| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 256.1 | Some hope in sight? | CLT::COLLINS | | Tue May 27 1986 11:56 | 23 |
| One of our three cats had started urinating in the house - always
on some fabric or object that was lying on the floor in a place
it should not have been. (For example, one evening I took our curtains
down for cleaning, and while they were still on the floor Uggie
urinated on them. Now at the time that this started, Uggie was not
fixed yet, but it continued for about a month after he was neutered
as well. When he was at the vets, I asked about this strange behavior,
and the vet did a urinalysis, revealing that Uggie had, I think,
too much protein in his urine. The vet prescribed some palatable
medication that Uggie absolutely loved, but I'm not sure if it was
the medication or the change in hormones that finally did it. I
still watch him once when there's laundry on the floor or something,
but it hasn't happened in quite a while, especially now that the
cats go outside during the day and only come in at night.
So my suggestions would be to talk to your vet about it, maybe have
a urinalysis done, and hope that when your wounded kitty starts
going outside again the problem will disappear. That sounds most
likely to me.
Good luck!
/regina
|
| 256.2 | This solved our problem... | KOALA::FAMULARO | | Tue May 27 1986 17:15 | 25 |
| We had a similiar problem with one of our three cats. He'd let
go on the rugs, on clothes (he liked clean clothes better than dirty
clothes), and even on our bed (he found it more fun to do this when
we were in it, especially during the early morning hours, say 2AM).
Needless to say, it didn't take long for me to get upset. This
went on for several months before I read a medical book about cats.
It mentioned urinating when-ever and where-ever could be caused
by a cystitus problem (pardon my spelling if it is wrong). Since
the number 2 cat also did this every great once and a while I took
both of them to the vets to have this checked out. Sure enough
both male cats had a cystitus problem. The doctor gave us some
medicine for the both of them, told us to place them on a low ash
diet (Science Diet Maintenance, canned), allow them to drink only
distilled water. Within a few days all was well and we have not
had a problem since. We used some type of get the urine smell out
of the rug spray, and rubbed baking soda into the rug several times
to rid of the smell.
You should have the cat(s) checked for this, esp. the males since
they are more likely to develope this problem then the females.
Hope things work out well for you.
|
| 256.3 | dry cat food | STUBBI::REINKE | | Wed May 28 1986 17:11 | 5 |
| I have occasionally had this problem with my cats. It usually happens
when they have been fed dry cat food more than two times in a row.
(I feed them dry occasionally to help prevent tooth tartar buildup.)
When they are back on a diet of soft food the problem goes away.
I have had them checked for cystitis - no problems so far.
|
| 256.4 | to really get rid of the odor... | VAXWRK::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu May 29 1986 22:56 | 11 |
| The cats might continue going in those same spots if there is some
urine odor that they can smell. Sented air freshners mask the odors
but I've found that to stop the cat from re-marking the area I've
got to use something to actually get rid of the odor. I used to
use a concentrate called "NIL-ODOR", but have since found a water
soluable enzyme named called "Odor-Disposors" that actually gets
rid of the urine smell and any associated bacteria odors. It leaves
a mild, sweet smell. You can get it in most good sized pet stores.
Deb
|
| 256.5 | An alternative cleaner | SHOGUN::HEFFEL | Gary Heffelfinger | Thu May 29 1986 23:27 | 10 |
| I'm sure there's a note on this subject but I'll say it here anyway.
A mixture of 1 part vinegar to 1 part of water sprayed on the offending
spot(s) will actually break down the urine and will make the place
smell better. We've had problems with this from time to time and
this solution seems to work well. The store bought preparations
may work slightly better but they are more than slightly more
expensive. The vinegar smell may be strong for awhile but it goes
away in 1/2 a day or so.
Gary
|
| 256.6 | No quick fix.... | CANYON::ABELSON | | Fri May 30 1986 21:57 | 26 |
| This is indeed a MAJOR problem as between the physical smell and
the emotional expulsion, you'll want to "kill" the little bugger
on sight.
