for UTI or other health issues, and resolve the urinating. They can also help you plan for the cat's care if your mother passes.

I'm probably going to hear some heat for this but.....a few years ago we were in the same situation. My mother-in-law had a cat she could not care for and was allergic to. We placed the cat in another home and it totally changed her life for the better. People did not want to come and visit her due to the odor, her health was suffering due to her allergies. Now she gets more visitors (no smell) and her health has improved in terms of her breathing. She also claimed her cat was her only friend, but it came down to the fact that she simply could not care for it properly, which we did not feel was fair to the animal and the situation was adversely affecting her health. I think all of the comments listed are great ideas. I just thought I'd give another perspective through my own experience. Mother-in-law was upset at first, but has since realized it really was the best move since it really did improve her quality of life.

Everything the others have said about NOT getting rid of the cat is so true, and I sure hope you take the advice. My mother has a beloved cat. I clean out the litter box everyday for her, and make sure the cat is being fed properly and always has clean fresh water. If you live too far away to help with this, maybe the caretaker could see that the cat box is clean and has fresh litter frequently. If the caretaker won't do it, possibly you could find someone who will help with this chore, to help your Mom keep her cat with her, something that is so very important to her emotional well being!

I have the same problem only it is with my moms 2 small dogs. They are virtually destroying her home. Her hardwood floors have absorbed the pee odor and have to be replaced. I think there comes a point when pets need to be re-homed. The dogs have caused huge problems with my family. It is close to the time mom will have to move in with me, but I will not allow the dogs in my home

Shame on you.

PLEASE don't just throw the companion cat out..it has no way to talk to you..perhaps Mom is making it nervous.
God's creatures. YOU just can't eject it for having to live there.
Needs Love too.clean the litter box for it..get GOOD CAT LITTER.
&PERHAPS IT IS THE FOOD..and make sure has CLEAN WATER.
Not to blame the poor cat.please. BETTER CAT LITTER, FOOD, CLEAN WATER.PLEASE.

Cat spraying can be, as others have said, a reaction to cat stress. I wonder if there are other cats in nearby apartments, or if the cat is hearing other animals, or perhaps seeing another cat out the window. They spray to mark their territory.
White clear vinegar -- buy it in a huge jug for a couple of bucks at any supermarket -- will go a long way to mask the odor of cat spraying. Put it in a spray bottle and use it where the cat has already sprayed, and that should help a lot. Changing the litter box regularly is also a great idea. Also, I second the idea to take the cat to the vet and rule out health reasons for this behavior.
If you go to the pet store, you will see also that they sell some pheremone hormonal products that enhance feline happiness. I used some of these -- even a gel that the cat would lick from my fingers -- to make my cats happier.
I hope that you all find a solution to what is making the cat so stressed out. As others have said, it would be hard for someone who lives alone to give up their only pet.
Rose

Absolutely do not get rid of the cat. Consult a vet and find out what is causing the problem and get it fixed. Taking a pet away from an elderly person who loves them is just a kind of torture for them, and it's the equal of taking a child away from them. Some of them will give up on you and die; I've seen that happen.
It might be inconvenient for you and you may think that the caregiver doesn't like doing that job. That is a part of the caregiver's job. If he/she doesn't like it, get another caregiver who understands the value of a pet to the elderly. Pets keep them healthy, reduces blood pressure, and keeps them emotionally engaged in life.
Plus, if you did this to your mother, she would never, ever forgive you.

if the cat must go let it come vist,that way your ma gets use to it being gone slowing,start by takeing the cat ., to the vet,and tell the vet may be he/her might be able to help.,the right answer is there some time we just have to look outside the norm .your ma well do whats she thinks is best for the cat,you can see were iam going with this,good luck,god bless!

When visiting independent care facilities that permitted pets, they also had the option of paying a fee for them to take care of the pets. Please look into that as an option. I would have given anything for my mom to have a cat to help alleviate her extreme loneliness, but she would have none of it. Obviously, there is a problem that has to be resolved, and its a real problem if it's gotten to the point that the cat thinks the whole room is his litterbox. I find the automated scoop litter box is very helpful. I cover the receptacle with a plastic grocery bag, and replace it once a week. (depends on cat size). Also I use an automatic 5 day feeder...and both make cat care much easier.

