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Question about kitten behavior
About 6 weeks ago we got a 15 week old kitten, Roxie, to add to our family,
which includes a 7 year old cat, Trixie, and a 6 year old dog, Dawson. Roxie fit in great and rapidly became friends with our dog, although she has a strained relationship with our cat as we expected. Both our cats live indoors and share a litter box. Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. |
#2
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"eric" wrote in message
... About 6 weeks ago we got a 15 week old kitten, Roxie, to add to our family, which includes a 7 year old cat, Trixie, and a 6 year old dog, Dawson. Roxie fit in great and rapidly became friends with our dog, although she has a strained relationship with our cat as we expected. Both our cats live indoors and share a litter box. Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. I suggest you get 2 litter boxes, most cats like their own, although my 2 cats use what ever box they want we have 2 litter boxes. try spraying it with antimate or cat stay off! although you may find this unpleasant esp as its on the bed! Where do the other 2 sleep? |
#3
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"eric" wrote in message
... About 6 weeks ago we got a 15 week old kitten, Roxie, to add to our family, which includes a 7 year old cat, Trixie, and a 6 year old dog, Dawson. Roxie fit in great and rapidly became friends with our dog, although she has a strained relationship with our cat as we expected. Both our cats live indoors and share a litter box. Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. I suggest you get 2 litter boxes, most cats like their own, although my 2 cats use what ever box they want we have 2 litter boxes. try spraying it with antimate or cat stay off! although you may find this unpleasant esp as its on the bed! Where do the other 2 sleep? |
#4
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About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. There are three possibilities that come to mind. First, you should have more than one litterbox for two cats. They should be scooped daily and washed out regularly. The general rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra. Second, innapropriate urination is often the only sign that a cat has a urinary tract infection. A vet visit is in order. Third, cats can go into heat as young as 4 months old, and if your kitten is not spayed, the behavior you see may be that of a cat in heat marking her territory. FYI kittens can be safely spayed as young as 8 weeks, and there is no reason to wait to do it if they are older than that. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
#5
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About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. There are three possibilities that come to mind. First, you should have more than one litterbox for two cats. They should be scooped daily and washed out regularly. The general rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra. Second, innapropriate urination is often the only sign that a cat has a urinary tract infection. A vet visit is in order. Third, cats can go into heat as young as 4 months old, and if your kitten is not spayed, the behavior you see may be that of a cat in heat marking her territory. FYI kittens can be safely spayed as young as 8 weeks, and there is no reason to wait to do it if they are older than that. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
#7
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To follow up...
Both our cats are female and spayed. Both tend to sleep on the bed with us although our older cat is now mostly sleeping under the bed (to escape the midnight antics that the kitten engages in.) Our dog sleeps along side on the floor. As far as having two litter boxes, we really don't have a good place to put a second one. Plus during the first two-three weeks, we did have a second litter box in place (for transitional purposes) but after a week, Roxie was using Trixie's box exclusively. We've had very good luck in the past with just one litter box and two cats. Prior to March, when she passed, we had an 8yo cat who shared a box with Trixie without any problems. Roxie's due for some shots so I will have the vet check for a UTI. Thanks for all the ideas. in article , eric at wrote on 8/24/03 8:21 AM: About 6 weeks ago we got a 15 week old kitten, Roxie, to add to our family, which includes a 7 year old cat, Trixie, and a 6 year old dog, Dawson. Roxie fit in great and rapidly became friends with our dog, although she has a strained relationship with our cat as we expected. Both our cats live indoors and share a litter box. Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. |
#8
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"eric" wrote in message ... Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. If this continues and you see a pattern where it is only that comforter, perhaps there is something in it that acts as an attractant -- perhaps some scent. For example, cats will often do this with rubber-backed rugs. First and foremost, of course (as has already been suggested), you need to rule out any medical problems. MaryL |
#9
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"eric" wrote in message ... Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. If this continues and you see a pattern where it is only that comforter, perhaps there is something in it that acts as an attractant -- perhaps some scent. For example, cats will often do this with rubber-backed rugs. First and foremost, of course (as has already been suggested), you need to rule out any medical problems. MaryL |
#10
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I had a similar problem with one of my cats not long after we adopted a
stray. I always kept the litter box clean yet my cat that was already a resident kept defecating in corners in the house. What confused me was that she know she was doing wrong because after she would cower and not look in my eyes, even when I had no idea she had done it again. I tried adding another litter box, and she hasn't had an accident since. She simply wanted to defecate in one litter box and urinate in the other, a desire she picked up only after the prescence of the other cat. So try adding another litter box. Be sure the litter boxes are in a private place, and try the ones with a hood. Also, be sure you are giving the cat plenty of one on one attention, especially in the prescence of the other cat. Watch for the cat to use the litter box, and when he/she gets out of the litter box, praise her for her good behavior. Reinforcement is a powerful thing, punishment often just leads to other problem behaviors. Try these suggestions and if you have any other questions or problems feel free to ask me. Good luck and God bless you for taking the responsibility to correct your pet's behavior rather than "discarding" of one of God's precious creatures. Sincerely, Leanna "eric" wrote in message ... About 6 weeks ago we got a 15 week old kitten, Roxie, to add to our family, which includes a 7 year old cat, Trixie, and a 6 year old dog, Dawson. Roxie fit in great and rapidly became friends with our dog, although she has a strained relationship with our cat as we expected. Both our cats live indoors and share a litter box. Anyway, to the problem. About 3 weeks after her arrival we were just getting to sleep when Roxie walks onto the middle of our bed and pees on our down comforter. We didn't know what to make of that, maybe her litter box was a little dirty for her taste and she wanted to clue us in??? We left it at that thinking it was a one time occurrence. She's never peed anywhere else besides her litter box (that we know of). So last night, we finally got around to putting our freshly dry cleaned comforter back on the bed when the same thing happened. In the middle of the night, Roxie walked across the bed and peed on it. This time I know it wasn't because her litter box was dirty, so obviously she's trying to tell us something. But what? Anyone seen this type of behavior? Could she be marking her territory or could it have something to do with the down? Any ideas on what this is or how to fix it would be great. TIA. |
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