Male cat urinating on the floor

Question
We have 2 brother and sister, Norwegian forrest cats (George and Gracie) that we rescued from the pound about 8 years ago. About 2 year ago the George developed a serious blockage that nearly killed him. His genitals were removed and after a week of recovery he came home. The vet told me that the tissue was very weak and difficult to stitch properly because he was in such bad shape from the obstruction. Since the operation George has been having a problem of often not making it to the litter box to urinate. The vet suggested that it was probably an infection and prescribed antibiotics. It didn't work and several weeks later we brought him back and the vet concluded the same remedy.

The expense of the drugs and the lack of results has lead us to the belief that there is nothing that can be done. So after 6 months of George's peeing everywhere, we restricted them to the kitchen, the basement where the litter box is and an outside run. Note: we did try to move the litter box to more convenient locations but it did not help. And George does use the box to poop and occasionally to pee.

I have been present occasionally when he pees on the floor. He can not be moved when he does, it seems like he is in pain and that it is very urgent. The volume is usually consistent and covers about 8 to 12 square inches.

Cleanup is easier on us with these restrictions, however, I was hoping that you might have some suggestions to help remedy the situation. I miss have them sit on my lap watching tv and George always did enjoy television.

Thank you in advance, Bruce

Answer
Bruce,
you pretty much covered everything. I have nothing I can add to this except that sometimes as time goes on the cat does gain more control over the bladder sphincter itself and that will lessen the urgency and the accidents. George seems to be having a weak bladder sphincter and that is from the bladder being so distended when he was blocked.

We used to have a drug called Uroeze that helped with the tone but it is no longer made. You might want to ask the vet about some phenylpropanolamine, which is used now for dogs and cats with incontinence. These cats do get more infections due to the open pathway into the bladder.

Other than that, I really can't add much to this. Sorry!