Howling cat who keeps getting in fights

Question
Hi--I have owned many many cats and have never had one like Mac! He is about 7 years old and was a rescue cat. They told us he was fixed when we got him. He was always one who liked to spray and pee in the house. Two years later the vet was doing an exam and said that he had not been completely fixed and still had one testicle which could explain his problem. We promptly had the job done, but it hasn't changed his behavior. He still sprays and pees all over. He howls all night to go outside, but every time he manages to escape, he comes back torn up having found something to fight with. One time it took two months of intensive care to get him healed. After that we said he'd never go out again. However he's a regular Houdini. He has forced himself through the screens on our sliding door when there was no hole there! He hides and darts out when we let the dog out. Still he comes back beaten up every time. The vet says he is just dumb and can't seem to learn from past mistakes. When he wants to go out, he will howl and how, and while that doesn't make us give in, it sure is hard to sleep with all the racket every night. I hate seeing him in pain--physical or emotional, but I am at the end of my rope. We're planning to move to Arizona in a couple of months and I've been told he'll be a quick meal for a coyote if he gets out there. I just don't know what to do. I'd find him a new home, but I'd have a hard time promoting him as a good pet. Any solutions? HELP!!

Answer
Debbie,

I am guessing that your kitty has been doing these behaviors and getting results for so long that he figures it's rewarding to continue. My suggestions would start with locking him into a spare room with food, water, litter, a bed, and toys every time you need to open the door for any reason. The other idea I have for you is asking your vet about anti anxiety medication. I do know that the yowling is likely to get worse initially, but I am banking on that once the stimulation of the open door and the chance of getting out are withheld for long enough, he may just give up the annoying behaviors because they are no longer useful. Cats are easy to condition and not so easy to uncondition, so you should be aware that things are likely to get worse before they get better. Hopefully between this advice, your vet and maybe the help of a behaviorist we can solve the problems you mentionned. I really wish that I could offer more, I hope that over time these solutions will work. Please do keep in touch and let me know how your little man progresses. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.