question on male cats

[Laura]

hi
I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten whom
i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
persian or hym she doesn't really care. Anyway there is an ad in the paper
for blue point and flame point kittens with no papers (doesn't really matter
since they are cheaper with no papers and the kitten would be fixed anyway).
Problem is they only have one kitten left and it is a male, my mom doesn't
really like males since she thinks most spray, since in the past we have had
ones that sprayed and everyone my mom has known had males cat's that have
sprayed, while none of the females have. I personally could care less which
sex the kitten is. My mom also wants a lovable kitten, I have heard that
males are supposed to be more lovable then females. I know my mother is
picky, but that's just the way she is, she annoys me with her pickiness but
that's just her.

So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?
I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and if
he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be cleaned
up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water, or
febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?

thanks

[Arjun Ray]

In >, wombn
> wrote:
| On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 10:54:48 +0200, "Niels Peter" >
| wrote:

|> A fixed male doesn't spray.

| Does it depend on when the male is neutered?

To some extent. Males neutered before puberty are very unlikely ever to
develop the behavior.

| My brother's male cat was neutered late in life. Now he sprays only
| when he smells another male cat somewhere. Like one time when a male
| cat was staying with them over a weekend.

Two of my cats were full grown stray toms before our paths crossed. One
was about 3 years old when I got him fixed, the other about 2, and there
was enough circumstantial evidence that both of them sprayed. But since
then, neither of them have sprayed even once in my apartment - and that
despite the fact that for quite a while they didn't even particularly
like each other.

Spraying by neutered males is more than anything else a sign of anxiety
(there is no sex drive, and hopefully there is no doubt about a secure
food source). De-stressing the situation will take care of the problem.

(For instance, with the male cat guest, confining him rather than giving
him free run of the house, and/or using a Feliway diffuser to spread
"peaceful" pheromones.)

[Arjun Ray]

In >, wombn
> wrote:
| On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 10:54:48 +0200, "Niels Peter" >
| wrote:

|> A fixed male doesn't spray.

| Does it depend on when the male is neutered?

To some extent. Males neutered before puberty are very unlikely ever to
develop the behavior.

| My brother's male cat was neutered late in life. Now he sprays only
| when he smells another male cat somewhere. Like one time when a male
| cat was staying with them over a weekend.

Two of my cats were full grown stray toms before our paths crossed. One
was about 3 years old when I got him fixed, the other about 2, and there
was enough circumstantial evidence that both of them sprayed. But since
then, neither of them have sprayed even once in my apartment - and that
despite the fact that for quite a while they didn't even particularly
like each other.

Spraying by neutered males is more than anything else a sign of anxiety
(there is no sex drive, and hopefully there is no doubt about a secure
food source). De-stressing the situation will take care of the problem.

(For instance, with the male cat guest, confining him rather than giving
him free run of the house, and/or using a Feliway diffuser to spread
"peaceful" pheromones.)

[MaryL]

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten
whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care.

The solution in this case can be easy because your mother only wants a cat
that "looks" like a persian or hym -- that is, you will often find beautiful
persian or hmy-types at animal shelters or through rescue groups. You could
start by looking through www.petfinder.com (and enter your zip code, type of
cat to search for, and possibly click on "pic preview" to get a small
picture of each cat -- which can be enlarged by clicking on the picture).
>
> So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
spray?

This is not likely to be a problem if the cat is spayed at an early age. On
a related note: there are more "litter box accidents" from cats (of either
gender) that have been declawed.

>

[MaryL]

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten
whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care.

The solution in this case can be easy because your mother only wants a cat
that "looks" like a persian or hym -- that is, you will often find beautiful
persian or hmy-types at animal shelters or through rescue groups. You could
start by looking through www.petfinder.com (and enter your zip code, type of
cat to search for, and possibly click on "pic preview" to get a small
picture of each cat -- which can be enlarged by clicking on the picture).
>
> So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
spray?

This is not likely to be a problem if the cat is spayed at an early age. On
a related note: there are more "litter box accidents" from cats (of either
gender) that have been declawed.

