Animal Behavior

Oh No… the Cat Peed on the Bed!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

The horror! Max has urinated in the middle of the bed. Once you get over the initial shock, there are a few things to check:

  • Under which circumstances did this happen? Was there a stressful event?
  • Is the litter box clean?
  • How has Max been feeling lately?
  • Did he urinate a lot more, or a lot less than usual?

Urinating out of the litter box can hide a medical problem. Having a physical exam and urinalysis done is a smart choice. Bladder inflammation, urinary crystals, diabetes, or kidney failure are all factors that can explain this "bad" behaviour. If the tests do not reveal anything, it may be a behavioural issue.

It is very important to keep the litter box spotless! We recommend that the number of litter boxes in a house be equal to the number of cats + 1. It is preferable to use a litter box without a dome, filled with unscented material... And it must be emptied every day! The box itself should be cleaned thoroughly once a week and replaced every year. Place it in a quiet and easily accessible place. Not next to the furnace!

Despite normal test results and perfect litter box management, Max may continue to urinate in inappropriate places. In this case, anxiety may be the source of the problem. This is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that other reasons have been ruled out. Possible therapeutic approaches include synthetic hormones, milk protein hydrolysates, antidepressants, environmental enrichment. We will discuss these further in a subsequent article.

When it comes to cleaning up Max’s mess, there are different products available to neutralize odours. Cleaning should be completed quickly. Avoid bleach, as it will attract Max to the same spot! Note that bleach is an excellent disinfectant... except in this case, it’s not the best idea!

If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian!

 

Kitty 1 – Couch 0!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Is Kitty getting ready to tear up your beautiful new couch? Here’s what you need to know: clawing is an innate behaviour in cats. Changing an innate behaviour is not an easy task. Kitty does this to “clean” her claws and to mark her territory using small glands between her toes.

Cats whose claws are regularly trimmed develop fewer problems. It is important to keep track of where and when the scratching occurs. Is it on a vertical or horizontal surface? Does the cat do this while alone, or in the presence of other cats? In the dark or not? This information will be invaluable in directing Kitty to an attractive scratching post. Meeting Kitty’s needs will help, but you increase your chances of success if you reward her for clawing in the correct spot. An older cat who scratches for a “social reason” will appreciate a post where he can mark his territory with scent and sight.

Some cats will use a scratching post immediately, while others need to be shown how to do it. The key is to direct Kitty to the right place, reward good behaviour, and return her to the appropriate spot if necessary.

Putting a small bell around your cat’s neck will help you know where she is, and prevent bad behaviours. The cat must be caught in the act – within 60 seconds of the sequence of events leading up to the scratching. The goal is to surprise the cat without terrifying her, ideally without being seen! Do not trim her claws immediately after a scratching incident to avoid any association. Wait for a calm period. Be careful, however, with stray or aggressive cats. You could get hurt. A scratching post can be made of cloth, wood log, rope, or cardboard. It must be sturdy and suitable for Kitty’s preferences.

In your absence, block Kitty’s access to the area you wish to protect when possible.

Finally, do not encourage “Baby Kitty” or “New Kitty” to scratch your clothes, pants or skirts… to avoid tempting her into scratching everywhere!

In short, be patient and use strategies to make sure the count goes to Kitty 0, Couch 1!

 

 

Hôpital Vétérinaire du Boisé

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Bureau Vétérinaire Côté

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Clinique Vétérinaire Côté

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Clinique Vétérinaire de la Gare

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Hôpital Vétérinaire de la Montérégie

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Clinique Vétérinaire Féline de Ste-Foy

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.