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Cats/Is kitty punishing me?

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Expert: - 4/14/2007


Question
My daughter and I recently got our 1 year old house cat back.  He had been away for 6 months because I was not allowed to have him in an apartment without a doctor's note.  Well he has been back a month, he is fixed and I went to my bedroom last night to find he had defecated on my bedroom floor.  He has a clean litter box and seems to be making the transition quite well until last night's behavior.  Do you know why he would have done this?

Answer
Hi Vicky,

It sounds like something has spooked him in the house. What has changed since he came back? Did he see another cat around? Are there any loud noises that are stressing him out? Try moving his box to the area where he went. He might feel safer there than where his box is now. Try changing his litter. Find out if they used a different type of litter where he was at. It could be the slightest thing that set him off. Check around and see what is different and try to set it right. 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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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