Hello.

I have just about had it. My 11 month old neutered male cat has been urinating in unacceptable places. His biggest "hot spot" is currently the couch. We introduced a male puppy into our lives about 6 months ago. But I am wondering if perhaps this is a territorial thing? Is he choosing the couch because I sit there and he's claiming my attention? I'm REALLY stuck and frustrated and I don't want to have to give him up. It would break my heart.

Please help!

Sincerely,
Becky
Ontario, Canada


Dear Guardian Becky:

Your cat is suffering from "new puppy competition". Yes, his indiscriminate urination—away from his litter box—on to the sofa is his form of anxiety attack. It's also in a spot where you're sure to notice it. The following tips will help to ease his angst. 1. Whenever you interact with the puppy, mention your cat's name, e.g. "Right Kitty", so he feels included. 2. Whenever you take the puppy out, mention you're doing it on your cat's behalf. Always keep your cat in the loop VERBALLY. No, he doesn't understand your words but your tone of voice and body language reinstates with him. Right now he feels betrayed and abandoned because before he was the only companion animal.

You might want to have the vet check a urinalysis to rule out any triggered urinary problem. My book, THE TOTAL CAT, click on to my site (www.thecattherapist.com) will give you additional info. The more you do to make your cat feel #1, the better he'll feel and act.

» MALE CAT SEXUALITY

Hi Carole,

I have a 10 year old male cat that has been neutered since he was 6 months old. Last week he started sitting on the back on the couch pillows rooting and quivering like he was about to have an orgasm. What is he doing? I did not know if something was wrong with him or just something he is going through. Can you answer anything about these actions? 


Dear Guardian Barclay:

A neutered male cat still retains his sexuality. So your cat's behavior may be a result of sexual energy. But because he is a senior cat, you want to be sure that this behavior is not triggered from a medical problem. Why not schedule a vet appointment to check this out. Good luck!

» UNNEUTERED MALE CAT MOUNTING FEMALE DOG

Dear Carole,

My 8 month old cat started to mount my 6 year old female Yorkshire Terrier today. I am in the process of getting the money together to have the cat neutered. The dog is not spayed either and I am very uncomfortable by what I have been seeing, the dog obviously is uncomfortable by this as well. The cat meows loudly and tries to mount and hump the dog. The dog lashes out and runs to hide, while I yell at the cat to go away. What should I do, and will neutering Sandy, the cat, help this to stop? It seems so unnatural, the cat violating the poor dog like this. Help!!

Denise Stewart
NJ


Dear Guardian Denise:

Your "intact" male cat is behaving naturally—as an un-neutered, tom, intact male would. His sexual hormones are high and so he is very sexual. Your female dog is unspayed and her condition accelerates his. Yes, he must be neutered and she must be spayed, unless there are medical reasons to negate this. Until then, keep them separate. Also, keep them separate for about two weeks after his surgery to give his hormonal levels time to lower. Please make haste!

» BORED AND SENSITIVE

Hi there!!

I have a 3 yr old female spayed Tortoiseshell. She is so cute and I have so much fun with her. Lately more than ever, she has become very vocal and speaks back to me when I say her name in a certain voice especially when she knows she’s doing something wrong.
Also she opens all my drawers and cabinets and loves to sleep in them. She is the expression, curiosity killed the cat, she has 3 legs. She lost the hind leg when she was 9 weeks old. Again got herself in a sticky situation, someone found her caught in a fence. Could something have happened in utero? I also moved a few times with her, this past move was from Ft. Lauderdale back to Long Island New York. Any ideas as to why my "problem child/trouble maker" (who I LOVE very much) is soooo crazy????

Alysha 


Dear Guardian Alysha:

So happy your brave cat functions so well, as three legged cats so often do. But because of her traumatic past, she is very thin skinned, emotionally—very sensitive. Make sure her diet is of high quality and she may need some supplements. Why not consider a feline companion for her to hang out with. She may be affected by the single cat syndrome. Refer to my book, THE TOTAL CAT, for the best match and introduction. Click on to my web site (www.thecattherapist.com). Refer to my archives at top of my column home page.

» BIZARRO CHEWING

Hello,

Winston is about 5 years old. The other day he took off and was gone for 4 days. Today he came back and ran under our shed next to the house. He is a house cat and has never been an outdoor cat. I put food and water under the shed for him and he was starting to warm up to me. He was rubbing on the boards under the shed and finally let me scratch him a little, then he let me do his head. Stupidly, I grabbed a hold of the nape of the neck and tried to get him out from under the shed. He started to scream and dug in so I couldn't get him out, I immediately let go, but now he won't even come near me when I talk to him. He sits and stares at me. I am scared to death he is going to be hurt, or worse run over by a car. We live rural, and if he were to take off again I am terrified he won't ever come back. What should I do? Please, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

Julie Palmer


Dear Guardian Julie:

You can tempt Winston with his favorite food and try to get him to follow you into the house with his favorite dangling toy. Be upbeat. You may want a phone consult (www.thecattherapist.com).


CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO WINSTON