| More Questions and Answers |
| Behavioral Issues - Inappropriate Elimination |
| ??: A while back my husband wanted his "own" cat, so we went to the pound. At first my cat was very mean to her, but now just wants to play. He just howls and screams whenever she is within two feet. From day one, he will not use a litterbox, except for the rare occasion, and when he does he will not cover when he's done. I bought him his own box, changed the litter several times, put it in a different place, changed box size and shape, confined him (where he howled for an hour) only to find he had gone all over the floor. I put him in the box when he seems ready to go, and he runs away. I tried training sprays to put where she goes, it does not work. He poops three or more times a day. He gets a lot of attention, and is a big lap cat. I don't want to get rid of him, but I don't know what else to do. He's neutered and declawed, about 9 months old. A: This has got to be one of the hardest I've gotten. First, I wanted to know how old the original cat was, if the pound knew anything about his background - did he always hate other cats? It could be that he just had a problem adjusting to her antagonism. That kind of fear perpetuates this problem, making him afraid she will sneak up on him when he's in the box. Whether she does it or not is unimportant - the fear is there. Another clue that this is the case is if he also doesn't eat very often, and how they interact at feeding time. First as always, to the vet. It's not normal for cats to not cover their waste, or to be indiscriminate about where they go. He needs to be checked for urinary and bowel infections or blockages. If a cat associates pain with the litter box, this is what happens. And if it's due to a medical problem - NO amount of behavioral training will fix it. The fact that he never used his box, and doesn't cover, indicates classic "litter box aversion." Great name, little help. This normally indicates that he hates the box or the litter. But, this owner went pretty far to try to adjust to the little fellow. I would suggest trying some really unconventional things - sawdust, dirt, newspaper - just to see if he used something else at one time that he really liked. The obvious is also to remove any mats or maybe place one to see if that will help. I also was interested in where the "usual" spots were - if they belonged to one person. Someone's laundry, lounging spot, room...that's the way to target the source of anxiety. What other animals are in the house, and do they bother him in the box? It's also hard to keep in mind that he has had a rough little life - at a mere six months, he was put in a little cage at the pound, then brought to a new home with new smells and other animals. Another option, last resort though it may be, is anti anxiety medication. Most commonly, this is busiperone, but can also be prozac or similar medications. They often show almost immediate results, but must be used under a vet's care. It could be that after a few months, he can be tapered off the meds - and will still use the box, having gotten through whatever caused him the anxiety in the first place. And, if he stays on it, there's no indication of any long-term harm to the cats. I also suggested Feliway, though I suspect it is this product that the owner used. If not, definitely give it a shot. Consider using vinegar on the affected spots - I'm told that if you drench them in vinegar, let it dry, and the smell goes away. Obviously, use white vinegar to avoid staining. Now, for the worst answer of all. I have a serious concern for this cat. If it is not an infection, and not anxiety of the traditional sort, he may just be one of the few cats who reacts to declawing by never again using a box. Unfortunately, because the effect on their feet is so dramatic, some cats never can be comfortable with the feeling of litter on their paws again. This will necessitate an alternative litter, or spot for him to go. It's an unfortunate consequence, and it is why I always will recommend not declawing unless you've really tried all other avenues of deterrents for scratching. ??: I have two two year old cats, brothers, who we've had since they were weaned. I think one of them is going #1 all over the house! I keep up on the box, and thought at first when he used the laundry that it was due to the box needing to be cleaned. We moved our family room to another level of the house, and now he's going all over. Neither cat is fixed, would that help? He seems to go on clothing more than anything. Additionally, one of them about three months ago started howling. Like clockwork, at 9pm, every night. A: In contrast, this was the easiest. Yes, getting them fixed would *certainly* help!! Take them in at the same time - you don't want one reacting to the other one suddenly lacking hormones. In addition, have the one who's spraying checked for an infection - just in case. I have a feeling he's just being the dominant one, but better safe than bringing him home with the same problem. He went two intact years before spraying, which might signal something else. Once the cats are altered, it still could take a month or two until the hormones run out their course. Be prepared for that. Yes, moving the furniture can cause stress - but I'm betting on testosterone. ??: My cat is seven years old, and never had a problem with the litter box. A few months ago, she started urinating under beds and pooping around the house. I tried changing the litterbox more often, changed the litter type; the vet did a urinalysis and blood tests, and everything was normal. We put her on an anti-depressant, but the vet says that will take at least three weeks, and he's convinced it's a behavioral problem. She's been acting very strange lately - I confine her during the day with her things, box, toys, food, etc. and she won't use the box. Last night around 2am she jumped up from her sleep, goes to where my husband is sleeping and poops on top of him! She's also pooped right where I put my feet down when I get out of bed. A: Well, my first vote goes with getting a fecal test and maybe an ultrasound to rule out a bowel problem, just in case. If it is behavioral, there are still some options - but I need more information. Did anything happen at that time? Someone move in, relatives in for the holidays, working new hours, visitng pets; a break in, the Christmas tree fell down - any possible trigger event. It's clearly being directed at the couple, and I'm assuming they aren't newlyweds (which then is a no-brainer). It seems a classic example of the way cats redirect stress - they target a hand they trust won't hurt them in response. I suggested a pheremone spray as well, and I'm hoping the medication was enough to take care of the problem. Also to consider - a new box altogether, or a return to what it used to be, or maybe a new location. Who knows, maybe a box of detergent fell when she was using the box one day, and now she's scared out of it. |