We had a similar problem which started out of nowhere. The major
difference was our cat was poopin' and peein'! First, we tried some
simple re-training. It seemed to work ok, but was short lived. Then
we began leaving the cat in a spare bedroom with its food and a
litter box. Again, this worked, but was very short lived (ie a month
later it was back to the same old s**t!). Finally we went to the
vet (about 1+ months had lapsed). He told us that it was one of two
things: a) since the cat was fixed, it may have been a hormonal
imbalance problem. This could be fixed by giving the cat birth-control
pills! b) this was a standard way for cats to show their unhappiness
with something and the only fix was to either figure out what it
wanted and give it to them, or get rid of it. Well, we tried the
bc pills and they had no effect. Then we separated our cats (we had
gotten a second cat about 8 months prior to the problem). The problem
stopped, so we got rid of the FIRST cat! (the one with the problem!).
We have since replace the little bugger and both remaining are very
happy.
Hope this helps, but if I were you, I'd prepare myself to get rid
of the PROBLEM....
ta
|
| 256.7 | What??? | SHOGUN::HEFFEL | Gary Heffelfinger | Sat May 31 1986 21:21 | 47 |
| Re: .6
<<Flame on>>
Are you serious?! "... get rid of the PROBLEM...."??? I have had
it up to my neck with the attitude that pets are objects that can
be gotten rid of at will. Is a piece of furniture or a carpet worth
more than the life and well-being of an animal that you have made
a commitment to by bringing it home? If so, then you have no business
living with a cat. Try a goldfish instead. An animal should be
every bit as much a commitment as a child. Perhaps even more, because
a pet depends on you all of its life, whereas a child can soon fend
for him/herself. You don't find too many people returning to the
hospital a few weeks after a child is born to return it because
it pissed on the sofa. You love the child, you do all you can to
help it, and if it continues to wet the sofa you continue to love
it and continue to try to remedy the problem. Why can't we afford
our pets the same love and courtesy?
I don't want to come down on you too hard because I realize that
you did make a good effort to remedy the situation but your advocating
getting rid of the cat as an option can't be left unchallenged.
There are people with far less fortitude who would have disposed
of the cat long before you did, but that doesn't change the fact
that there are shelters full of animals who didn't live up to their
owner's expectations and were gotten rid of.
<<Flame off>>
I realize that my views can be considered somewhat extreme. Trace
and I treat our cats as family members. (I balk at the word 'children'
because we then get instantly branded as loonies, but it isn't far
from the truth.)
BTW, a few minutes ago I talked to Trace (tlh) about this situation
and she was wondering what happened to your problem kitty? She
made the point that you might not be as horrible as I've made you
out to be if you gave him/her to a good family. Is he/she doing
better now? I can see cases where an animal might be better off
in a new loving home, but I can't see cases where a cat should go
to a shelter or be put to sleep or be dumped on the roadside
because he was a problem cat.
A billion "Sorry"'s if I came down on you unjustly. This subject
just sets me off.
Gary
|
| 256.8 | Just my opinion | CLT::COLLINS | Sledgehammer | Mon Jun 02 1986 13:10 | 34 |
| re: .7
I agree with the previous reply in that cats, or any pet in general,
should not be discarded because it did not live up to its owner's
expectations. The first cat my husband and I adopted was from a
shelter - he was about 1 year old and one of the most wonderful
and affectionate cats you could ever want to meet. I cannot see
anyone giving that cat up - he had a wonderful disposition, a wonderful
personality, and was in general the best animal I could ever have
asked for. I often wonder why the previous owners gave him to the
shelter.
Our other adopted cat (Uggie) was also adopted from the Humane Society.
