A letter from your cat: Why I’m peeing in your house…
February 23rd, 2010 Posted in UncategorizedA letter from your cat…
I am peeing in the house and you’re mad at me. I’m not doing it to be spiteful, I promise! I’m just feeling upset and stressed.
You see, I like my stuff. I need to have my own space. If I feel my territory is being threatened, I have this strong urge to mark it with my own scent. I’m like the kid who has to write his name on all his toys. I can’t use crayons, so pee will have to do.
Sometimes I do this because it hurts to whiz in my litter box. Perhaps I have bladder stones or an inflamed bladder. So please take me to the vet to have that checked out, before you assume I have a behavioural problem. And do it early. The longer I carry on this way, the harder it will be for my doctor to help us. Also, bladder stones can be fatal in cats!
If my veterinarian tells you I don’t have any medical problems, then think about what might be going on in my environment. Did you bring home a new pet, or a new boyfriend, or a baby? Did you move the furniture around, so home doesn’t look the same any more? Is there a neighbour’s cat coming to the windows, threatening to invade my personal space and steal my things?
Please don’t yell at me or hit me or rub my nose in the dirty spots. Please don’t dump me in the litter box when I’m doing it wrong. That will only make me more anxious.
You know cats are usually spotless. We don’t usually eliminate in the same spot over and over in the wild, and certainly not where other cats have peed. Help me do what’s actually unnatural for a cat, by keeping my litter box clean. Don’t use ammonia or strong disinfectants that can burn my nose.
For that nasty tease at the window, why don’t you call its owners and tell them how upset I am. If the neighbours won’t help, keep the blinds closed so I can’t see their cat any more. If my tormentor is a stray, please phone Animal Control or the Humane Society.
To make me like my litter box again, you can try a litter box additive called Cat Attract. Also, ask my vet about a great product called Feliway; it’s a pheromone with a “happy cat” smell that you can use in areas I’m stressed, to help calm me.
You might have to keep me out of the room I’ve soiled for a few weeks. Make sure you clean it with a special enzyme-based cleaner that doesn’t just mask the smell. I have a great nose and can smell things that you can’t.
If all this doesn’t work, I might need special medication, until I get used to the changes in our home. I only need to be on it a little while, don’t worry (we both know how I hate taking pills!).
Please don’t book that appointment to have me killed before you at least give everything a try.
Do give me extra attention and love. Introduce me slowly to new additions to your family. It takes me some time to get used to changes. I love you, and although I will learn to share you, of course I don’t want to at first!
Thanks for your patience and understanding. I know we can work this out.
Love,
Felix