>

[blkcatgal]

Tell that to my cat. He didn't start spraying until he was 1 1/2 years old
and he was fixed when he was 6 months old.
I've read that 10% of neutered male cats will spray. I think it's pretty
good odds that a neutered male cat will not spray even though my cat is in
that 10%.

Sue

"Niels Peter" > wrote in message
k...
> Laura wrote:
>
> > So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
> > spray?
>
> A fixed male doesn't spray.
>
> Niels Peter

[blkcatgal]

Tell that to my cat. He didn't start spraying until he was 1 1/2 years old
and he was fixed when he was 6 months old.
I've read that 10% of neutered male cats will spray. I think it's pretty
good odds that a neutered male cat will not spray even though my cat is in
that 10%.

Sue

"Niels Peter" > wrote in message
k...
> Laura wrote:
>
> > So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
> > spray?
>
> A fixed male doesn't spray.
>
> Niels Peter

[Sherry]

>The kitten may be cheaper now, but considering it is from a backyard
>breeder there are any number of health problems that could or have
>already cropped up and could cost you a fortune. I would be very wary of
>this and recommend you not buy this kitten. Please take your mom to your
>local shelters. There are zillions of kittens to choose from and
>zillions more being killed to make room for the new arrivals. I have no
>doubt that your mother will find one that she likes and as an added
>bonus she will be literally saving a life.
>
>Megan

I hate to keep ragging on people who buy kittens, but I just feel real
convicted about this, and Megan is really right. I just wanted to add, that if
the person who placed the ad in the paper wants you to meet them in a
predetermined place to look at the kitten (parking lot, etc.) and doesn't
suggest you come over and actually see the conditions the kittens are raised
in, run away, don't walk. It's a kitten mill.

Sherry

[Sherry]

>The kitten may be cheaper now, but considering it is from a backyard
>breeder there are any number of health problems that could or have
>already cropped up and could cost you a fortune. I would be very wary of
>this and recommend you not buy this kitten. Please take your mom to your
>local shelters. There are zillions of kittens to choose from and
>zillions more being killed to make room for the new arrivals. I have no
>doubt that your mother will find one that she likes and as an added
>bonus she will be literally saving a life.
>
>Megan

I hate to keep ragging on people who buy kittens, but I just feel real
convicted about this, and Megan is really right. I just wanted to add, that if
the person who placed the ad in the paper wants you to meet them in a
predetermined place to look at the kitten (parking lot, etc.) and doesn't
suggest you come over and actually see the conditions the kittens are raised
in, run away, don't walk. It's a kitten mill.

Sherry

[L. Kelly]

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
| hi
|
| So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?
| I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and if
| he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be cleaned
| up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
| spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water, or
| febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?
|
| thanks
|
|

Generally speaking, males tend to be more cuddly and lovable, but if raised from
kittenhood, any cat can be. I had a female cat who turned herself into a necklace every
time she got near me. I now have a male that does the same thing. It has a lot to do with
their handling, however, some cats never do become cuddly love bugs. It's more in their
genes and personalities.

As to the spraying, if the kitten is neutered before this behaviour begins, the chances
are very good that he never will spray. It is not a guarantee that it won't occur...just
a precaution.
--
Hugs,
Lynn


*strip CLOTHES to reply*
Homepage: http://members.shaw.ca/sewfinefashions/
See my boys: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/papavince_29/

[L. Kelly]

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
| hi
|
| So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?
| I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and if
| he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be cleaned
| up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
| spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water, or
| febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?
|
| thanks
|
|

Generally speaking, males tend to be more cuddly and lovable, but if raised from
kittenhood, any cat can be. I had a female cat who turned herself into a necklace every
time she got near me. I now have a male that does the same thing. It has a lot to do with
their handling, however, some cats never do become cuddly love bugs. It's more in their
genes and personalities.

