1/18 Alska AMPS=114. PMPS=228
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BJM
Member Since 2010
Re: 1/18 Alska AMPS=114
Bummer.
After you rule out any medical issues (infection, stones, etc) here is a list I compiled previously. Some of the items may not apply.
***********************************************************************
You might try an integrated approach using multiple options from the list below on a consistent basis:
* start with crating, using a medium large crate (30" long is big enough for cat and a litterbox) until progress. She probably won't go where she'd have to lie in it ... but if she does, something is wrong and it may be medical.
* tarps and newspapers may be easier on clean up if you don't crate her
* feeding on a schedule and then placing her in the litterbox (maybe in a crate) within 15-20 minutes after eating, until she goes, then praising and letting her out.
* Feliway/Comfort Zone - friendly facial pheromones which reduce stress and may reduce marking behavior. Cheapest prices are usually on the net (ex http://www.LambertVetSupply.com ) I've used it and it helps.
* Cat Attract litter - supposed to help attract cat to litter box
* rule out arthritis or constipation - pain causes box avoidance
* watch if the other cats ever attack her in the box and if so, you may need to keep her separated from them. I've got one the others attack, completely unprovoked.
* littebox should be 1.5 times length of cat, litter cleaned frequently, but avoid really strong smelling cleaners as cats may avoid them due to the scent.
* you've got to get residual odors out from areas which were 'nailed' - Nature's Miracle is one option and has good reviews. It _can_ require repeated applications.
* regular play sessions of about 15 minutes to reduce stress and promote bond with you
* reward desirable behaviors - if you see her use the box, praise and treat her
* put unpleasant textures in places she has peed to encourage avoidance
* read some of this author's books: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/ she's pretty good - ex "Starting from Scratch"
Good luck.
Bummer.
After you rule out any medical issues (infection, stones, etc) here is a list I compiled previously. Some of the items may not apply.
***********************************************************************
You might try an integrated approach using multiple options from the list below on a consistent basis:
* start with crating, using a medium large crate (30" long is big enough for cat and a litterbox) until progress. She probably won't go where she'd have to lie in it ... but if she does, something is wrong and it may be medical.
* tarps and newspapers may be easier on clean up if you don't crate her
* feeding on a schedule and then placing her in the litterbox (maybe in a crate) within 15-20 minutes after eating, until she goes, then praising and letting her out.
* Feliway/Comfort Zone - friendly facial pheromones which reduce stress and may reduce marking behavior. Cheapest prices are usually on the net (ex http://www.LambertVetSupply.com ) I've used it and it helps.
* Cat Attract litter - supposed to help attract cat to litter box
* rule out arthritis or constipation - pain causes box avoidance
* watch if the other cats ever attack her in the box and if so, you may need to keep her separated from them. I've got one the others attack, completely unprovoked.
* littebox should be 1.5 times length of cat, litter cleaned frequently, but avoid really strong smelling cleaners as cats may avoid them due to the scent.
* you've got to get residual odors out from areas which were 'nailed' - Nature's Miracle is one option and has good reviews. It _can_ require repeated applications.
* regular play sessions of about 15 minutes to reduce stress and promote bond with you
* reward desirable behaviors - if you see her use the box, praise and treat her
* put unpleasant textures in places she has peed to encourage avoidance
* read some of this author's books: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/ she's pretty good - ex "Starting from Scratch"
Good luck.
nckitties3
Member Since 2013
Re: 1/18 Alska AMPS=114
Aw hon, I'm sorry to hear that. That's does suck. :-x I know how frustrating that can be.
Lucian did that to me a couple months ago, but he's an a$$ when it comes to his litter box. The other day, when I had to go to the college to get my student ID, I didn't clean his box before I went, so he peed on my rug again. For a cat that won't cover, he sure is picky. :roll:
Because of any number of accidents that can happen, I've kept a fluid resistant cover on my bed, plus 2 quilted mattress pads on top of that, for many years. If something does get 'wet' it can't get to the pillowtop. After my ex spilling a 'big gulp' full of tea on the last mattress casing and having to buy a new one, I've kept it protected.
BJM is right though, most cats won't do something like that unless there is something wrong. Could be medical, stress related, etc. Or he could be a jerk like Lucian.
I know there isn't anything medically wrong with Lucian, just had all the tests run, everything came back clean. So when he pulls one of those stunts, he's just mad cause I didn't clean the LB fast enough to suit him. :-x Ya know, neither of the girls have EVER gone anywhere outside the box, except when they actually were allowed outside of the house. But they never went in the house unless it was in the box. Leave it to the boys. :roll:
But with Alska, there is so much of his history that you're unaware of. Might consider a large crate for him for limited times.
