Ragdoll Cat Forums

hi everyone.  I joined this forum tonight because i am having some real problems with our Ragdoll, Pixie.  She is a beautiful nonpapered blue point girl.  The problem is that she recently peed on all of my cushions when we were away- I counted the 5 back and one seat cushion and 3 throw pillows- upstairs and downstairs sofas.  she did this 6 mos ago after we got back from a trip too.  I had her checked for UTI but negative.  she is spayed.  We had my inlaws come and feed and play and clean litter for her too. both times.    She jumps at the kids and bites them.  But she is also friendly sometimes.  She is loving in the morning.  Otherwise she wants nothing to do with us.  She will go to bed when the kids do. (Nice intro to the group- a whole bunch of complainiing)  but I am so upset.  We may have to give her up.  My two girls will be devestated.  I cried all day.  Are all Ragdolls very friendly and nice?  The breeder says that she has never come across this problem.  she says that all her ragdolls in her home are very loving.  she says she would not stand for this behaviour at all.  She suggested crate training her.  Oh i want to cry again.  Any body able to help?

First, welcome to the forum. Second, I am so sorry you are going through this.
I would clean the cushions, and spray something like Feliway on the sofa to hopefully deter her from doing this again.
I would agree that she needs to be confined to a smaller room, a bathroom would be good, plenty of space that her litter and food and water are kept separated, and retrain her to her litter box. If she is doing well, let her have a bit more room, and try and keep her supervised. I would carry a can with a coin in it or a water bottle, shake the can and say no, if she begins to soil out of her litter box, as well as biting, that needs to be stopped. When she is being loving, give her praise. Does she like treats? If so, when she is being loving to you or the kids, praise and give a treat, so that she sees that her loving behavior gets rewarded.
Please don't be offended by my questions, but I feel I should ask. Have you recently changed her litter, changed the location of her litter box, or changed the type of litter box? Do you feel her litterbox was kept as clean as she is used to? I know you mention the in-laws taking care of her, that is great!! However, maybe you scoop a bit more than they did, could she be very finicky about a clean litter box? Do the children do anything that may provoke biting? Have you been able to see what it may be that is provoking the biting? Another great way to bond with your cat is through play, have plenty of toys, so she doesn't get bored, let the kids use a wand toy, to play with her, it is kept away from the body, and allows her to get out some of her energy, and their hands or face are kept back, so they don't get scratched or bit. Much of this sounds like anxiety from you being gone, and the inappropriate urinating should stop once she realizes her routine is back to normal.
Here is a link to a really indepth site, regarding litter box issues, with reasons and suggestions, I hope it may can shed more light on the problem and give a solution.
http://www.messybeast.com/toileting-problem.htm
The biting and jumping at the kids may be more of a problem, if this has been her personality since you have had her, try and give her time with positive reinforcement, and helping her to get her energy out through play. If you may can watch and see what may be the trigger that causes her "attack response". Hopefully, it can be something that is stopped soon, and you can begin enjoying her.
I would be concerned that the breeder doesn't have her registered, that can be a red flag that she may not be a purebred Ragdoll. Ragdolls are known for being docile and laid back, but there are always exceptions to the rule, each will have their own individual personality, but there are ways to help reinforce a stronger bond with our actions. I am sure we will have other posters with suggestions for you as well, I know this must be frustrating, but I think if she is given time, she will get better. Don't worry about complaining, you came here for help, and we hope that we are able to help. Please keep us updated. We wish you the best.

Purrs,
Stormi