three cats peeing issue in house/marking?

by Molly

We have three cats. We first had two, a male and then added a female. After about three years we added a third female. They were fighting and seemed jealous of the new female so we seperated the new cat from the other two in our home by closed doors.

Sometimes one of the original two will get through to the other part of the house. Amost always a fight starts or I find cat pee in closets on the floor and other places. They have actually cornered the new cat in her litter box before.

The new cat is very sweet. They all have their own litter boxes. Lately the original two cats are peeing and pooping outsied the litter box. The original two get plenty of attention as they are in the room where we relax and watch tv. Although I have seen them also fight.

I would like to open all doors and have them all be friends. They have been seperated for about 2-3 years now. Is it too late and could I expect some of the issues to resolve.

Thanks so much!

RESPONSE:

Keeping cats seperated can actually make the tension worse. They know each other is there no matter how many closed doors there are.
I would open all the doors and let them work things out. Make sure there are lots of hiding places and high up places so they can get away from each other. Also, if possible, place extra litter boxes so they all have a choice of where they go. Play with them often and keep toys handy to provide distraction when they start to pick on one another. Give them treats when they are in the same room and not picking on each other. Also, be sure to clean-up any areas where they have soiled completey to discourage repeated accidents. There will be some hissing, growling, slapping and chasing especially at first. Try not to let this upset you. Stay calm and act like you don't even notice. If you get upset, the cats will also get upset and the tension will increase. After they get used to each other and the newness wears off, things should calm down but it takes time so don't get discouraged.
Good Luck!

Donna - House Full Cats Mom