He is one who also had a problem with urinating in the house. We
did not "return" him when we had a problem with him - his previous
owners gave him up because he was "too frisky" - well kittens generally
are quite frisky and active - that comes with the territory! And
the worst part is that not many people want to adopt older cats;
Uggie was in the shelter for almost a month before we saw him -
and he looked all grungy because he had been sleeping on newspaper
so long, and now he is a wonderful cat and very affectionate and
I would not give him up for anything.
The moral is that I don't think you can just toss away an animal
if it "disappoints" you. If you have an allergic reaction to it,
or if it hurts your children or something to that effect, then find
a good home for it. But if you find yourself giving a cat away because
it didn't live up to your expectations, or because it's no longer
a cute kitten, then you shouldn't own a cat in the first place.
(This is not directed at anyone - this is just my opinion because
I hate to see animals placed in shelters because someone was
disappointed with it after having it for a while.)
/regina
|
| 256.9 | Still another opinion | NAAD::SERRA | Tom | Mon Jun 02 1986 20:21 | 25 |
| I also must agree with the previous two replys, I don't feel
there is ever a justification for 'getting rid' of an animal. All
too often the lives of pets are taken too lightly. Why some people
have such disregard for the life of an animal is beyond me. If you
aren't prepared for the commitment, don't take on the responsibility.
(I won't repeat the analogy of children, although well stated.)
When Cathy (my wife) and I got or first cat, we had our hands
full. This cat was a constant source of trouble. EVERY day TC would
find something loose in the house and totally destroy it. (i.e.
Turn the garbage can upside down and spread it every where.) We
talked to the owner of the litter who told us that the whole litter
was kind of wild and that all the other kitten's owners had given
them up. This was not even a consideration for us - we were committed
from the start. With patience we managed to finally overcome the
problems and TC is a well adjusted family member.
Shortly after we got Midnight, Cathy developed and alergy to
cats (or an existing alergy got worse), again, getting rid of the
cats was never considered. We still have both cats and are very
happy with our decisions. (Cathy is actually talking about getting
another one... good grief...)
I just wanted to put my $.02 in since this is such a sore subject
with me. Sorry if I was too wordy - but I'm not sorry if I offended
someone!
Tom
|
| 256.10 | My two cents... | KOALA::FAMULARO | | Tue Jun 03 1986 20:16 | 16 |
| I can't help but put in my two cents...
I look at it this way. A problem pet presents a challenge. I figure
that I am smarter than any animal, and I'll be darned if an animal
is going to get the best of me. "Getting rid of" is another way
of saying "I've been beaten by an animal, I don't have the intelligence
to lick the problem so I'll just get rid of it." Well, that might
be ok for some people but not for this guy!
Each of our cats has presented us with various problems. Each one
delt with patiently and in a kind and understanding manner. Each
problem has been overcome. There is no problem that has overshadowed
all the joy and special moments our cats have given us.
And you can do it also, if your smarter than a cat...
|
| 256.11 | Ok, here's my respone... | CANYON::ABELSON | | Wed Jun 04 1986 00:54 | 69 |
| With everyone "...putting their $.02 in" I can almost retire! I should
write more counter-responses. Ok, you all asked for a response so
here it is. Remember though, opinions are like noses - everyone
has one and no two are alike!
First, we DID get rid of the problem - we gave the cat to a friend
after 'trying her out'. It seems she "wanted to live alone". Chances
are she was showing her unhappiness about having to live with another
feline under the same roof. Too bad you all jumped to an inappropriate
conclusion and thought I drowned her, sent her back to the hospital,
put her to sleep, threw her to the wolves, etc. My! Such faith in our
fellow man!
