I'm at a loss and I'm so hopeful someone has advice!
My approx 7 year old cat has been indoors most of her time with us (4 years). She does have a bad habit of peeing on items when she is unhappy (if we go on vacation, etc). Our household has grown to include a baby and another on the way, and a cat-friendly dog.
Through all that she continued to use the litter box, no problem. Then she started going outside part-time, and LOVES it. For 6 months now she has spent the majority of her time outside, coming in only to eat and get some attention then out again. She is visibly a happier cat! (She definitely would prefer to be the only queen of the castle).
But now it is winter...and we are seeing more rain. If she can't go outside due to weather (whether it be cold or raining or snowing) she eventually urinates in the corner of our house (and I'm sure I'll find other spots too given past experiences). We have a litter box, the same she has always used. She refuses to use it. No change in litter for years. I tried emptying it all and cleaning it - no change. I moved it several locations - no change. I think she is just stubborn. Again, she wants to be the only animal (and loves babies but not toddlers that want to pet her) - but obviously that situation isn't going to change.
We do have a detached garage where she can easily slip under the door for shelter - should I just put her carrier or a box filled with blankets for warmth and let her stay out there? I hate banishing her esp when it is cold but I have a toddler and am pregnant, 2 months out from having a second baby and honestly can't follow her around all winter cleaning it up without losing my sanity. Trust me, I go through a lot for this cat but have to set the limit somewhere. I want to do right by her...oh, and she has been to the vet and is in perfect health!
Advice please! Thank you!!!!
My approx 7 year old cat has been indoors most of her time with us (4 years). She does have a bad habit of peeing on items when she is unhappy (if we go on vacation, etc). Our household has grown to include a baby and another on the way, and a cat-friendly dog.
Through all that she continued to use the litter box, no problem. Then she started going outside part-time, and LOVES it. For 6 months now she has spent the majority of her time outside, coming in only to eat and get some attention then out again. She is visibly a happier cat! (She definitely would prefer to be the only queen of the castle).
But now it is winter...and we are seeing more rain. If she can't go outside due to weather (whether it be cold or raining or snowing) she eventually urinates in the corner of our house (and I'm sure I'll find other spots too given past experiences). We have a litter box, the same she has always used. She refuses to use it. No change in litter for years. I tried emptying it all and cleaning it - no change. I moved it several locations - no change. I think she is just stubborn. Again, she wants to be the only animal (and loves babies but not toddlers that want to pet her) - but obviously that situation isn't going to change.
We do have a detached garage where she can easily slip under the door for shelter - should I just put her carrier or a box filled with blankets for warmth and let her stay out there? I hate banishing her esp when it is cold but I have a toddler and am pregnant, 2 months out from having a second baby and honestly can't follow her around all winter cleaning it up without losing my sanity. Trust me, I go through a lot for this cat but have to set the limit somewhere. I want to do right by her...oh, and she has been to the vet and is in perfect health!
Advice please! Thank you!!!!