ferals peeing in their cozy cat beds?!

[wildgrace]

We're below freezing out here right now and I put out 2 weatherproofed carriers lined with cardboard and straw. They've been out there for a couple months now and I don't ever see kitties using them, but i stuck my hand in one today and it smells like pee!

Do I need to change their bedding or did someone just mark his territory so nobody else will use it? Is this a sign they are rejecting my carriers or are they rejecting them *because* the bedding is marked? Will nobody use it now that it smells like pee?

It's kind of a pain working on their beds and I don't want to change it out if they're just going to pee all over it again! Anyway, input appreciated.

wildgrace

 

[hissy]

they are marking it and claiming it as theirs to keep others out of their hidey hole. I always use straw or hay and switch it out about every 3 days for bedding so you are on the right track. You can also buy a cheap box of disposable dipers and line underneath the straw to catch most of the urine.

 

[momofmany]

I'm not sure what is cheaper - disposable diapers or puppy pads. I bought a box of 30 puppy pads for $5 at Target. They spread out flatter than diapers and absorb a lot of liquid. Agree with changing out the straw and that they are marking their territory.

 

[ldg]

The other answer you're looking for is yes - no one will use it now that it is marked. So changing the hay or straw frequently is essential. It also helps avoid flea and other pest problems in warmer months.

 

[lotsocats]

I also spray down the house with an enzymatic spray, though I don't know whether that will work in freezing temps. I have found that this behavior stops several weeks after they have been neutered. Have you been able to trap and neuter these ferals yet?

 

[wildgrace]

Nobody's been fixed in that group yet. They are 4 calicos and possibly one tabby I've seen occasionally. I figured my chances of things being sprayed were low but I was wrong! P.U.!

Thanks for everybody's input. I changed the bedding.

wg