As to the spraying, if the kitten is neutered before this behaviour begins, the chances
are very good that he never will spray. It is not a guarantee that it won't occur...just
a precaution.
--
Hugs,
Lynn


*strip CLOTHES to reply*
Homepage: http://members.shaw.ca/sewfinefashions/
See my boys: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/papavince_29/

[Relish]

wombn wrote:
> On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 10:54:48 +0200, "Niels Peter" >
> wrote:
>
>
>>Laura wrote:
>>
>>
>>>So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
>>>spray?
>>
>>A fixed male doesn't spray.
>>
>
> Does it depend on when the male is neutered? My brother's male cat
> was neutered late in life. Now he sprays only when he smells another
> male cat somewhere. Like one time when a male cat was staying with
> them over a weekend.
>

My cat was neutered young at the shelter (2 months) and he sprayed
only once, on an old dog pee stain in the rug (which was so faint, I
couldn't even see it) from a previous owner. After cleaning that spot
with Nature's Miracle, he hasn't sprayed again, and it's been two years.

[Relish]

wombn wrote:
> On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 10:54:48 +0200, "Niels Peter" >
> wrote:
>
>
>>Laura wrote:
>>
>>
>>>So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
>>>spray?
>>
>>A fixed male doesn't spray.
>>
>
> Does it depend on when the male is neutered? My brother's male cat
> was neutered late in life. Now he sprays only when he smells another
> male cat somewhere. Like one time when a male cat was staying with
> them over a weekend.
>

My cat was neutered young at the shelter (2 months) and he sprayed
only once, on an old dog pee stain in the rug (which was so faint, I
couldn't even see it) from a previous owner. After cleaning that spot
with Nature's Miracle, he hasn't sprayed again, and it's been two years.

[Relish]

Laura wrote:
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care.

You should always choose a kitten by personality and behavior, not
looks, unless you're into the whole breeding thing.

>So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?

Not much if he is neutered and the environment isn't threatened.

>Also are males more lovable?

All cats are lovable ;-) The general rule of thumb I've heard is that
male cats and female dogs are less likely to be pains in the butt than
female cats and male dogs. I have 2 fixed males and they are
absolutely the loves of my life :-)

[Relish]

Laura wrote:
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care.

You should always choose a kitten by personality and behavior, not
looks, unless you're into the whole breeding thing.

>So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?

Not much if he is neutered and the environment isn't threatened.

>Also are males more lovable?

All cats are lovable ;-) The general rule of thumb I've heard is that
male cats and female dogs are less likely to be pains in the butt than
female cats and male dogs. I have 2 fixed males and they are
absolutely the loves of my life :-)

[Sherry]

>All cats are lovable ;-) The general rule of thumb I've heard is that
>male cats and female dogs are less likely to be pains in the butt than
>female cats and male dogs. I have 2 fixed males and they are
>absolutely the loves of my life :-)

That's my experience. My boys are way more laid-back than Bootsie, who tends to
be territorial and bossy. Other people tell me the opposite, though. I've begun
to think it's just a personality deal, and once they are neutered, sex really
doesn't matter much.

Sherry

[Sherry]

>All cats are lovable ;-) The general rule of thumb I've heard is that
>male cats and female dogs are less likely to be pains in the butt than
>female cats and male dogs. I have 2 fixed males and they are
>absolutely the loves of my life :-)

That's my experience. My boys are way more laid-back than Bootsie, who tends to
be territorial and bossy. Other people tell me the opposite, though. I've begun
to think it's just a personality deal, and once they are neutered, sex really
doesn't matter much.

Sherry

[Sherry]

>That's my experience. My boys are way more laid-back than Bootsie, who tends
>to
>be territorial and bossy. Other people tell me the opposite, though. I've
>begun
>to think it's just a personality deal, and once they are neutered, sex really
>doesn't matter much.
>
>Sherry
>
Woops. That should probably read *gender* doesn't matter much. Although the
original is true also.. :-)

Sherry

[Sherry]

>That's my experience. My boys are way more laid-back than Bootsie, who tends
>to
>be territorial and bossy. Other people tell me the opposite, though. I've
>begun
>to think it's just a personality deal, and once they are neutered, sex really
>doesn't matter much.
>
>Sherry
>
Woops. That should probably read *gender* doesn't matter much. Although the
original is true also.. :-)

Sherry

[dgk]

On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 02:04:11 -0600, "Laura"
> wrote:

>So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?