Second, although she was a warm, cuddly, friendly, cat she's just
that - A CAT! I'm sure she "has feelings too", but lets keep this
in perspective now. NOBODY said anything about children, or other
human beings. Lets not get too anthropomorphic (look it up)! In
the bottom line we would all be more willing to accept a problem
child (adult for that matter) than a cat, regardless of how much
we loved or cared for the cat. If you don't believe it, think of
the old "Burning building" exercise: namely, if a building was on
fire and it contained a person and an animal (cat, dog, or goldfish
as was so aptly put before) and only ONE could be saved, which would
it be? If you guessed animal, chances are you need some heavy help
because your value system is out of kilt. Those of you who answered
"Maybe a cat, but never a dog" are hypocrits for the sake of this
argument. Those of you who answered "the person, of course" see
my point. What is my point - you can't compare cats to people.
Now refer to item three for an expansion of this point.
Third, because we're talking about a non-human, yes the
wonderful (and I do mean it!) feline, how long would any of YOU
tolerate one pooping and peeing on your carpets, walls, bed, etc?
Well a few months was all we could stand. The house WREEKED (sp?)
from it. Guests would complain. It was at a point that a complete
cleaning didn't help especially in light of the fact that as soon
as you'd clean it up, she do it again! We're not talking about a
pet which "didn't live up to its owner's expectations", we're talking
about a real problem. Its easy to say "you wouldn't 'get rid of the
problem' if you were in our shoes" or "if it were a child" but thats
the point. It WASN'T a child, it was a CAT, and you weren't living
with it like we were. Ask the person who wrote this topic how much
longer she/he is willing to put up with the problem and what she/he
might do when its too much to handle. Yes, its a loving, warm, friendly
cat, but one who crapped on everything in the house. And simply
because it WASN'T a child, "removing the problem" WAS an option.
Remember, you can't compare children and cats. If you still think
you can, refer back to item 2.
Fourth (and finally) to those of you who said "...if you are smarter
than a cat you could figure out a solution...", all I can say
is that I know I'm smarter than any cat, aren't you? I assume those
that entered their own response are, but maybe we should begin to
ask since they don't seem terribly sure! 8-) (only teasing! Don't
get your dander up!)
Now you may think I'm being a hard-nose, but nowhere have you seen
the word <<<FLAME ON!!!>>>. I'm being perfectly honest. I would
no more consider killing a living thing, especially a caring pet,
than any other reasonable person. But remember, we MUST be reasonable.
If it were you, you'd probably have done the same thing.
Now, lets go back to being friends. If you don't agree with my opinion,
I'm truely sorry. If you do, I'm glad. But please don't look down
the end of your nose at me, or "scold" me in these one-sided
conversations. On to the next topic....
Todd
|
| 256.12 | | SHOGUN::HEFFEL | Tracey Heffelfinger | Wed Jun 04 1986 12:59 | 55 |
| Well I can't resist addressing a few points. As for being
anthropomorphic about this, (and I didn't need to look it up by the
way) it's not relevant to this discussion. The fact that you think
it is shows how very different our world views are. You seem to
think that our concern about the animals is because they are so
like man. (The anthropomorphic facet) WRONG! My world view is
that cats (and other animals) are unique beings different from man
but no less important. People with my world view don't understand
why anyone would assume that man is inherently more important than
any other creature. (Although I draw the line at roaches and Gary
draws his line at snakes. ;-)) Don't want to argue. Just want you
to realize how VERY different the assumptions behind these statements
can be.
As for the point about "how long would YOU put up with this?"...
My husband (the one whose tirade started all this) and I put up
with it for OVER A YEAR! We DO know where you're coming from!
(And we had a chain reaction that got most of our 6 male cats
involved!) We still have to be very careful about the stresses
on one cat in particular who's neurotic and two cats who have FUS,
to keep it from starting up again.
Lastly, please note that Gary did apologize if he jumped to
conclusions. It's unfortunate that we've had enough cats dumped
on our doorstep and worked at the shelter enough that we tend to
assume that "get rid of" doesn't mean anything as benign as find
a good home for.
Rather than on to the next topic, how 'bout back to this one.
It's been so long off the point that I don't remember what's been
tried and what hasn't.
1) See a vet. We know from experience FUS can cause or exacerbate
inappropriate urination.
