I just posted a topic on this cats hotspots...but he also uses the bathroom on the couch...#1 and #2. I'd read all over the internet that if they don't use the box they usually have something wrong with them and to take them to the vet. So I took him to the vet...he said he could find nothing wrong with him and that it could be behavior problem. What can I do to help him understand that the couch is not a toilet?? He's used the litter box previously with no problem, but now seems to do it out of spite!! I don't want to find another home for him because I'm this guys third home...nobody ever told me why they were giving him up. I hope this wasn't the reason. HELP ME!!

My male cat does #1 on our couch(s) too. We've been through a few now, ever since my father passed away a couple of years ago. I had a pet sitter come to my home while I was out of state taking care of funeral arrangements and things. I was gone for two weeks. When I returned he had peed on the couch... and he does it all the time now, ever since then. I was sure he was angry with me for leaving, he probably thought I had abandoned him. I can't get him to stop though!
He's never done #2 anywhere but the potty box though. Thank God!!! Our vet says he's healthy too. He's just got an attitude problem!!!
I can't get rid of him either (otherwise he'd probably be on his third home by now as well). I tried everything I can think of... cleaners, used special sprays that were made to detour him, profesional carpet cleaners with special pet solutions, dry cleaned the covers, put pee pads down under couch slip-covers (so I could machine wash the slip-cover). Nothing has stopped him. It sometimes makes me CRAZY (I'm a bit OCD) and I NEED things clean and smelling good in my house! I've thrown out a few couches already. Everyone tells me to get rid of him, I just can't do it. He's a great cat in every other way.

Finally, I bought the most durable, black, leather couch I could find. I feel better now, but he still has not stopped. At least now I can wipe it down and clean it up. That's the best answer I could find. If anyone has a better idea that I have not tried, short of getting rid on my cat, I'd love to hear it.

I don't know if I've helped you at all, sorry. But at least you know you are not alone. (even though no one else has replied)Well, maybe we are the only two??? just kid'n, lol

Couple questions: Is he neutered? Has anything changed in your home? Are there any cats outside he may see? Is he strictly indoors?And is he still using his littter box? Is the couch the only spot he is using besides the litter? Is his poop normal-loose-stinky?Is he peeing normally or more or with difficulties?

What you can do if it's a behavioral problem (excluding medical issues like intestinal parasites, infections, inflammations, urinary problems, endocrine problems): First make sure his cat litter is always clean. U can try to change the substrate as well. Covered versus open box. Also could put the litter box on the spot on the couch where he is pooping. U have to make sure he doesn't smell his duties from the couch anymore-can try some enzymatic sprays to claen it to dissolve the odor.
Or try Feliway (it works best for my cats, my males used to spray all over the house, it was really unbearable but I didn't want to keep them locked in the room). I bought Feliway plug-in (cost around 21 $ and lasts for month) it's cat's feromones and works very good for lots of cats. People don't smell it so it's completely innocent and has absolutely no side effects for cats. U can also use Ssscat™ (motion-activated device that sprays the cat with a harmless but unpleasant aerosol). Alternatively, you can put out an “unwelcome mat” for the cat by placing foil, plastic wrap, or upside-down vinyl carpet runner on the couch.

Couple questions: Is he neutered? Has anything changed in your home? Are there any cats outside he may see? Is he strictly indoors?And is he still using his littter box? Is the couch the only spot he is using besides the litter? Is his poop normal-loose-stinky?Is he peeing normally or more or with difficulties?

What you can do if it's a behavioral problem (excluding medical issues like intestinal parasites, infections, inflammations, urinary problems, endocrine problems): First make sure his cat litter is always clean. U can try to change the substrate as well. Covered versus open box. Also could put the litter box on the spot on the couch where he is pooping. U have to make sure he doesn't smell his duties from the couch anymore-can try some enzymatic sprays to claen it to dissolve the odor.
Or try Feliway (it works best for my cats, my males used to spray all over the house, it was really unbearable but I didn't want to keep them locked in the room). I bought Feliway plug-in (cost around 21 $ and lasts for month) it's cat's feromones and works very good for lots of cats. People don't smell it so it's completely innocent and has absolutely no side effects for cats. U can also use Ssscat™ (motion-activated device that sprays the cat with a harmless but unpleasant aerosol). Alternatively, you can put out an “unwelcome mat” for the cat by placing foil, plastic wrap, or upside-down vinyl carpet runner on the couch.

how gross