Please, please don't take your mom's best friend from her. Cats usually have urinary tract infections when they do what you are describing. Also, there is simple medication that can be given to help the situation. My dog helped me through learning that I have COPD even though I have never smoked. He is the one creature that loves me unconditionally, and your mother probably feels the same way about her cat. Best wishes.

I AM A LONG TIME EXPERT WITH THIS ISSUE!!! URGENT! PLEASE do not take away her cat, BUT, you can decrease the urination issue using PHEROMONES and the other things I am going to explain here! These calm a cat, and reduce urine marking and clawing. My vet told me about them, and they REALLY do work. More about that later. But, here's the full secret to solving the problem (and I've had to solve it many times, trust me), and preventing GUILT you will never get over (I know about that, too):
1. It can be a little expensive up front, but I would get the carpet cleaned (I like steam extraction type cleaning the best). Sears does best job I've ever seen - as I checked it before and after with UltraViolet light, and they search and pre-treat animals spots before cleaning, but they are pricey. Stanley Steemer does well also, and might cost less. Whoever does it, make them give you a solid quote on everything before starting. Failing that, maybe you can get help renting an extraction unit and doing it yourself, since AL apartments are small. But I don;t find that it's much cheaper once you buy the supplies. Also, if you can afford it, have them apply stain repellant (tell them it MUST be cat-safe, most are). Get mom and kitty out of the room for this experience! Bring a carry-case for kitty, and take them somewhere, because it takes about 8 hours to dry to be safe for elderly to walk on.
2. Then OF COURSE, the litter box must be cleaned daily, and if you can fit an extra box into room (i.e. one near bed, one in bathroom?), please do!!! That way, if a day gets missed, the cat has options. My four love to pick and choose from their boxes throughout house. I now use the new "Cat's Pride Fresh and Light Fragrance Free" (lots of funny ads on teevee, you've probably seen them, I buy it at Walmart to save money, GREAt stuff). do NOT buy deodorizer litters; many cats do NOT like chemical fragrance, and will AVOID using those litters, REALLY. I've seen cats get ready to enter a fresh box of deodorizer litter, sniff it, then turn around to go pee on the floor. Or, you can use the Arm and Hammer Baking Soda with no artificial scents, it's cheaper but I don't think it's as easy to clean as that new stuff - it clumps great, and my cats LOVE it.
3. If kitty still has an accident, and mom can't blot right away, the stain repellant will buy you some time. First, clean and check the litter for normal activity (you should see about 4-5 clumps of litter per day for most cats, plus their poop, of course). If it seems like there wasn't much litter action, use an UltraViolet light (buy at any large pet goods store), dim the lights as much as you can, and go on a urine search - it will bounce right up at you, like purple splashes! Then, use plain cool water - pour it on and BLOT dry, check with UV light again. Stain repellant should have made this work pretty well, which is why it's worth the extra cost to have it applied. Then, spray on a oxidizing spray on the spot(again, get at large pet store) like "OUT! Oxy-Fast Stain and Odor Remover" or something similar. You can use Febreeze, but it doesn't work as well. After that, the UV light usually shows an "all clear" with no more purple splashes. Then, the BEST part...
4. Have some Nutri-Vet "Pet-Ease Pheromone Plus Spray" or something similar (I've had best luck with this one, but there are others for sure) - it has calming pheromone extract, plus Valerian and St. John's Wart in it. Spray a light spray over the top of the previously stained area, just in case. ALSO, keep other items in the room sprayed, like kitty's favorite bed or sleeping blanket, and this decreases the cat's need to do urine marking and keeps them feeling calm and confident. Often, cats use urine to mark because they are nervous about protecting their territory or loved ones, and even the Aide entering the mom's room is seen as a threat. If you keep kitty calm and secure (and provide some catnip toys to prevent boredom), it makes a huge difference in their behavior. If furniture scratching is a problem, or the cheaper pheromones don't work, invest in a tiny spray can of "Feliway" because boy, does IT work miracles (Vets totally will back me up on this). It is actual feline facial pheromones, which are very calming, and really prevents marking behaviors and scratching. But it costs a fortune. I use it on my furniture (no scratches! I spray scratching posts with catnip, and that's what they choose), and I use the cheaper spray on beds or places I want to be their comfort and sleeping zones.
I KNOW!!! This sounds like a lot, but once you equip the arsenal, you will easily follow these steps in your sleep, and stay on top of it, and can provide the BEST GIFT you could ever give your mother. Having to remove a pet from a senior is like having to take a baby from a new mother; it breaks their heart beyond imagining, and can adversly affect their health. Cats are proven to lower blood pressure, and improve mood and behavior in seniors - most nursing homes keep them around because of that, and have visiting animal therapy programs too. I have long experience both in that area, and with problem cats who, because of disruptive environments (often with other animal smells, which is why I always have carpet cleaned first), who refuse to use litter and go around marking. The above methods have NEVER failed me - so glad they have all these products now. Also, never use any ammonia cleaners anywhere, ever!!! Cats mistake it for pee, and feel the need to cover it with their own.
ALL THAT SAID, have the cat checked by VET for UTIs, as mentioned by everyone above! Also for diabetes which can cause excessive thirst and urination, and anything else they say. You can ask the Vet to read my advice here (I have many firends who are Vets, who very much agree with my methods, plus, they work!). and get more input. Also, if the cat was a Tom, and was neutered late, he may persist no matter what. I sure hope not.
I had to find a new home for my mother's dog. but it was because dogs need to get out, both for elimination needs, and to play. Her dog got neurotic, and besides being nervous being forced to pee/poop all over the floors because she never let him out, which he knew from early traing was wrong, he started sitting and staring up at her constantly, following her to bathroom door and sitting loudly whining until she came out, etc., and just losing his mind overall. She forgot to give him food and water, and if I missed a day, he was without them for too long. When it becomes about the animal's welfare, you have to make that choice. But, it still nearly killed me, and I can't even think about it now. Cats, thankfully, need very little, and CAN use their litter, if you follow all the above suggestions. PLEASE let me know how this turns out! Obviously, if you can stand to put forth this tremendous effort, you will be the HERO of everyone here!!!!!!!!!! Plus the hero of your mom and her cat - or even if not, your reward is in Heaven, right! And knowing you did the best you could in the thing most important to her during her aging, which is the hardest thing we all face.

