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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

173.0. "strange behavior" by ESPN::SMITH () Tue Nov 12 1985 00:21

I have a 6 1/2 year old spayed female who up until about a week ago I have
had no problems with.  We moved from a mobile home to a new house about 6
weeks ago and as far as I could tell, she adjusted very well.  About 2 weeks
ago, we had a houseful of company which prompted the cat to go outside. 
Three days later, she came home.  This was very unusual for her to be gone
so long, especially in colder weather.  It seems after this disappearance
act, she has decided to use the floor in front of a stereo speaker for her
toilet!!!!  The only time she has had a litter box is if we went away overnight.
She has messed 3 times in 4 days and my husband is losing his patience
and I am too.  Any suggestions or thoughts????

Donna
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173.1PEN::KALLISWed Nov 13 1985 19:4315
Usually, when a cat "wets," he or she does so for one of two reasons:
physical or psylchological.  Physical is obvious (incontinence due to
illness); psychological is more subtle.

	_Usually_ wetting on a hard surface is a means of marking terri-
tory.  This is especially prevalent among males, entire or fixed, but it's
not unknown among females.  Wetrting on a soft surface such as a rug 
_usually_ is a sign of insecurity.  The cat needs reassurance that her or
his loved ones care and pay attention.  If it's that, be extra loving.

	It might be that the relocation bothered her, and she was gone to see 
whether she could find her old home. Lacking that, she "wetted" to show you
her distress.

Steve Kallis, Jr.
173.2ESPN::SMITHThu Nov 14 1985 12:214
I guess I failed to say that "wetting" wasn't the problem, but "messing".
I have dealt with the urinary tract infections before, but not with this
cat and she doesn't have any of the symptoms.....
Donna
173.3PEN::KALLISThu Nov 14 1985 12:336
"Messing" is often a fear reaction.  Has anything upset her?  Also, it
could relate to a certain feeling (real or imagined) of being neglected.
If the symptoms persist for any length of time, you might want to have
a vet check her out for physical distress.

Steve Kallis, Jr.