I know you already got the Feliway stuff. I've used the Nature's Miracle cleaner, it's excellent.
Wish I had some great words of advice for you, I got nothing. :sad:
On a better note, great numbers! ;-)
Aw hon, I'm sorry to hear that. That's does suck. :-x I know how frustrating that can be.
Lucian did that to me a couple months ago, but he's an a$$ when it comes to his litter box. The other day, when I had to go to the college to get my student ID, I didn't clean his box before I went, so he peed on my rug again. For a cat that won't cover, he sure is picky. :roll:
Because of any number of accidents that can happen, I've kept a fluid resistant cover on my bed, plus 2 quilted mattress pads on top of that, for many years. If something does get 'wet' it can't get to the pillowtop. After my ex spilling a 'big gulp' full of tea on the last mattress casing and having to buy a new one, I've kept it protected.
BJM is right though, most cats won't do something like that unless there is something wrong. Could be medical, stress related, etc. Or he could be a jerk like Lucian.
I know there isn't anything medically wrong with Lucian, just had all the tests run, everything came back clean. So when he pulls one of those stunts, he's just mad cause I didn't clean the LB fast enough to suit him. :-x Ya know, neither of the girls have EVER gone anywhere outside the box, except when they actually were allowed outside of the house. But they never went in the house unless it was in the box. Leave it to the boys. :roll: But with Alska, there is so much of his history that you're unaware of. Might consider a large crate for him for limited times.
I know you already got the Feliway stuff. I've used the Nature's Miracle cleaner, it's excellent.
Wish I had some great words of advice for you, I got nothing. :sad:
On a better note, great numbers! ;-)
RobinCot
Member Since 2013
I have placed precautions on my bed. I do believe that he holds it too long AND has a weak bladder. He was trying to get off the bed at the time too. I also take responsibility in that our new routine was that he got his snack upstairs with the door closed so he could use the LB but I only gave him 15 minutes last night instead of 30. Sometimes I wait an hour. I will do better.
Today I found out that one of my mothers cats has tumors on each thyroid gland. She probably wont live much longer. We are not going to do heroic measures. The other has bad bad teeth that I am going to get that taken care of. I am crushed about the sick cat. My brother and I already discussed that we will spread her ashes on my parents grave. She is 16 yrs old but I wasnt prepared for this. I am a mess.
Today I found out that one of my mothers cats has tumors on each thyroid gland. She probably wont live much longer. We are not going to do heroic measures. The other has bad bad teeth that I am going to get that taken care of. I am crushed about the sick cat. My brother and I already discussed that we will spread her ashes on my parents grave. She is 16 yrs old but I wasnt prepared for this. I am a mess.
BJM
Member Since 2010
Tumors does not equal cancer; it means growth. Lipomas, for example, are benign.
It is possible to have nodules in or on the thyroid which are benign (I have one and many humans develop them as they get older - benign)). They get watchful waiting, but short of an actual biopsy, you can't tell by looking. Sometimes, they are just extra thyroid tissue which may increase the risk of hyperthyroidism which can be treated with methimazole (Tapazole)
It is possible to have nodules in or on the thyroid which are benign (I have one and many humans develop them as they get older - benign)). They get watchful waiting, but short of an actual biopsy, you can't tell by looking. Sometimes, they are just extra thyroid tissue which may increase the risk of hyperthyroidism which can be treated with methimazole (Tapazole)
RobinCot
Member Since 2013
Thanks Holly. It is a stressful weekend - we are clearing out my parent's house (they both died last year) it's a difficult chore but then I come home to my babies for comfort.
Debbie - fortunately Alska is only on my bed when I am. His LB is scooped several times a day and he likes it. I think he just has difficulty getting to it. We are working on that routine.
Unlike your crew, mine are all fine sleeping on the bed together sometimes only inches away. It's when they are on the floor that the hissing begins. I should be grateful that I don't have that going on - that Lucian!
Debbie - fortunately Alska is only on my bed when I am. His LB is scooped several times a day and he likes it. I think he just has difficulty getting to it. We are working on that routine.
Unlike your crew, mine are all fine sleeping on the bed together sometimes only inches away. It's when they are on the floor that the hissing begins. I should be grateful that I don't have that going on - that Lucian!
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