I'm on my 5th male cat. The only ones that sprayed were the first two
I had when I waited too long to fix them. They never sprayed after
they were fixed. None of the others have sprayed.

[dgk]

On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 02:04:11 -0600, "Laura"
> wrote:

>So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would spray?

I'm on my 5th male cat. The only ones that sprayed were the first two
I had when I waited too long to fix them. They never sprayed after
they were fixed. None of the others have sprayed.

[Arjun Ray]

In >, Relish >
wrote:

| My cat was neutered young at the shelter (2 months) and he sprayed
| only once, on an old dog pee stain in the rug (which was so faint, I
| couldn't even see it) from a previous owner. After cleaning that spot
| with Nature's Miracle, he hasn't sprayed again, and it's been two years.

That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
surfaces (the cat backs up to it, lifts its tail and sprays backward.)

He smelled a "midden" and used it, smart fellow! Good thing you got rid
of the opportunity to repeat the performance. :-)

[Arjun Ray]

In >, Relish >
wrote:

| My cat was neutered young at the shelter (2 months) and he sprayed
| only once, on an old dog pee stain in the rug (which was so faint, I
| couldn't even see it) from a previous owner. After cleaning that spot
| with Nature's Miracle, he hasn't sprayed again, and it's been two years.

That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
surfaces (the cat backs up to it, lifts its tail and sprays backward.)

He smelled a "midden" and used it, smart fellow! Good thing you got rid
of the opportunity to repeat the performance. :-)

[Cathy Friedmann]

I've had only one male cat, the rest females. My male cat was a
neighborhood stray whom I adopted when he was a large kitten - under 1 year
old. I have noticed no difference in temperament between him & the female
cats - it's more the personality of individual cat than the sex of the cat,
IMO/E. He's affectionate, but then my female cats have been, too. If you
get him neutered early, spraying isn't likely to be a problem. If he
contracts a UTI then he may be peeing in comfy spots - not spraying (marking
territory) as such, & as you say a trip to the vet would help that sort of
medical problem.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten
whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care. Anyway there is an ad in the
paper
> for blue point and flame point kittens with no papers (doesn't really
matter
> since they are cheaper with no papers and the kitten would be fixed
anyway).
> Problem is they only have one kitten left and it is a male, my mom doesn't
> really like males since she thinks most spray, since in the past we have
had
> ones that sprayed and everyone my mom has known had males cat's that have
> sprayed, while none of the females have. I personally could care less
which
> sex the kitten is. My mom also wants a lovable kitten, I have heard that
> males are supposed to be more lovable then females. I know my mother is
> picky, but that's just the way she is, she annoys me with her pickiness
but
> that's just her.
>
> So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
spray?
> I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and
if
> he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be
cleaned
> up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
> spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water,
or
> febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?
>
> thanks
>
>

[Cathy Friedmann]

I've had only one male cat, the rest females. My male cat was a
neighborhood stray whom I adopted when he was a large kitten - under 1 year
old. I have noticed no difference in temperament between him & the female
cats - it's more the personality of individual cat than the sex of the cat,
IMO/E. He's affectionate, but then my female cats have been, too. If you
get him neutered early, spraying isn't likely to be a problem. If he
contracts a UTI then he may be peeing in comfy spots - not spraying (marking
territory) as such, & as you say a trip to the vet would help that sort of
medical problem.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten
whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care. Anyway there is an ad in the
paper
> for blue point and flame point kittens with no papers (doesn't really
matter
> since they are cheaper with no papers and the kitten would be fixed
anyway).
> Problem is they only have one kitten left and it is a male, my mom doesn't
> really like males since she thinks most spray, since in the past we have
had
> ones that sprayed and everyone my mom has known had males cat's that have
> sprayed, while none of the females have. I personally could care less
which
> sex the kitten is. My mom also wants a lovable kitten, I have heard that
> males are supposed to be more lovable then females. I know my mother is
> picky, but that's just the way she is, she annoys me with her pickiness
but
> that's just her.
>
> So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
spray?
> I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and
if
> he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be
cleaned
> up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
> spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water,
or
> febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?
>
> thanks
>
>

