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Cats/change in behavior

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Expert: - 10/16/2007


Question
I have 3 animals, 2 cats and a dog. The cats previously lived with my husband, and when we got married, the animals all started living under the same roof.

The cats are 2 and 1, both females that are fixed. The dog is a small 11lb chi mix that is 3. The dog and the youngest cat get along fine, the oldest cat tolerates the dog (does not get in fights but avoids the dog). All animals are indoor only.

We have had no previous behavior problems with the animals. The animals moved to their new home at the beginning of August, and had no problems. Two weeks ago we noticed that one of the animals went to the bathroom on a pile of clothes. They had access to their litter box, which was clean. The urine was a different smell, more pungent. We cleaned it up thoroughly. We made sure to leave no clothes in the floor, thinking this was the problem. A week later an animal (or animals) started peeing again, on the carpet, all around the house (although at various times throughout the week). I'm assuming this is one of the cats, I've been around cats that marked before, although they were male, and the smell is similar.

I wondered if there is something we're doing wrong in our behavior towards the animals. We give them all a lot of affection when we're home. We keep the litter box clean, and they always have access to the room its in. We have not punished the animals in any way for this behavior--I don't know how you correct a cat anyway.

The times the cats pee is infrequent, sometimes we are home (asleep) other times we are away at work.

How can we remedy this problem?

Answer
Hi Ales,

You need to take all the cats to the vet and get them checked out. One of them sounds like he has an urinary track infection. This will cause the urinating out of the box. Also the strong smelling urine was a tip off too.

You also need to clean the areas where the urine was with an enzymatic urine cleaner. This will remove all traces of odors that tempt cats to use the area again. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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