Help with cat

murandmom · 03-29-2007, 08:17 AM

Hello! Everyone at this site has been so great, I want to give a new problem a try (and not join another "cat forum" site). Our 10 year old cat has started peeing right next to her litter box (still poops in it) and this is such a surprise because she NEVER goes outside of her box. Nothing has changed, except for the new puppy (which, I know, is a huge change). She has been using the littermaid automatic litter box which I still keep very clean, and never has a problem until the past week. She just had a major workup (her "geriatric" checkup

) and the vet repeated exclaimed how healthy and laid back she was. When I spoke to the vet about the new puppy, he asked some questions related to her recent behavior. When I mentioned that she's been hanging out in the living room and kitchen a lot more (she normally lays low until the kids nap or its nighttime), and he asked if she'd been aggressive with the kids (which she had--for the first time ever, she bit my daughter). I'm really stuck here, and I'm thinking that she's just PO'd about the puppy? She also only does this when the puppy is "away from her", either upstairs getting the kids ready with us, or at night, when puppy is in crate. Any ideas or suggestions? I'd hate to think she's just getting old, and any advice is welcomed!

LoveLilly · 03-29-2007, 08:59 AM

we had jealously issues with our cat once the puppy came along. She would cry and cry and cry till we came into the laundry room and then she would stand there, look at us and pee on the pile of clothes!!! Just the other day she left a poop in the living room. My husband schedules play/cuddle time with him and it really makes a difference. When we are too busy or get lazy about it this is what he does! This has never ever happened until Lilly the puppy came along.

Lorina · 03-29-2007, 02:10 PM

Any change in routine can cause a cat to act out in strange ways, and a new pup is certainly a change!

Just to be on the safe side, I'd have a urine sample checked by the vet to rule out medical issues. Otherwise, try to keep things as normal as possible for the kitty. Make sure she gets plenty of individual attention and affection. Give her extra treats or catnip when the pup is around, so she starts associating the puppy with good things.

cshellenberger · 03-29-2007, 05:14 PM

My cat sometimes 'misses' the littermaid, so I have house breaking pads under it to catch the accidents. He will also use the bathtub if the littermaid catch box isn't cleaned out when it's supposed to be and starts smelling.

It sounds like the cat is stressed, talk to your vet about what can be done to help her.

sheltiemom · 04-01-2007, 12:43 AM

I don't have anything helpful, but I can relate. My cat, 11 years old, is not happy about my puppies either. She's been snappish for years, but a couple of days ago, my husband caught her peeing in one of the the dogs crates. And she used to cuddle with him in the evenings, but she acts like she is mad at him now. We've had a dog before, so I don't know if it is just the playfulness of the puppies or age or what.

poodleholic · 04-04-2007, 04:23 AM

10 isn't really all that old for a cat, however, I would do a urine check to rule out kidney problems, especially problematic in cats who are fed food with a high ash level.

Cats will act out in strange ways when there are changes in their environment. They don't like change, and they aren't shy about letting us know! Be sure that she has her own space to escape to, and that the puppy doesn't bug her - allow her to be the one to approach the puppy (have the puppy on lead or in a crate/x-pen, or in a room with baby gates to contain). Give her the same attention you gave her prior to the arrival of the puppy, and, when the puppy is in the same room, give your cat some really yummy treats, belly rubs or chin scratches (if she likes them). You want her to associate that really good things happen when that puppy is around.

It may take awhile . . .you know how cats are! LOL