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

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

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'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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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....

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...