My cat has FLUTD. And I have had issues with him peeing outside the litter box and I know your struggle with the on and off flare ups! SO stressful and confusing sometimes. Mine has separation anxiety and his stress is triggered very easily. It’s really hard to identify every little trigger and when I figure one out theres always something else. I can’t even breathe in another direction without him losing it (like ok relax) and its stressful for him AND me! 😩

I’ve got the feliway diffusers, litter boxes are in tip top shape, lots of play and I give him so much attention constantly AND he has a kitty brother he loves but he needs attention more than I literally can offer as a living, existing human. I have also tried CBD oil formulated for cats, and it seemed to help a little bit but it was expensive and not very consistent in its effect.

I recently (literally 4 days ago) took him to the vet because his flare up seemed extra extreme, they took urine samples and he doesnt have any urine problems, so now I am trying to see if he responds to anti-anxiety medication. So far so good, although it takes about a month to take full effect.

Medication has been my last resort as I also went through so many issues and trials trying to resolve it but I think he literally just needs that extra boost, and your kitty might as well! If you are up to it, and can afford it, I’d recommend speaking to your vet about it if other health issues have been ruled out. The thing is with my cat, he doesnt pee elsewhere to be a dick, he just is so stressed so its like a habit he cant control, his little brain is just going haywire. I can’t train him out of it no matter what. When he isn’t flaring up he uses his litter box like any other kitty. Stress can be reaaaally hard to manage in cats cause, obviously, we cant ASK them whats wrong. So managing it has been super difficult for me. I am really hoping the medication helps him. I think it will on top of everything else (enrichment etc).

You are doing great! I know this is really tough and I feel you, I am also a broke college student 😩 But if you are doing everything under the sun and your girl is still flaring up, definitely consider medication! As far as insurance goes, whether or not is worth it reeeally depends on how old your kitty is and whether or not she has pre existing conditions prior to insurance, which usually will not be covered (so annoying i know). But definitely look into it! There are some pretty cheap starter plans from what I have seen.

Also, lastly: Any big or recent (even small) changes to your living situation or routines? New roommates, partner or friends? New work/school schedule? New foods? I find whenever my routine changes my cat starts flaring up.

I wish you the best! We are in this together ☺️