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Question by alaskamaryann:
Hello Carole,
and thanks for being here for us.
And here's yet another pee
problem. . .I have three cats: littermate sisters Nutmeg and Ginger (aged
10), and an unrelated boy, Mr.Rosemary (aged 11). Nutmeg and Ginger
arrived at a home at the age of about 3 months, adopted from the local
shelter. Mr. Rosemary came later, picked up off the street.
Many indications point to some abuse to Nutmeg and Ginger by their
previous caretaker. We moved into their house when they were 6 months old, and
the suspected abusive caretaker moved out. We didn't notice for awhile,
but it turns out that Nutmeg had been peeing in the plants (and
perhaps kept them alive). I effectively stopped that behavior
by
putting orange slices on the soil. But, every now and again,
she will go through phases of peeing on other surfaces.
She has peed on: the bathroom sink, the bedroom comforter, the
living room blankets, a pile of clothes on the floor, the dog's bedding,
the couch cushion. She will pick one place/item and pee there for a couple
of days, then stop. She also uses the litterboxes regularly
(we have two - 1 upstairs, 1 downstairs). She is the brattiest of
the cats, always provoking the others, then screaming for help when
cornered.
The vet has checked her out and she
is physiologically fine. She never poops outside the
litterboxes. Admittedly, when the litterboxes are not up to
snuff (sniff), she gets peeved and pees elsewhere, which I can
understand. What other issues could be causing
this intermittent peeing behavior, and can I stop
it?
Response from Carole
Wilbourn:
In my opinion, annoying urination bouts can be
a symptom of residual angst.
Nutmeg probably suffered some traumas which she relives when she
becomes anxious. When that happens, her bladder becomes uncomfortable
and she avoids the litter box. Also, it becomes a habit. Rivalry
probably sets her off.
Try the following suggestions: Spend some private daily
time with her.
Praise her whenever you see her use the box.
You could also try a third box and use strips of paper towels instead of
litter.
Some cats like to be escorted to the box--makes them feel special
and cozy.
Mention her name when you speak to the other cats so she feels
included and special. When she feels left out, she acts out!
Add some digestive enzymes to her food ( http://prozyme.com/ is one resource)--maybe
also 1/4 tsp brewers yeast--if her kidneys are healthy.
A homeopathic remedy such as Arsenicum Album, 6c, 1 pellet daily, for
two weeks, should help her to assimilate things better. A drugstore that
sells homeopathic remedies should carry it. There may also be
others that will help but this could be a start. A homeopathic vet
could advise you further, there is a national directory at www.altvetmed.com.
Lavender oil or potpourri should also add a calming effect to the
environment. An anti-anxiety drug is another alternative, but
Nutmeg would need blood chemistries done, if she hasn't already had
bloodwork, to rule out any organic problems such as a liver
dysfunction.
She is a candidate for one-on-one therapy, but this will get you
going!
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