Today was an odd day for everyone in the house. I had to put both the dogs and the cats in large crates today since we were having furniture delivered and removed from the house (which meant people in and out of all of the rooms and through the front and back doors) and I didn't want anyone to slip out. The whole deal was supposed to take 2-3 hours, but it took more like 5-6. That meant no one was very happy by the end of the day.
And, as I was cleaning up, I saw that Finnegan (who has his own crate since he'll bug the girls otherwise) had sprayed. It's hard to tell whether he missed his litter pan or actually sprayed, but I am leaning more toward the fact that this was no accident. He's not afraid of his crate as he is put in his crate during meal times and occasionally for other reasons (it's a very large kennel) so I can't say that his behavior was out of fear. Though, of course, that is possible. But, he's an easy-going cat and doesn't get frightened of much, if anything, and so I think he was frustrated because he was in his crate when he wanted to be out and about -- and that's what caused him to spray. Of course, I'll be keeping an eye on him to ensure there's nothing more sinister at play here (ie. a UTI or blockage), but since he's done this at least once before, I think it's purely behavioral. But, I wanted to post this here in case anyone else has any opinions, thoughts, or ideas.
I cleaned the area with an enzymatic cleaner and the litter boxes, as always, are fresh and clean. I played with all of the cats numerous times this evening to get their energy out and he is now resting comfortably on my bed. But, I'm afraid that this will become more than an isolated incident. As far as I know, he has sprayed just one other time. And, if I remember correctly, it was a similar situation. But, now I'm not sure. His urine does not smell and so it would be hard to tell by scent if he has been spraying. But, I do see him use the litter pans frequently and am aware of his health, fluid intake, and whatnot. I have more than enough litter boxes and they are scooped daily and cleaned multiple times per week. His environment, save for the furniture today, has not changed and he is neutered, UTD on vaccines, and as healthy as can be. He'll be a year old at the end of the month and has had no previous health concerns. Feliway is always in use and I am very regimented where their schedule is concerned.
Is it abnormal for an occasional spraying "accident?" The angle was off for him to have missed the pan, but it's possible, I suppose. I guess I just need reassurement that this one time won't quickly become habit. I did see him go into one of the pans, stand as though he was going to urinate, but have his tail up. I thought he may be spraying, but there was nothing there and he didn't have the typical spraying "stance" although it was very similar. He uses his litter boxes without a problem under ordinary circumstances. And, so, I wonder, could he have just acted out because he had too much energy and was, unfortunately, in his crate for a long period of time?
I know I'm most likely freaking out for nothing, but, if you've read any of my posts before, these questions shouldn't come as a surprise to you
. I know he likely just was acting out because of the situation and that I shouldn't overthink the situation, but, alas, overthinking is my specialty. He will go to the vet if need be should I be concerned about infection, but I really believe he was just being Finny. And, truth be told, as sweet as Finnegan can be, he's a bit of a punk (just like his meowmy). But, that being said, I love him nonetheless. I just hope spraying isn't something that I'll have to worry about long-term. What do you think? Much thanks in advance.
And, as I was cleaning up, I saw that Finnegan (who has his own crate since he'll bug the girls otherwise) had sprayed. It's hard to tell whether he missed his litter pan or actually sprayed, but I am leaning more toward the fact that this was no accident. He's not afraid of his crate as he is put in his crate during meal times and occasionally for other reasons (it's a very large kennel) so I can't say that his behavior was out of fear. Though, of course, that is possible. But, he's an easy-going cat and doesn't get frightened of much, if anything, and so I think he was frustrated because he was in his crate when he wanted to be out and about -- and that's what caused him to spray. Of course, I'll be keeping an eye on him to ensure there's nothing more sinister at play here (ie. a UTI or blockage), but since he's done this at least once before, I think it's purely behavioral. But, I wanted to post this here in case anyone else has any opinions, thoughts, or ideas.
I cleaned the area with an enzymatic cleaner and the litter boxes, as always, are fresh and clean. I played with all of the cats numerous times this evening to get their energy out and he is now resting comfortably on my bed. But, I'm afraid that this will become more than an isolated incident. As far as I know, he has sprayed just one other time. And, if I remember correctly, it was a similar situation. But, now I'm not sure. His urine does not smell and so it would be hard to tell by scent if he has been spraying. But, I do see him use the litter pans frequently and am aware of his health, fluid intake, and whatnot. I have more than enough litter boxes and they are scooped daily and cleaned multiple times per week. His environment, save for the furniture today, has not changed and he is neutered, UTD on vaccines, and as healthy as can be. He'll be a year old at the end of the month and has had no previous health concerns. Feliway is always in use and I am very regimented where their schedule is concerned.
Is it abnormal for an occasional spraying "accident?" The angle was off for him to have missed the pan, but it's possible, I suppose. I guess I just need reassurement that this one time won't quickly become habit. I did see him go into one of the pans, stand as though he was going to urinate, but have his tail up. I thought he may be spraying, but there was nothing there and he didn't have the typical spraying "stance" although it was very similar. He uses his litter boxes without a problem under ordinary circumstances. And, so, I wonder, could he have just acted out because he had too much energy and was, unfortunately, in his crate for a long period of time?
I know I'm most likely freaking out for nothing, but, if you've read any of my posts before, these questions shouldn't come as a surprise to you
. I know he likely just was acting out because of the situation and that I shouldn't overthink the situation, but, alas, overthinking is my specialty. He will go to the vet if need be should I be concerned about infection, but I really believe he was just being Finny. And, truth be told, as sweet as Finnegan can be, he's a bit of a punk (just like his meowmy). But, that being said, I love him nonetheless. I just hope spraying isn't something that I'll have to worry about long-term. What do you think? Much thanks in advance.