Oh, and also - what "catwoman" said about the automatic food and water things (gravity fed ones can be great), and the automatic litter cleaner would be so worth the money, if she has it. And I heard what you said about living two hours away, so if you can pay anyone to do this for her, she'd probably prefer that to any other things she spends her money on. Okay, really, I'm done now!

Since you live only two hours away from your mom, make it a point to visit her regularly and when you visit her, then you can clean up the cat pee. Also set up more cat boxes around the apt. so the cat has more places to pee. I use shredded newspaper for cat litter because its free. I gather newspaper from my friends. But bottom line is that your mom needs that cat and you are being very insensitive by taking it away.

Please don't get rid of your mothers cat its her possesion and has every right to kep it I sugest that you or someone take the cat to the vet aaaand use arm and hammoer cat litter best litter to have i have 6 cats you dont even know i have them no odors i hope the cat is fixed. i'm a big animal lover i use to work as a vet tech. this wouild really breaqk your mothers heart if you took her cat away from her, use the litter i recommend and take her to the vet. give the cat sometime to also adjust to new surroundings also if shes missing the box when you clean up use some baking soda that will remove the odors in the house.. your mom would really be devistated tio her her pet taken from her have a hear t let her keep her pet. I would never tqke something aaway form ymom she lovedpets are therapy to the elders my mom didnt heve cats iwas her care taker i lost her a year ago.. your moms cat is very comforting to her . to take thaqt cat away she would be very heart broken i feel for her if that were to happen,.

GREAT ANSWERS EVERYONE! I agree, keep the cat no matter what, hire someone if you have to and get it to the Vet. A cat/animal is THERAPY and it would be devastaing to get rid of it!!!!!!

Your mom, the cat, and you need to find a solution as detailed above. I'd start with the caregiver and enlist her support to keep the cat for your mom's companionship. (Hope caregiver likes cats, even naughty pee shooters!) Have cleaners to clean the smell and see if vet can check the cat's health. Let's hope this will end happily for all.

PLEASE take the cat to the vet and get mutiple litter boxes if necessary. Cats don't spray for no reason. This cat is imprortant to your mom!..!!

you should take care of it for her if she loves that cat,let her enjoy it anyway she can, you take it to a shelter they will kill it.

Thank all of you for your kind input. We will visit the vet and I'll try to find someone who can help with the cat care.