Cats don't do things out of Spite

It is a myth that cats do things out of spite, like urinating outside the litter box.  When they do something that you find inappropriate, they are either trying to tell you "something is wrong, and I need you to help me" or it is an action that is "appropriate to them" (because it is in their nature).

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Any cat who is peeing outside the box is saying:

 

1. This box is stinky. Please scoop it more often. No one likes to do their business on a smelly toilet.

2. Another cat is bullying me, and I can't get in/out of the box without being beat-up.  Please put out another box in a different location so I can do my business in peace.

3. I'm in pain when I try to pee.  To me, every time I get in the box and try to pee, it hurts; so, I don't want to get in the box and be hurt again.  Maybe somewhere else won't hurt as much.  Please take me to the vet and get me some antibiotics or something that will help me. If I get in the box and try to pee, but only a few drops come out, I may have a blockage which can be life-threatening! TAKE ME TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. You may save my life. If I have been declawed, it hurts when I try to dig a hole or walk on the litter surface. PLEASE DO NOT DECLAW ME! Declawing is the AMPUTATION of the last knuckle of each of my toes!! I walk on my toes. This causes me pain!!  Please Don’t have it done to me.

5. I don't like this litter - it hurts my feet, or it has a strong perfume (I prefer Unscented because my nose is more sensitive, and it is closer to the litter than yours is.) I can also have a preference on the depth of litter in the box. Usually, I prefer 2-3".

6. I don't like this litterbox. It is too small (I need to turn around and squat comfortably), too tall (I can't get in, or I'm older and my arthritis inhibits my ability to step over the edge), covered (holds in smell or I get trapped inside by another cat).  Please try another one that suits me better.

7. The litterbox is next to something Scary or in the middle of a traffic pattern. If the box is next to a dryer or hot-water heater that starts unexpectedly or in the middle of where people/cats walk, I can get startled while I'm trying to do my business. I will simply find a quieter area.

8. The area where I peed (outside the box) before still smells, so I think it is okay to go there. Please clean it with a product like Rug Doctor's Urine Eliminator (which has enzymes that destroy the source of the smell).

9. I have not been altered and I am Spraying. Until I am spay/neutered, I will have a drive to reproduce. That will cause me to Spray (which is my Calling Card letting other cats know that I am ready to make babies). Please spay/neuter me so I will no longer need/want to spray.

 

Thank you for taking care of me and loving me.  I promise I will do my best to follow your rules to the best of my ability.  I will never do Anything to spite you. (Only people do that.)  -Your Loving Cat.

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Just like people

Cats can get the same diseases, such as:  FCD (feline cognitive dysfunction, similar to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in humans) which afflicts nearly 60% of 12-15 year old cats, PKD (polycystic kidney disease), high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism (cats eat and eat, but still lose weight), diabetes (cats will drink tons of water), asthma, cancer, arthritis, and obesity.

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Lactose Intolerance

Not all adult cats are lactose intolerant, but Many are. Lactose intolerant cats may vomit, become gassy or "gurgly," have soft stool or even outright diarrhea after ingesting milk. Lactose intolerance is the result of not having adequate amounts of the enzyme known as lactase, which is used for the breaking down of the sugar found in milk as well as other dairy products, known as lactose. Cow milk has much more lactose than many dairy-loving kitties can digest because the amounts of lactase a cat's body produces declines after weaning.  Signs of lactose intolerance:  excessive gas, abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, Polydipsia (increased thirst), dehydration, increased heart rate, and dry gums.  Read more

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Dairy & Other Allergies

Dairy products are those products produced from the milk of mammals and are popularly known as milk, butter, yogurt, and cheese. Cats with a dairy allergy are allergic to the protein, casein, found in milk. This type of allergy is considered a food allergy and has many similar symptoms to a typical food allergy including: diarrhea, vomiting, itchy skin, gas, lack of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, loss of hair, and excessive licking of the skin.  Cats can be allergic to many different types of foods, as well as inhalants, pests, and fleas. Other types of foods that can give cats allergic reactions include: beef, corn, seafood, wheat, gluten, and soy.  Read more

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If cats are...(seek the advice of a veterinarian)

• Sick with a cold (a URI - upper respiratory infection), 15 minutes in a steaming bathroom may open up his air passages.

• Shaking its head, might mean he is suffering from ear mites.

• Chewing on a wool sweater, she may have displaced nursing instinct.

• Drooling - some cats drool from pleasure, but it can also be an indication of Serious Dental Problems.

• Overweight - 60% of our cats are overweight.  Obesity can trigger serious health risks, including diabetes and lameness.  Ask your vet for help to slim-down a tubby tabby safely to avoid Fatty Liver Disease.  Your cat make not be happy initially, but that will quickly pass; and he will live a longer, happier, healthier life.  He will thank you in the end.

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What is Trichobezoar

A hairball.  Cats groom themselves by licking their fur.  Since they cannot spit out the hairs from their tongue (see A Cat's Tongue), they swallow it.  If that hair does not pass through their system to be eliminated, it is vomited out.  Some cats cannot eliminate or vomit out the hairball.  In these cases, surgical intervention is required.  To help alleviate hairballs, groom your cat regularly and add some dietary fiber.  DO NOT give your cat mineral oil; it can enter the lungs instead of the stomach.  If your cat has excessive hairballs, seek the advice of your veterinarian.