2) Keep the litter boxes clean. (I mean CLEAN.) Scoop out solid
waste once or twice a day. Stir up the litter so it can dry and
change it completely, often.
3) If there is a "favorite spot", clean it thouroughly, then
move a piece of furniture over it, if possible. If that's not
possible, try putting a food or water bowl on or near it.
4) Scold the cat if caught in the act. PRAISE the cat for using
the box.
5) Give the cat extra attention.
6) Pay attention to the timing. Does another cat smack him,
then he walks away and does his job? (i.e. look for stress that
may cause the problem.)
When I have more time, I'll try to put more suggestions in.
tlh
|
| 256.13 | Dear Tracey: | CANYON::ABELSON | | Wed Jun 04 1986 17:22 | 36 |
| Tracey - I'm sure you're a wonderful person, you're obviously intelligent
and logical, so please accept my comments as MY opinion and do not
take them personally. Now to address your points in reverse order:
What to do about "the problem": we basically tried EVERYTHING you
mentioned on your list in one form or another and although we got
some positive results, they were all short lived. I too am
sensitive to animals needs and consider myself an excellent pet
owner.
Relative to the point as to HOW long you've lived with "the problem"
my only response is that your comfort zone is obvious longer (and
different) from mine. I'm sure there are other things we feel the
reverse about - traffic, bad whether, whatever. The point is that
you (like me) have only two choices assuming you are actively
pursuring a solution: a) live with the problem until it is resolved
(if ever), b) resolve the problem thru alternative means even though
they may not be the most desirable. Yes, you lived (and are continuing
to live) with the problem for one year - more power to you. My wife
and I could only stand a few months. Also, make no mistake - giving
the cat away was NOT easy for either if us.
Finally, and maybe most important point, is our differing opinion
on where Man and Animal stand on the social scale. I can see your
point completely and agree with it on many planes. However, I cannot
place animals on the same level as man in all areas. This happens
to be one of those situations. As a wise man once said:
"Aye, there lies the rub"!
Thanks for your comments and feedback...
Todd A.
|
| 256.14 | How far does your caring extend? | LOOKUP::ICS | Gita Devi | Wed Jun 04 1986 19:11 | 14 |
| After reading this discussion, which certainly covered a lot more than cats
urinating in the house, I'd like to ask a question to everyone: are you
vegetarians?
If you have so much love and concern for your pets, then it's logical to
extend that love to all animals.
I made that transition more than 12 years ago, and have never regretted it
since.
I guess you could say that I've also added my 2 cents worth.
Gita Devi
|
| 256.16 | Mined Out! | INK::KALLIS | | Wed Jun 04 1986 20:09 | 8 |
| re .15, .15:
Yes, let's end this tack.
I would point out that my cats are carnivores, however. :-)
Steve Kallis, Jr.
|
| 256.17 | Violent agreement strikes again | SHOGUN::HEFFEL | Tracey Heffelfinger | Wed Jun 04 1986 20:12 | 51 |
| < Note 256.13 by CANYON::ABELSON >
-< Dear Tracey: >-
> Tracey - I'm sure you're a wonderful person, you're obviously intelligent
> and logical, so please accept my comments as MY opinion and do not
> take them personally.
I thought I was. Oh well. ;-) (Oh OK, I'll admit I was a
snippy about looking up anthropomorphic.)
> Relative to the point as to HOW long you've lived with "the problem"
> my only response is that your comfort zone is obvious longer (and
> different) from mine. I'm sure there are other things we feel the
> reverse about - traffic, bad whether, whatever. The point is that
> you (like me) have only two choices assuming you are actively
> pursuring a solution: a) live with the problem until it is resolved
> (if ever), b) resolve the problem thru alternative means even though
> they may not be the most desirable. Yes, you lived (and are continuing
> to live) with the problem for one year - more power to you. My wife
> and I could only stand a few months. Also, make no mistake - giving
> the cat away was NOT easy for either if us.