[Karen Chuplis]

"Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
...
> In >, Relish >
> wrote:
>
> | My cat was neutered young at the shelter (2 months) and he sprayed
> | only once, on an old dog pee stain in the rug (which was so faint, I
> | couldn't even see it) from a previous owner. After cleaning that spot
> | with Nature's Miracle, he hasn't sprayed again, and it's been two years.
>
> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
> surfaces (the cat backs up to it, lifts its tail and sprays backward.)
>
> He smelled a "midden" and used it, smart fellow! Good thing you got rid
> of the opportunity to repeat the performance. :-)

That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind of
pee outside the box is "spray".

Karen

[Karen Chuplis]

"Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
...
> In >, Relish >
> wrote:
>
> | My cat was neutered young at the shelter (2 months) and he sprayed
> | only once, on an old dog pee stain in the rug (which was so faint, I
> | couldn't even see it) from a previous owner. After cleaning that spot
> | with Nature's Miracle, he hasn't sprayed again, and it's been two years.
>
> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
> surfaces (the cat backs up to it, lifts its tail and sprays backward.)
>
> He smelled a "midden" and used it, smart fellow! Good thing you got rid
> of the opportunity to repeat the performance. :-)

That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind of
pee outside the box is "spray".

Karen

[Arjun Ray]

In >, "Karen Chuplis"
> wrote:
| "Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
| ...

|> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
|> surfaces

| That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind of
| pee outside the box is "spray".

Makes me wonder about the 10% statistic cited elesewhere in this thread.
How much of that could have been based on mistaken reporting?

I've yet to see reliable evidence that neutered toms *will* spray (i.e.
that some of them are incorrigible.) Even if the 10% figure is reliable
it's still a small percentage, which leads me to believe that some kind
of unchangeable predisposition is unlikely to be the root explanation.

More likely, the behavior is triggered by something in the environment,
so that properly addressing that undesirable external stimulus is a
sufficient answer for the problem when it occurs. JMHO.

[Arjun Ray]

In >, "Karen Chuplis"
> wrote:
| "Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
| ...

|> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
|> surfaces

| That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind of
| pee outside the box is "spray".

Makes me wonder about the 10% statistic cited elesewhere in this thread.
How much of that could have been based on mistaken reporting?

I've yet to see reliable evidence that neutered toms *will* spray (i.e.
that some of them are incorrigible.) Even if the 10% figure is reliable
it's still a small percentage, which leads me to believe that some kind
of unchangeable predisposition is unlikely to be the root explanation.

More likely, the behavior is triggered by something in the environment,
so that properly addressing that undesirable external stimulus is a
sufficient answer for the problem when it occurs. JMHO.

[Karen Chuplis]

"Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
...
> In >, "Karen Chuplis"
> > wrote:
> | "Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
> | ...
>
> |> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
> |> surfaces
>
> | That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind
of
> | pee outside the box is "spray".
>
> Makes me wonder about the 10% statistic cited elesewhere in this thread.
> How much of that could have been based on mistaken reporting?
>
> I've yet to see reliable evidence that neutered toms *will* spray (i.e.
> that some of them are incorrigible.) Even if the 10% figure is reliable
> it's still a small percentage, which leads me to believe that some kind
> of unchangeable predisposition is unlikely to be the root explanation.
>
> More likely, the behavior is triggered by something in the environment,
> so that properly addressing that undesirable external stimulus is a
> sufficient answer for the problem when it occurs. JMHO.
>

I think that is very true.

