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#51
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"jamie" wrote in message ... Mary wrote: Forgive the pun, but this is not a ****ing contest. It isn't "Rutherford will win or Jimmy will win." Move the box and see what happens. I think he has either an undiagnosed medical problem or a behavioral problem caused by something else you are doing. Cats that do this either have medical issues OR they are trying to tell you something is making them very uncomfortable. There is no mystery to it, and there is no "being an asshole" about it. Cats don't think like people. This reminded me of a funny incident when I was a child. My grandmother came for a visit for the weekend, and every time Taffy came near her, she glared at him, and said, "I don't like cats." With all due respect to grandmother, who was the asshole first? That evening, she unpacked her small zippered suitcase, and put the empty suitcase, with the zipper flap open, on the floor in front of the dresser. Taffy strolled in, squatted in the suitcase while staring at my grandmother, and peed. That was the only time Taffy *ever* peed outside the litterbox his whole life, and I'm pretty sure he was being an asshole, in retaliation. -- I do agree that they send messages with inappropriate elimination. But I don't think Jimmy's cat is all determined to pee whereever he wants. There is a problem, and speaking of assholes, it started with the assholes who declawed Rutherford then gave him up. |
#52
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I don't know who started this thread but flea and worm meds just can't be
all the vet could offer. What about urine and blood tests? Maybe another vet. -- Barb Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time. |
#53
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I don't know who started this thread but flea and worm meds just can't be
all the vet could offer. What about urine and blood tests? Maybe another vet. -- Barb Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time. |
#54
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While I'd agree that cats aren't responsible for some of the bull#$%# that
humans participate in, they do seek revenge, and they definitely DO have personalities that have been shaped by their previous experiences mixed with the genetics of their basic personality. The permutations of those parameters suggest that there are many possibilities for errant behaviour. Cats can express themselves in only limited ways, so claws, noise & bodily fluids are usually the options. To correct this, (and before you ask, I have corrected 2 adult cats of my own - adopted at full grown) you need to think just like a cat, and only then will you understand that no amount of Dr Phil's "find out it's currency" will work with cats (although it does with dogs!) - they are simply too free-willed to be shaped with treats, affection/withdrawal. The main point here, is that in bringing what is obviously a free-ranging, semi-wild cat indoors, you are pushing it uphill thinking that it will respond in the desired human way. Just put yourself in the converse situation - how hard would it be for you if someone said "stop using the toilet, I want you to pee in the garden, especially when other animals are around - because that signifies that you are the boss here"??? It's going to take time & persistance. The absolute ideal situation considering no medical problems I would suggest, is building a run outside (if poss) to ease the transition. This way, it will begin to understand that it doesn't get punished for this behaviour outside, but does inside. It's all about understanding and catering to its natural instincts, and giving the cat hints on what's acceptable, where. And you definitely need to keep up on the negative reinforcement (water pistol & loud noise, preferably human). The cat will respond slowly, but don't expect miracles overnight. "Mary" wrote in message m... "jimmy the LD" wrote in message ... Am I to understand that you have not taken him to the vet?? No: You are to understand that Rutherford has been to the vet, and he checks out. I have tried EVERY suggestion I have been given (with the exception of the Prozac) and nothing has worked. I am considering the cat box thing, but I wonder if he's going to think that since I moved the toilet from where it is currently located (in the master bathroom shower) to the living room that it's perfectly okay to continue to **** where he likes - especially since I will have catered to him by making it easier to go on the carpet by moving the box. Forgive the pun, but this is not a ****ing contest. It isn't "Rutherford will win or Jimmy will win." Move the box and see what happens. I think he has either an undiagnosed medical problem or a behavioral problem caused by something else you are doing. Cats that do this either have medical issues OR they are trying to tell you something is making them very uncomfortable. There is no mystery to it, and there is no "being an asshole" about it. Cats don't think like people. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.756 / Virus Database: 506 - Release Date: 9/8/2004 |
#55
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While I'd agree that cats aren't responsible for some of the bull#$%# that
humans participate in, they do seek revenge, and they definitely DO have personalities that have been shaped by their previous experiences mixed with the genetics of their basic personality. The permutations of those parameters suggest that there are many possibilities for errant behaviour. Cats can express themselves in only limited ways, so claws, noise & bodily fluids are usually the options. To correct this, (and before you ask, I have corrected 2 adult cats of my own - adopted at full grown) you need to think just like a cat, and only then will you understand that no amount of Dr Phil's "find out it's currency" will work with cats (although it does with dogs!) - they are simply too free-willed to be shaped with treats, affection/withdrawal. The main point here, is that in bringing what is obviously a free-ranging, semi-wild cat indoors, you are pushing it uphill thinking that it will respond in the desired human way. Just put yourself in the converse situation - how hard would it be for you if someone said "stop using the toilet, I want you to pee in the garden, especially when other animals are around - because that signifies that you are the boss here"??? It's going to take time & persistance. The absolute ideal situation considering no medical problems I would suggest, is building a run outside (if poss) to ease the transition. This way, it will begin to understand that it doesn't get punished for this behaviour outside, but does inside. It's all about understanding and catering to its natural instincts, and giving the cat hints on what's acceptable, where. And you definitely need to keep up on the negative reinforcement (water pistol & loud noise, preferably human). The cat will respond slowly, but don't expect miracles overnight. "Mary" wrote in message m... "jimmy the LD" wrote in message ... Am I to understand that you have not taken him to the vet?? No: You are to understand that Rutherford has been to the vet, and he checks out. I have tried EVERY suggestion I have been given (with the exception of the Prozac) and nothing has worked. I am considering the cat box thing, but I wonder if he's going to think that since I moved the toilet from where it is currently located (in the master bathroom shower) to the living room that it's perfectly okay to continue to **** where he likes - especially since I will have catered to him by making it easier to go on the carpet by moving the box. Forgive the pun, but this is not a ****ing contest. It isn't "Rutherford will win or Jimmy will win." Move the box and see what happens. I think he has either an undiagnosed medical problem or a behavioral problem caused by something else you are doing. Cats that do this either have medical issues OR they are trying to tell you something is making them very uncomfortable. There is no mystery to it, and there is no "being an asshole" about it. Cats don't think like people. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.756 / Virus Database: 506 - Release Date: 9/8/2004 |
#56
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Peeing in the water dish may be the best thing yet. Cats learn in funny
ways. A friend of mine once had a cat that learned to pee in THE TOILET! from humans. So funny, people used to bring their friends to watch it. The water dish doesn't correspond to cats to what humans think of as "eating spot - keep that clean" at all. Cats have no concept of germs, or other society-taught manners, only instinct shaped by experience. An experiment I woud try also is placing several "water dishes" around the house. If he starts going there, slowly decrease the amount of water in the dish, then introduce litter to the bowls. Once you have this association, you could build a "water bowl litterbox". Think slow change, just like the frog in water. "Karen" wrote in message ... "jimmy the LD" wrote in message ... I'm sorry, but that sounds like illness to me. Desparate illness at that. I would bet anything he is ill. He's not lethargic or anything, and the vet says he's fine. I think you need a different vet. I'm sorry, but peeing in the water dish is NOT just behavioural. THERE IS SOMETHING PHYSICALLY WRONG WITH THIS CAT. Whether or not you want to believe it, there is. I also agree with Megan he may have a botched declaw job and if the vet you are taking him to did the surgery, you can BET he is going to say "Oh, there is nothing physically wrong". --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.756 / Virus Database: 506 - Release Date: 9/8/2004 |
#57
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Peeing in the water dish may be the best thing yet. Cats learn in funny