Two points about this. 1) I wasn't try to prove who's holier than
whom in their tolerance levels or to say that you should have
stuck with it longer or anything like that. I was addressing
someone's statement about "don't judge til you've stood in their
shoes." Some of us have lived through it. Just as we shouldn't
assume that "getting rid of" doesn't mean give to a good home, you
shouldn't assume that we are standing on the sidelines judging
with no experience. 2) If you'll look back through this note,
you'll not see a single word from me condemning you for giving
the cat away. (In fact if you'll reread the tirade that started
all this, you'll note that my first reaction was to ask Gary
what was meant by "get rid off". AND THAT GIVING TO A GOOD HOME
WAS OK.) If you'll read my note on the indoor/outdoor question,
you'll see that we actually considered giving a cat away.
The upshot of this is that I'm not saying some of the things
you think I am. I think we're actually in "violent agreement" as
the saying goes.
tlh
P.S. I rarely ever take one side in an arguement. But most poeple
assume if I throw in points for one side, I'm taking that side.
Not so. Sometimes I'm straddling the fence and can see both sides.
Sometimes I just like playing devil's advocate. Guess I'll just
have to state up front what "side" I'm on, if any, to avoid this
inthe future.
|
| 256.18 | The originator replys: | CSC32::JOHNS | | Wed Jun 04 1986 23:59 | 36 |
| Thank you Deb, Tracey and others for your advice. If anyone else
has advice concerning the original topic I would still appreciate
it. I have spoken to my vet about this as you all suggested. He
is of the bent that it is a behavioral problem. I plan on trying
the other suggestions given also. It never even occured to me that
the FUS (is this feline urinary syndrome?) might have an affect.
As a matter of fact the two cats we suspect most both have this
illness/disease and are both on an exclusive diet of canned C/D.
Incidentally, Fillmore, the cat most suspected of the urination,
is my favorite cat of the bunch and you can bet that I will not give
him up. However, Tyler, the number two cat in our cats' own hierarchy,
spends so much of his time with our next door neighbors who spoil him
silly that we have CONSIDERED offering him to them if we find that
he has been the culprit all along or if his spraying/urinating
increases significantly. However, it is hard for me to imagine giving
up one of our animals. The exception would be if none of our attempts
to keep him from urinating in the house were successful,and then
giving him away would be an alternative to the dangers inherent in
making him a totally outdoor cat.
Another consideration is to have the cat(s) who is urinating to
spend any indoor time on the porch, not in the rest of the house
with the others. This would be an indoor porch which can be cool
in the summer and warm in the winter. The cats currently sleep
in the two porches every night. Of course, if you remember my original
note, you will remember that they are outdoors during the day.
So, again thank you. There have been no more problems since I wrote
the original note, but that is not unusual since the problem is
sporadic. I still can't understand why it seems to be the cats
in the top in the hierarchy who seem to have the problem. Their
positions seem fairly set so they wouldn't have the remind the other
cats that they are on top.
Carol
|
| 256.19 | FUS is a real possibility | VAXWRK::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu Jun 05 1986 20:08 | 9 |
| FUS is a real possibility; even though my Argus is on an exclusive
diet of dry C/D and moist s/d, experience has told me that anytime
I find a puddle on the floor to bring him into the vet who puts
him on urine acidifer pills for a few days. (Everytime I've just
cleaned up and ignored the problem, Gus has wound up vacationing
at the vet for a few weeks at a time).
Deb
|
| 256.20 | Alternative remedy | INK::KALLIS | | Thu Jun 05 1986 20:48 | 15 |
| re .19:
a good urine acidifier pill os a plain old vitamin C tablet (my
vet said 100 mg pills would be okay). The ascorbic acid (vit. c)
goes through to the bladder and acidifies the urine.
Good to know on holidays or when traveling.
Steve Kallis, Jr.
