Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: my cats - both male and neutered urinate on my parents bed when they come to stay with me. They still use their litter tray. They do not do this when my mother is here alone nor when i am here alone.

ANSWER: Jonathon,

One of the most common feline responses to stress is inappropriate elimination. The bladder is the cat’s stress target. They are letting you know that they are upset with the disruption of their routine when your parents visit, and/or jealous.

Keep a shower curtain over the bed with an old bedspread or blanket covering it to protect the bed. DO NOT cover it with just something plastic because cats love to pee on plastic for some reason and it will attract, not detract them.

It is a  possibility that they may have a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals. They are common, but in male cats they are usually fatal if they cause a complete blockage. Peeing is painful so they associate the litterbox with that pain and go elsewhere. Too many fish products or cheaper brands of dry cat food that are too high in magnesium are usually the causes.  If they both eat the same food, it is possible for them both to have urinary tract infections or the crystals. You may want to rule out a medical issue before dealing with the problem as a behavioral one.

I hope this is helpful.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If this is a stress reaction, can it be controlled? I have tried the repellants but they are not an option and do not work.
Thanks for such prompt attention!!

Answer
Jonathon,

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Bach's Rescue Remedy:  is extremely effective in the relief of stress or trauma, both in humans and in animals. You can get it at a health food store (for people) or on-line.

Bach's Rescue Remedy can be given in the water during any time of stress. You can use up to ten drops every time the water is changed depending on the level the cat is stressed. If your cat does not like the taste (though the alcohol content is almost negligible after dilution), you can rub one or two drops behind the cat's ear. The remedy can be given by mouth, which is the most effective method. Only a few drops (4-8) are necessary, and need not be swallowed, but only must contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). Be careful not to contaminate the dropper by touching it to the animal (if this occurs, rinse the dropper in very hot water before returning it to the bottle). You can also add a dropper full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can add a dropper full to a spray bottle filled with bottled spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it--the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb essences in this way.

For most behavioral problems, you can give 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks, or add a dropper full to their drinking water every day until no further signs of distress are present.

There is no improper or wrong method of applying the Bach Remedies. It is truly not necessary to be precise in counting the number of drops in any of the dilution methods. You cannot overdose the Bach's Remedies, they are non-toxic and have no side effects.
If your cat does not like the taste (the alcohol content is almost negligible after dilution), you can rub one or two drops behind the cat's ear. People who have tried Rescue Remedy on their cats, swear by its effectiveness.

Feliway for Cats: Feliway is a "friendly pheromone, developed by Farnam, Inc. It mimics the facial pheremones cats use to mark territory. Feliway was originally developed to discourage urine marking by cats, since it is believed cats will not pee in areas they have previously marked with facial pheromones. It is also believed to be effective in reducing other stress-related behaviors. Comfort Zone, with Feliway, is a wall plug-in which diffuses the pheromone throughout a room. You can try PetSmart, Petco, etc. for it or on line.

Give your cats lots of love and attention so they don't feel jealous or slighted by not getting enough of your affection when your parents visit. Also have your parents give the cats kitty treats, like tinned sardines (in oil), tuna, etc. Food is a great bribe, and the cats will associate your parents with a positive view rather than a negative one.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi