Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 2/1/2009

Question
I have a 2 siblings and an older unrelated cat.  In December 08 one of the siblings was put down at home following kidney failure her brother came to see the vet nd then ran off.  I have been broken hearted and am still crying nearly 2 months later.  The girl cat that was PTS was my bedtime companion and was the obvious favourite.   Since she has gone the boy aka 'Fatty' has been sleeping on our bed but he has moped and had a cold and not gone out much and been under the weather.  We have found wee and pooh in our bath twice recently but unsure which cat - Fatty who's lost his sister of the older cat who has always weed wherever she chooses! Tonight - Fatty has just now followed my partner up to the bedroom and done a massive wee and pooh on our new bedding.  I will take him to the vet tomorrow to have a blood test.  Any ideas what may be going on with him?  we have had estate agents round and are thinking of moving, had builders in etc all things that could upset him i guess...my partner is furious but i think its a blatant message we need to listen to. Suzanne

Answer
Hi
well i think you have answered your question. What your cat is showing are classic symptoms of feeling a little stressed and unsettled due to all the changes in his life and to his home. the urinating etc is a way cats use to make the home smell more of them which in turn helps them to feel happier and more settled in their home. unfortunately the bed seems to be a favourite area as it smells more of you and so in turn makes him feel secure.

Unfortunately while things are happening around him like builders etc it may be an idea to restrict his access to many of your rooms. this will one, stop the occurrences of finding messes etc and also will help your cat feel more secure as he will have less territory to worry about. In fact it may be an idea to set up a room for him for a while which he can settle into. if you see my page about this problem here it describes the process at the bottom. http://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-litter-box.html

As for the loss of the other cat well yes this can certainly play a part too, but this is normal and something he will get over in time. Just give him lots of TLC. I also have a page here about cat grief for your information http://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-grief.html

best wishes Kate
http;//www.our-happy-cat.com