Karen

[Karen Chuplis]

"Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
...
> In >, "Karen Chuplis"
> > wrote:
> | "Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
> | ...
>
> |> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
> |> surfaces
>
> | That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind
of
> | pee outside the box is "spray".
>
> Makes me wonder about the 10% statistic cited elesewhere in this thread.
> How much of that could have been based on mistaken reporting?
>
> I've yet to see reliable evidence that neutered toms *will* spray (i.e.
> that some of them are incorrigible.) Even if the 10% figure is reliable
> it's still a small percentage, which leads me to believe that some kind
> of unchangeable predisposition is unlikely to be the root explanation.
>
> More likely, the behavior is triggered by something in the environment,
> so that properly addressing that undesirable external stimulus is a
> sufficient answer for the problem when it occurs. JMHO.
>

I think that is very true.

Karen

[Cathy Friedmann]

"Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
...
> In >, "Karen Chuplis"
> > wrote:
> | "Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
> | ...
>
> |> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
> |> surfaces
>
> | That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind
of
> | pee outside the box is "spray".
>
> Makes me wonder about the 10% statistic cited elesewhere in this thread.
> How much of that could have been based on mistaken reporting?
>
> I've yet to see reliable evidence that neutered toms *will* spray (i.e.
> that some of them are incorrigible.) Even if the 10% figure is reliable
> it's still a small percentage, which leads me to believe that some kind
> of unchangeable predisposition is unlikely to be the root explanation.

One of the cats next door, an indoor/outdoor male who was neutered as a
kitten, has now begun to spray in the house. He's about 5 - 6 years old, &
hasn't exhibited this behavior before. I've seen him back up to things &
spray outside lately, too. (IOW - it's not just inappropriate peeing, it's
honest-to-goodness spraying.) So, I know it happens, but I bet the
percentage *is* quite small.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon

[Cathy Friedmann]

"Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
...
> In >, "Karen Chuplis"
> > wrote:
> | "Arjun Ray" > wrote in message
> | ...
>
> |> That wasn't spraying, it was peeing. Spraying is always on vertical
> |> surfaces
>
> | That's some of the problem for boy cats. Everyone thinks that any kind
of
> | pee outside the box is "spray".
>
> Makes me wonder about the 10% statistic cited elesewhere in this thread.
> How much of that could have been based on mistaken reporting?
>
> I've yet to see reliable evidence that neutered toms *will* spray (i.e.
> that some of them are incorrigible.) Even if the 10% figure is reliable
> it's still a small percentage, which leads me to believe that some kind
> of unchangeable predisposition is unlikely to be the root explanation.

One of the cats next door, an indoor/outdoor male who was neutered as a
kitten, has now begun to spray in the house. He's about 5 - 6 years old, &
hasn't exhibited this behavior before. I've seen him back up to things &
spray outside lately, too. (IOW - it's not just inappropriate peeing, it's
honest-to-goodness spraying.) So, I know it happens, but I bet the
percentage *is* quite small.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon

[PawsForThought]

>From:

>>Anyway there is an ad in the paper for
>>blue point and flame point kittens with no
>>papers (doesn't really matter since they
>>are cheaper with no papers and the kitten
>>would be fixed anyway).
>
>The kitten may be cheaper now, but considering it is from a backyard
>breeder there are any number of health problems that could or have
>already cropped up and could cost you a fortune. I would be very wary of
>this and recommend you not buy this kitten. Please take your mom to your
>local shelters. There are zillions of kittens to choose from and
>zillions more being killed to make room for the new arrivals. I have no
>doubt that your mother will find one that she likes and as an added
>bonus she will be literally saving a life.

Great advice. I would definitely recommend adopting from your local shelter or
rescue facility. The ad definitely sounds like it's from a backyard breeder.
You could really be setting yourself up for heartbreak by buying a kitten from
this person, and it also encourages the BYB to keep selling.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[PawsForThought]

>From:

>>Anyway there is an ad in the paper for
>>blue point and flame point kittens with no
>>papers (doesn't really matter since they
>>are cheaper with no papers and the kitten
>>would be fixed anyway).
>
>The kitten may be cheaper now, but considering it is from a backyard
>breeder there are any number of health problems that could or have
>already cropped up and could cost you a fortune. I would be very wary of
>this and recommend you not buy this kitten. Please take your mom to your
>local shelters. There are zillions of kittens to choose from and
>zillions more being killed to make room for the new arrivals. I have no
>doubt that your mother will find one that she likes and as an added
>bonus she will be literally saving a life.

