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me cat has been acting scared, finding spots and staying ...


Sent to Cat Experts October 06, 2005 4:25 a.m.

me cat has been acting scared, finding spots and staying there for hours, going to the bathroom in spots where she shouldn't and then trying to be over-affectionate because she knows she did something wrong. She just puked tonight (these symptoms have been happening for about a week) and i finally concluded that something must be seriously wrong. I need help!!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
October 06, 2005 4:33 a.m. (7 minutes and 29 seconds later)
REPLIED Check Mark

Your cat could possibly have a urinary tract infection or a parasite. I suggest that you take your cat in to be seen, especially since she has been using places outside the litter box, it may be that she cannot help it. I have supplied some information below about deversion to the litter box and urinary tract infections below that I feel will be of help to you, but I suggest you have her seen first thing tomorrow morning.

Urination Outside the Litter Box

Confounding Medical Issues: Urinary tract infection (UTI), with or without bladder/urethral calculi (stones), is one of the most common medical causes of litter box aversion. Pain or discomfort associated with litter box use may render the site aversive. UTI can lead to litter box aversion or spraying. Conditions that increase water consumption lead to increased frequency of urination so that a cat may not be able to find a convenient litter box in time. Older cats with arthritis problems may find it difficult to step into the litter box. Treating the underlying medical condition frequently resolves inappropriate urination.

http://petplace.netscape.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=633&q=defecating+outside+litter+box

Renal parasites are worms that invade the urinary tract. Affected individuals usually have no clinical signs, especially with Capillaria species. Some pets may be extremely ill if they have associated kidney failure or severe infection.

http://petplace.netscape.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=4226&q=urinary+tract+infection






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Reply to cheryl kauffman
Sent October 07, 2005 2:15 a.m. (21 hours and 42 minutes later)

she isnt peeing on the carpet, she is pooping on the floor in the same general area. She has been scratching herself (raw sometimes) which led me to believe that she has fleas. There is another cat in the house and it has also been scratching and shown signs of uncomfort. I treated her with a monthly flea medicine (Revolution). She just pooped on the carpet while we were all in the room with her. I am just so confused. I am gonna setup a vet appt. but i just was wondering if you had any feedback.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 07, 2005 3:29 a.m. (1 hour and 14 minutes later)
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That is usually a behavioral issue when it comes to deficating in other areas. I thought when you stated going to the bathroom you were meaning urinating I am sorry. But with the other signs you are seeing in your cat, I agree it definatly warrents a trip to your veterinarian. It can be due to liter box dislike or it could be a territorial issue. When cats start marking as a territorial issue they leave a scent and you need to use an odor neutralizer to rid that area of the scent. I am not sure how long you have had both cats, if you have had both of them for awhile then it could be health related, not behavioral. Some cats like their own box and refuse to use one another cat has used. I have two cats and they each refuse to use the other ones litter box. More work for me but that is their nature, what can you do. It could be that your other cat has an infection, allergy. or internal parasite if she is scratching herself raw and you have used a good product like Revolution and have not seen any fleas. I have included some more information below I feel will be of help to you.

If your cat spends a large portion of his time scratching, he may have a condition known as pruritus, or itching, an unpleasant sensation that causes your cat to scratch or bite at himself. It is caused by chemical reactions that occur in the skin and stimulate the nerves, causing the brain to feel the itch. In fact, the act of scratching itself may stimulate these inflammatory reactions in the skin and make the condition worse. Any skin condition that causes inflammation can cause pruritus.

How pruritis affects your cat’s health depends on the degree of the pruritus. Mild pruritus may hardly have any effect at all. However, severe pruritis leads to intense scratching, which may result in painful skin lesions that may become infected.

Every cat has a threshold of pruritis or an “itch threshold.” This is the point where all of the sources of itching finally add up to enough irritation to cause the irresistible urge to scratch. Scratching begins when the stimulation exceeds that threshold. For example, a cat with a mild allergy to house dust mites may be below the threshold but may begin to scratch severely when he becomes infested with fleas.

Pruritus is associated with other skin diseases, including secondary bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) and secondary yeast infections. But it is the main symptom of skin conditions like allergies and skin parasites.


http://petplace.netscape.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=2861&q=scratching

Some cats may develop a preference for a certain type of litter, with regard to texture and odor. Some dislike scoopable litters and others dislike coarse clay litter. Some will not tolerate chlorophyll-based litter or perfumed litters because of the strong odor. If the problem regarding urination or defecation outside the litter box develops after changing the type or brand of litter, returning to the original brand should resolve the problem.

Cats are fastidious creatures. For some cats, a litter box that is not frequently cleaned will be unacceptable, and daily or more frequent cleaning may be required. Some cats want their own litter box and some will not urinate and defecate in the same box. Having multiple litter boxes for a multi-cat household is important. The correct formula is N+1 (where N = the number of boxes required in a multicat household.

For all housesoiling problems, a variety of environmental changes may be helpful. If environmental changes are not effective, you might have to isolate the cat in a room with a litter box in order to re-train it. Treats or playtime with the family are rewards that can be used for successful use of the litter box. Once your cat is using the litter box properly with no mistakes, then he/she can be allowed back into the general family areas.
http://petplace.netscape.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=633&q=defecating+outside+litter+box



Edited by calliecat on October 7 2005 at 3:31am


__________________
*Cheryl K* Please click the "ACCEPT" button
if my information was helpful so I get credit for my work. Bonuses and/or feedback are greatly appreciated! Click reply for more info
PictureCheryl K.  -- veterinary assistant -- 99% Positive Feedback on 353 Cat Accepts
12+ years of shelter work/ vaccinations/ disease/ illness/ injury/ medical care

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