P.S.: I have three cats (I lost a couple) who _don't_ have FUS,
but who adore C/D dry. So it's part of their diet.
-S
|
| 256.21 | My last reply on this subject. Really :^) | SHOGUN::HEFFEL | Gary Heffelfinger | Fri Jun 06 1986 01:17 | 12 |
| I'm sorry that my infamous flame caused such a discussion. It is
perhaps quite fortunate that I've been gone for the last week and
that it has all been played out. My tongue (er..fingers) might
have gotten me into more trouble than it was worth. I sometimes
don't stop to think first and such was the case a week ago when
my mind immediately thought "shelter" or "roadside" rather than
"good home". I should have remembered what conference I was in
and the good people who note there.
On with the real topic here....
Gary
|
| 256.22 | I'm glad we're all friends again ;-) | VAXWRK::DUDLEY | | Fri Jun 06 1986 20:52 | 18 |
| Gary, I personally don't feel you have any need to apologize.
Though Todd redeemed himself in subsequent notes, certainly
the wording and tone of his first note does not give any in-
dication that it was difficult for him to give this cat away.
Quite the opposite. I found his note to be incredibly callous.
"We got rid of the PROBLEM..." is callous, period. It's not the
same as saying something like 'we had to give this cat away'.
Sometimes the written word does not really say or express what
you really want. A lot of people simply don't write well and
therefore it's easy to misinterpret and misunderstand what they
write. After hearing more from Todd, I concluded that his first
note was just not written very well. (Just MY opinion Todd. :-)
, no offense intended).
Regards,
Donna
|
| 256.23 | Dear Tracey (continued): | CANYON::ABELSON | Why Waltz when you can Rock & Roll? | Fri Jun 06 1986 23:57 | 13 |
| What can I say? I think you're right! We do seem to be in agreement.
But after all, that's what I hate about "NOTES". Its tough to remember
all the little details 6 days after the original note.
Pls tell your hubby that I read his note and understand his concern.
It displayed the concerns of someone with conviction. Relative to our
discussion, I am humbled. Here's another suggestion - get a dog!
The cats will be so worried they won't have time to worry about
territorial disputes! (8-^) - (tongue-in-cheek!)
Love and kisses,
Todd
|
| 256.24 | Uggie's revenge! | DSSDEV::COLLINS | | Mon Jun 09 1986 14:40 | 30 |
|
Well I guess we should get back to the "urinating cat" for those out
there that have this problem or might encounter it in the future.
As my wife (CLT::COLLINS) mentioned, one of our cats (Uggie) has this
problem. I didn't say "had" since at 5:12am this morning he pissed on my leg.
Yes he pissed, in the afternoon you may call it "urinating" but at 5:12am it
is definitly piss. I didn't hit the cat (though if hitting him would've made
the piss go away I would've belted him). The reason for this (and the reason
for all the other occurences) is when Uggie is "pissed" at us. We left for a 4
day weekend and locked the cats indoors with plenty of food and water (and a
cousin to drop in and check on things). Our cats being outdoor cats don't take
kindly to this and Uggie has this unique way of showing it. I'm sure many cat
owners out there can attest to the fact that cats can show their disproval of
*our* actions in rather unpleasent ways (urinating, puking, etc..). In our
normal day to day routine, Uggie is a gem, no problem at all and quite
affectionate. But after leaving them inside for a weekend (or some other
change of routine) Uggie does his number (generally on *ME* early in the
morning). I show him the spot and say "NO" but he knows what he's done and
hasn't stopped it yet. I have never hit him (I sometimes marvel at my
restraint!) since that won't solve the problem and will probably aggravate it.
So to wrap it all up for those of you who have cats that infrequently
urinate, see if you notice a pattern (not in the urination but when they do
it). At lease you'll know when they are apt to do it and be prepared to
discipline them at the time (again hitting a cat doesn't help, if you do that
they'll move behind a couch where you can't see them).
/harry
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