I'd like you all to know right off the bat that I do not have much control over the situation I will describe later. I am a minor, but not a stupid, or even average teenager. I take serious responsibility when it comes to animals, they are my passion and forever will be. I, by myself, care for 11 adopted/rescued guinea pigs. My family and I also have 2 cats that are kind of a group responsibility. Recently, we've encountered a series of unfortunate events that have turned the house upside down and a lot hurt feelings. And in the midst, one of the cats is possibly being harmed from the situation. Let me start from the top...
When I was little my family and I went on a search for a new family pet and happened across Sophia at the local animal shelter. She had been returned 4 times and had been abused too much for her short 1 year old life. Being soft for the misfits, we of course brought her home. She's been very well behaved except for one incident with the guinea pigs and a few minor behavioral problems. Now, she is nearing 11 years old and the problems have sprung back up. When we first got Sophia, she made it obvious she did not like/accept being home alone for too long. Or else she'd pee on the carpet. Some careful timing prevented this, but recently she's at it again. But this time, there is no 'mental' reason for her behavior. She's piddled and even left presents in my closet twice this week. We babysat for a cousin and after the baby left, Sophia ran to his seat and peed in it.
I've tried so hard to fight for Sophia. I'm thinking it is no longer mental and I want the best for her. But it just broke out into an unreasonable argument. My mom even shot below the belt and brought up an event that happened not too long ago. I lost one of my beloved guinea pigs a few months ago, and I selfishly kept her alive and suffering while I know now I should have put her to sleep before it got to her torturous death. I feel terrible about it and I don't ever think I'll get over it. But, anyways, I really just need some opinions. What do you think is wrong with her? Is it mental? Can it be fixed? My mom and her boyfriend (who lives with us) are convinced they should not spend 'a fortune' on Sophia. Although I am very willing to save up and fix this problem if need. Sophia can be very annoying at times but I know I owe it to her. My birthday is in a few days and I'm sure I'll get enough money to get her to the vet if needed. If not, a few of the piggies are also in need of a vet visit as two of them are getting up there in age and will probably need some medication to ease joint pain. Speaking of that, Sophia still jumps and runs just as well as the first day we got her. She's not showing any signs of age just yet besides her 'grumpy days'.
Opinions?
When I was little my family and I went on a search for a new family pet and happened across Sophia at the local animal shelter. She had been returned 4 times and had been abused too much for her short 1 year old life. Being soft for the misfits, we of course brought her home. She's been very well behaved except for one incident with the guinea pigs and a few minor behavioral problems. Now, she is nearing 11 years old and the problems have sprung back up. When we first got Sophia, she made it obvious she did not like/accept being home alone for too long. Or else she'd pee on the carpet. Some careful timing prevented this, but recently she's at it again. But this time, there is no 'mental' reason for her behavior. She's piddled and even left presents in my closet twice this week. We babysat for a cousin and after the baby left, Sophia ran to his seat and peed in it.
I've tried so hard to fight for Sophia. I'm thinking it is no longer mental and I want the best for her. But it just broke out into an unreasonable argument. My mom even shot below the belt and brought up an event that happened not too long ago. I lost one of my beloved guinea pigs a few months ago, and I selfishly kept her alive and suffering while I know now I should have put her to sleep before it got to her torturous death. I feel terrible about it and I don't ever think I'll get over it. But, anyways, I really just need some opinions. What do you think is wrong with her? Is it mental? Can it be fixed? My mom and her boyfriend (who lives with us) are convinced they should not spend 'a fortune' on Sophia. Although I am very willing to save up and fix this problem if need. Sophia can be very annoying at times but I know I owe it to her. My birthday is in a few days and I'm sure I'll get enough money to get her to the vet if needed. If not, a few of the piggies are also in need of a vet visit as two of them are getting up there in age and will probably need some medication to ease joint pain. Speaking of that, Sophia still jumps and runs just as well as the first day we got her. She's not showing any signs of age just yet besides her 'grumpy days'.
Opinions?
the areas she is peeing will also help to prevent recurrence.
Also, when shopping for a second litter box, also try to get one that is low (or cut out the "entry" to make it low), in case she is experiencing joint pain and avoiding the box for that reason.
