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Written by Wendy Christensen
Q: How can I get my cat to stop peeing all over my bathroom floor? She is a five year old Persian adopted last December from the Humane Society. I believe that her formerly owner was very neglectful and probably abusive. She's definitely come along way and this is our only 'problem'. I've tried the various pet store products (Nature's Miracle, etc.) that are supposed to remove the scent left behind after clean-up.
I've tried various types of cat litter to see if she didn't like them and that was the problem. Doesn't seem to be the case. I try keeping the box as clean as possible yet she will pee next to the box and not in it. Is there something I'm missing or can do?
A: If this were my cat, the first thing I’d do is schedule a complete veterinary checkup, especially to check for a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) or an inflamed bladder (often referred to as cystitis). Both these conditions are very annoying and painful, often causing the cat to be unable to control an almost-constant urge to urinate, or producing pain while urinating. Cystitis can be tricky, because it tends to come and go, sometimes in really major and painful flare-ups, according to the cat’s stress level and other, unknown, factors.
The peeing NEXT to the box – rather than randomly around the house, or in hidden locations – is a big clue here. Your cat obviously knows where she SHOULD go. However, if she’s experienced pain while urinating (due to either a UTI or a flare-up of cystitis) she may associate that pain with the litter box, and avoid going inside it – while still trying to be a tidy cat and do the right thing. She may have been yelled at or punished for peeing in her previous home – so the whole idea of urination may be painful and stressful for her.
Cystitis, in particular, can be caused and worsened by stress. Some cats just seem more susceptible to stress, and to this particular manifestation of it, than others. If your cat had unhappy and stressful experiences in her previous home, it’s not surprising that she would still be experiencing aftereffects of that stress. Her experiences may have worsened a pre-existing susceptibility to bladder problems. Also, it’s known that certain “purebred”-type cats are more susceptible to various illnesses and stresses, possibly because of inbreeding.
So – first priority is a vet check-up. Please do mention the possibly of cystitis to your vet, and remind him that this cat came from a possibly stressful/abusive situation. Have him check her bladder for inflammation as well as analyzing a urine sample. You may need to do a few follow-ups, and take her in immediately when she seems to be doing worse than usual. Then, the vet will have a better chance of catching any flare-ups as they occur.
If your cat is suffering from a UTI, a course of antibiotics will help. (Your vet may need to try different antibiotics, to find one that works well for her.) If she has a recurrent cystitis problem, she may need a more long-term treatment strategy, such as medication to help lessen her stress.
Q: My fixed, female 4 year old indoor/outdoor kitty has a unique situation. Her meow has drastically changed. It was fairly sudden. She used to meow long and quiet. Now she meows loud and short. My vet was no help. She seems to be healthy and gets all her shots. Two cats in the household. Any ideas?
A: I think she's definitely trying to tell you something -- something important! Whenever you see a sudden change of any kind in your cat's behavior or habits, schedule a veterinary check-up as soon as possible. You did say your vet was "no help," but you didn’t say if you'd taken your cat in for a check-up, or just asked the vet about the meow change.
Cats can't talk, and among themselves they communicate mostly through touch and scent -- not so much vocally, as we do. So your cat's "meow language" is mainly directed at humans. The change from a more relaxed meow style to a more forceful, loud meow might well indicate your cat is not feeling well, or is in pain. She could have a painful abscess or other hidden injury (perhaps acquired during her outdoors excursions) that needs prompt medical attention.
Think carefully: Have you noticed any other changes recently in your cat's litter box habits, sleeping location, appetite, or any other aspect of her behavior? If so, be sure to mention these to the vet. But most of all, make that appointment and get your cat in to the vet for a complete check-up as soon as you can. The quicker, the better!
Remember, it's always a good idea to listen -- really listen -- to your cat.
Herding Cats at Home - November 2004 2
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Herding Cats at Home - November 2004 4
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