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Nina, are you sure you are not a cat? It
makes a lot of sense. This interests me too, because Cotton also has
accidents, but mostly when he has been feeling bad. I have attributed much
of it to his digestive woes. He's also the pickiest cat I have ever known
about his litterbox. He wants it immaculate. Sandy
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 1:54
PM
Subject: Kerry and Tiger
Hey Kerry,
I think it's a wonderful idea to take notes and
see if you notice a pattern. I'm very pleased to hear you don't think
it's health related. Even though figuring out behavioral stuff can be
tricky, I'd rather deal with the mess, (after all, you'd have to deal with the
mess either way), knowing it's because of some sort of
behavioral/environmental complaint. That is interesting that he has
associated your home coming with defecation! A couple of the things
you've said have me wondering if it has to do with his being needy of your
attention. You did just bring a special needs kitty home that's hogging
your attention as well. It's a shame that Tiger has to be medicated to
help him remain calm, I'm assuming that's what the "kitty Prozac" is
for. This is what I'd do... First of all, I'd forget all about
trying to "maintain" hierarchy. That's not really your place
anyway. The kitties will deal with that themselves. If someone
needs more of your attention, you should give it to them, if you can.
I'd start by, yes, here we go again, having a talk with Tiger. Even if
he doesn't understand you, he'll appreciate the extra attention. Tell
him you understand that he's upset about something and that you're trying to
figure it out, (we humans can be so thick sometimes!). Let him know that
you appreciate him sharing his house with kitties in need and how happy it
makes you to help them. Talk about why it's unhealthy and upsetting to
you when he doesn't use the box, (that includes knowing that there is
something that is making HIM unhappy). Tell him how very special he is
to you and why. That from now on, you are going to do your best to
lavish him with attention and make sure he's happy. Pick a time of day
that you can devote to him, take your cue from him, when is he most likely to
seek you out? Do the things he likes to do during that time, if he likes
to be brushed, brush him, if he likes treats, give him something special every
day. It doesn't have to be a long time, but it should be the same time
every day, make it part of your routine. Maybe Tiger's time can be just
before, or after you give Pookie his subq. That way he'll be rewarded
for being such a noble little gentleman and sharing you! Remind him that
he doesn't have to poop outside the box to get your attention. Make sure
when you walk in the door, you seek him out and tell him how very pleased you
are to see him and to be back home with him. Go ahead and talk to him
first, if someone else is rubbing on you at the time, by all means pet them
and tell them hello, but be looking for Tiger and approaching him to give him
some love. Since he likes using his box when you come home, maybe after
you greet him, you could walk him over to his favorite box and while you're
cleaning it out, invite him to use it. If he goes, tell him how
wonderful he is and that you're so glad he understands that you want him to
use the box!
Damn, I'm long-winded when I get
started!
N
MacKenzie, Kerry N. wrote:
Nina
Yes, I did indeed get the email from you
(about medical possibility/low litter/new litter) thanks v.
much and thought I replied but I bet it's still in my outbox,
I'll check tonight.
He
goes about once every 2 weeks outside the box. I haven't been able to detect
a pattern, BUT I thought I would start keeping notes and maybe that will
give a clue. He seems ok in every other way. Eating, drinking, picking
fights with Trixie, wanting attention, etc.
I
wonder if this throws any light: for years, I noticed that as soon as I came
home from work, every night without fail, Tiger would go to the box and do
his business. It was such a pattern that I asked my vet what he
thought. He gave me a wordy and (to my mind) jargon-laden explanation,
the gist of which I believe was, he's just very excited to see
you.
I
remember Trixie, completely out of character for her, going outside the box
poor love when 4 members of my family stayed with me for a week. She must
have been totally stressed out, for this was the same fastidious
Trixie whose behavior mystified me way back in the early days when
she used the yucca plant instead of the box 2 days in a row until i
realized *I* was the problem---I'd put the litter box cover on back to front
and she couldn't get to it.
I
believe it's stress-related with Tiger (he's on kitty Prozac). I don't think
it makes him happy at all that he has to share me with other cats and has
never been allowed to usurp Katyis (topcat in our house). I've always been
at pains to maintain the heirarchy. Tiger was third to arrive, so he has to
wait his turn after Katyis and Trixie for the petting
etc.
Kerry
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