|
Written by Wendy Christensen
Q: I have a big problem. I have two wonderful cats, one is ten years old that we've had since he was 10 weeks old. The other is female about five years old and we've had her for about three or so years. She was our son's cat but he was in the Navy and couldn't take care of her. They both have gotten along fine. Lately one of them has been urinating on hard, horizontal surfaces, namely the stove, kitchen table and a few other hard surfaces.
I had them both to the vet for urinalysis and they are fine. I had a cover on their litter box and I took that off. They each have their own food bowl. We do go away quite often but we have never had a problem in all these years. The girl next door comes over daily to feed and scoop the litter box. I'm pretty sure it's the male cat that is doing this because I have caught him up on the counters but never in the act. Do you have any suggestions. I'm at my wits end. I even bought the Comfort Zone systems but he did it again. By the way, they are both neutered.
A: I always think of "outside the box" urine as a form of communication. Your cat is trying to tell you something, probably something very important.
There are two forms of urine-related "communications" that are deposited on horizontal surfaces: marking (in which a very small amount of intensely-scented urine is deposited); and actual urination (in which you'll see large puddles).
If what you're seeing is the relatively small amounts ("marking" - small puddles or dots), the responsible cat is likely feeling something like territorial stress or insecurity, or some other form of unhappiness. Marking is generally aimed at other cats, rather than at humans. The scent he leaves is his way of informing other cats that this is HIS turf.
If you're seeing large puddles - actual urination - it's likely that the cat in question is feeling some kind of physical discomfort or is in pain, and he's trying to tell you -- by leaving the evidence in extremely visible and noticeable locations, and on hard surfaces where it will remain visible (not sink in, for example as it would on carpet) until you notice it.
Many other conditions other than urinary tract infections can cause a cat to urinate in unusual locations. Plugged or inflamed anal sacs, gastrointestinal pain, intestinal gas, or many other forms of physical distress can do this. I suggest you take the male cat (if you're pretty sure he's the culprit) in to his veterinarian for a complete checkup. Be sure to tell the doctor exactly what you've seen (amounts of urine, locations) and how long it's been going on. Your cat may have an illness that makes it difficult for him to get to the litter box in time, for example.
One thing you should do immediately is provide one or two additional litter boxes. Even "best friend" cats often are prickly about sharing in this very important aspect of life. I always recommend at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. I also recommend locating the boxes in at least two separate locations in your home. This is especially important if you have a multi-level home, or if any of your cats is a senior (and 10 years old is considered senior in cats), or ill, or if you've noticed any urine-related misbehavior.
You'd be surprised how often just adding a few extra litter boxes solves the problem.
Q: I'm very upset over the change in my new (adopted @ 8mos.) Ragdoll kitten. She has started to mow excessively like there is something wrong. She is very unhappy and her body posture gives me the impression that something is not right - she stretches out her body on the carpet, rubbing her belly and her back legs are in an up position . Could she be in heat? Or, another issue? I don't want to call the vet quite yet. I'm trying to solve this on my own before I resort to that.
A: If your cat has not been spayed, she's almost certainly in heat. The behavior you describe - constant meowing, rubbing and rolling, rear in the air (called the "lordosis" position) - are sure signs of a cat in heat
An unsterilized cat of either gender can be a very problematic, frustrating, frustrated, expensive and unhappy pet. An unspayed female cat will cycle through heat periods several times a year, several days at a time. She'll roll, moan, wail, call, and try desperately to escape. And if she does --even for a few moments---you can bet that there's at least one male eagerly awaiting her. The repeated stress of these heat cycles---not to mention the probability of the resulting pregnancy and kittening---can take an enormous toll on her health. A spayed female cat, free of the complications of mating and reproduction, is a calmer and happier companion.
Unless your cat is part of a responsible, well-planned breeding program being carried out for the good of the breed, and unless you are a, experienced breeder, there's no reason NOT to spay your cat as soon as possible.
Herding Cats at Home - February 2005 2
Herding Cats at Home - February 2005 3
|
