Our 7 year old male cat is having issues right now with urinating on the furniture, blankets and boxes. Yes, we have moved house several times since he was born and there has been changes of new grandchildren coming into our lives and we recently had our son's family and large dog staying with us for a month before we could all move into our homes.I am thinking a lot of Tigger's issues are do to stress and moving.We have the 2 male cats which are brothers..I couldn't take one without the other! Gabby seems to get upset with Tigger more often now to the point where they will get into a scrap and we separate the two of them so they do not harm each other. Gabby has adjusted very well to any changes.We have kept them on the same brand of dry(Special Kitty) & wet food (Friskies) since they were born. They have food & water in their bowls at all times..milk is only given to them as a treat once a month.Is this a behavior, stress or maybe a medical issue? They are both loved and cared for!! We thought Tigger would be ok with the move he seemed to have more energy to play..they both played and prowled the first 3 nights.Thank you
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Cat Gender: Male Age: 7 Name of Cat: Tigger Already Tried: At first I would just clean up after him without scolding him and now I am scolding him and that is when his brother will hiss and scrap with him. I have tried rubbing his nose in it and that doesn't seem to affect him from doing it again. I am at a loss to what to do!!
HiI am sorry for your problems. I would be suspicious of this being a behavioral problem as is Gabby's aggression most likely also anxiety. Cats don't accept changes too well. First, get two litter boxes or more if a two story house. Change litter weekly if possible and scoop several times daily. Clean the boxes thoroughly monthly. These things might not help but could if Gabby's odors are stimulating the changes. Take both cats to your veterinarian for exam, urinalysis and a blood profile to rule out infections or health problems and as pre medicine screening and discuss use of Amytriptaline or similar anxiety medication with your veterinarian for both cats. Two to three months on the medication might be enough to help them get over the anxiety. If not feasable, you can try Pheromone plug ins (Feliway) that you can get from your veterinarian but this is a mild helper to calm the cats and may not be sufficient. Good luck on this.Dr. Jay Mawhinney
Thank you for your information..we have tried the two litter pans and we clean everyday and wash both bi-weekly.I was thinking that it was a behaviour issue..now that I am sure of because Tigger will have a bowel movement beside the litter pans if there is anything in one of the pans and this has been going on for the past 4 years.
HiYour Welcome.Follow up with your veterinarian on the exam, work up and possible anxiety medication as it often helps. Also consider trying open litter pans if your are using covered ones, sometimes this helps.
Experience: 34+ years experience in day practice and in critical care.
I hope things are settling down for you and the cats.
Yes, things have settled down considerably for all of us thank you.Our boys are finally back to normal!!Thank youCathie
Wonderful. I'm glad things are settling down.