Great advice. I would definitely recommend adopting from your local shelter or
rescue facility. The ad definitely sounds like it's from a backyard breeder.
You could really be setting yourself up for heartbreak by buying a kitten from
this person, and it also encourages the BYB to keep selling.

Lauren
________
See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

[Livia1881]

We have a 7 yr old male and a 5 yr old female. He is definitely more
comfortable/affectionate with people than she is. But I don't know if this
is because of his being a male or just his personality. Our female took a
really long time to really warm up to us. Both our babies are fixed and we
got both of them when they were still kittens. I've only ever had three cats
(2 females and 1 male) and the only cat out of all to spray was a female.

I would think that any cat would be more inclined to use the litter box if
it is kept clean. I scoop ours out daily and then every week I wash it out
with a toilet brush and very hot water in the bathtub. You could use very
diluted soap or cleaner, just nothing with ammonia or bleach. Something like
diluted 409 or dishsoap would be better if you want to use soap. Honestly
though I never do and we never have a smelly box.

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten
whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care. Anyway there is an ad in the
paper
> for blue point and flame point kittens with no papers (doesn't really
matter
> since they are cheaper with no papers and the kitten would be fixed
anyway).
> Problem is they only have one kitten left and it is a male, my mom doesn't
> really like males since she thinks most spray, since in the past we have
had
> ones that sprayed and everyone my mom has known had males cat's that have
> sprayed, while none of the females have. I personally could care less
which
> sex the kitten is. My mom also wants a lovable kitten, I have heard that
> males are supposed to be more lovable then females. I know my mother is
> picky, but that's just the way she is, she annoys me with her pickiness
but
> that's just her.
>
> So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
spray?
> I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and
if
> he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be
cleaned
> up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
> spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water,
or
> febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?
>
> thanks
>
>

[Livia1881]

We have a 7 yr old male and a 5 yr old female. He is definitely more
comfortable/affectionate with people than she is. But I don't know if this
is because of his being a male or just his personality. Our female took a
really long time to really warm up to us. Both our babies are fixed and we
got both of them when they were still kittens. I've only ever had three cats
(2 females and 1 male) and the only cat out of all to spray was a female.

I would think that any cat would be more inclined to use the litter box if
it is kept clean. I scoop ours out daily and then every week I wash it out
with a toilet brush and very hot water in the bathtub. You could use very
diluted soap or cleaner, just nothing with ammonia or bleach. Something like
diluted 409 or dishsoap would be better if you want to use soap. Honestly
though I never do and we never have a smelly box.

"Laura" > wrote in message
...
> hi
> I presently have 2 female fixed cats and 1 8-10 week old female kitten
whom
> i rescused from a lady with at least 35 other cats and kittens. My mother
> wanted a part persian or hym but she felt so sorry for the kitten we have
> that she got her, and we are all happy for her. Well now she still wants
> her part persian or hym kitten, or purebred, as long as it looks like a
> persian or hym she doesn't really care. Anyway there is an ad in the
paper
> for blue point and flame point kittens with no papers (doesn't really
matter
> since they are cheaper with no papers and the kitten would be fixed
anyway).
> Problem is they only have one kitten left and it is a male, my mom doesn't
> really like males since she thinks most spray, since in the past we have
had
> ones that sprayed and everyone my mom has known had males cat's that have
> sprayed, while none of the females have. I personally could care less
which
> sex the kitten is. My mom also wants a lovable kitten, I have heard that
> males are supposed to be more lovable then females. I know my mother is
> picky, but that's just the way she is, she annoys me with her pickiness
but
> that's just her.
>
> So basically I was wondering what are the odds that a male cat would
spray?
> I don't think they would spray that much if the litter box was clean and
if
> he did spray he would get checked by a vet and the accident would be
cleaned
> up with an enzyme remove (none of the people we know with male cats that
> spray have used one to clean up the accident, just normal soap and water,
or
> febreeze maybe). Also are males more lovable?
>
> thanks
>
>