ways. A friend of mine once had a cat that learned to pee in THE TOILET! from humans. So funny, people used to bring their friends to watch it. The water dish doesn't correspond to cats to what humans think of as "eating spot - keep that clean" at all. Cats have no concept of germs, or other society-taught manners, only instinct shaped by experience. An experiment I woud try also is placing several "water dishes" around the house. If he starts going there, slowly decrease the amount of water in the dish, then introduce litter to the bowls. Once you have this association, you could build a "water bowl litterbox". Think slow change, just like the frog in water. "Karen" wrote in message ... "jimmy the LD" wrote in message ... I'm sorry, but that sounds like illness to me. Desparate illness at that. I would bet anything he is ill. He's not lethargic or anything, and the vet says he's fine. I think you need a different vet. I'm sorry, but peeing in the water dish is NOT just behavioural. THERE IS SOMETHING PHYSICALLY WRONG WITH THIS CAT. Whether or not you want to believe it, there is. I also agree with Megan he may have a botched declaw job and if the vet you are taking him to did the surgery, you can BET he is going to say "Oh, there is nothing physically wrong". --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.756 / Virus Database: 506 - Release Date: 9/8/2004 |
#58
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"AC" wrote in message ... [...] The main point here, is that in bringing what is obviously a free-ranging, semi-wild cat indoors, you are pushing it uphill thinking that it will respond in the desired human way. Just put yourself in the converse situation - how hard would it be for you if someone said "stop using the toilet, I want you to pee in the garden, especially when other animals are around - because that signifies that you are the boss here"??? I don't buy this. I have seen too many ferals and primarily outdoor cats take to the litter box. It's going to take time & persistance. The absolute ideal situation considering no medical problems I would suggest, is building a run outside (if poss) to ease the transition. This way, it will begin to understand that it doesn't get punished for this behaviour outside, but does inside. It's all about understanding and catering to its natural instincts, and giving the cat hints on what's acceptable, where. And you definitely need to keep up on the negative reinforcement (water pistol & loud noise, preferably human). The cat will respond slowly, but don't expect miracles overnight. Hey Jimmy, is it safe for Rutherford to go outside? |
#59
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"AC" wrote in message ... [...] The main point here, is that in bringing what is obviously a free-ranging, semi-wild cat indoors, you are pushing it uphill thinking that it will respond in the desired human way. Just put yourself in the converse situation - how hard would it be for you if someone said "stop using the toilet, I want you to pee in the garden, especially when other animals are around - because that signifies that you are the boss here"??? I don't buy this. I have seen too many ferals and primarily outdoor cats take to the litter box. It's going to take time & persistance. The absolute ideal situation considering no medical problems I would suggest, is building a run outside (if poss) to ease the transition. This way, it will begin to understand that it doesn't get punished for this behaviour outside, but does inside. It's all about understanding and catering to its natural instincts, and giving the cat hints on what's acceptable, where. And you definitely need to keep up on the negative reinforcement (water pistol & loud noise, preferably human). The cat will respond slowly, but don't expect miracles overnight. Hey Jimmy, is it safe for Rutherford to go outside? |
#60
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bonbon wrote in message . ..
On Tue, 14 Sep 2004 08:56:44 -0400, "jimmy the LD" wrote: Hi All: Another update on Rutherford the Brave, the floor-****ing and wall-spraying cat... (snip) Frustrated and sick of smelling the pee, Jimmy Jimmy, I just joined, so forgive me if I'm posting with info you've already received. Perhaps he wants a larger litter box. If it's an open box, try one of those enclosed types. Try a different type of litter. If it's an open box, and up against a wall, try moving it 8-12 inches away from the wall. (that solved the prob. with my floor ****er) Is he an only cat? If so, get him a companion from the shelter. Once they've gotten acquainted, maybe the new guy will show him the correct place to ****. Again, sorry if I'm just repeating what you've already heard - I'm supposed to be getting ready for work, and didn't have time to read all of the previous posts. I know first hand how frustrating and maddening it is when you have a floor ****er, because you love the little fart. Good luck. -bonbon My friend had a similiar problem...she ended up having to put her cat outside on a leash for about twenty minutes once every couple of hours. See if it works. Oh the reason she had to do that was because he was "too clean" of a cat to put his paws in the "dirty" litter. It didn't matter how often she changed the litter. HTH Sara |
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