The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Siamese Challenges (Part 2)
Many thanks for your reply!
As for the Pee Attack on the furniture it happened AFTER we returned home… definitely a payback. They have peed on our suitcases before!
So I don't know what we might do to prevent that again. I do not have a third litter box- should I just introduce that now - without going away?
You are so wonderful to reply individually!
Thanks again,
Sigita C.
Dear Sigita,
I don't actually believe that cats act with revenge - but I asked the Official Behavior Consultant of CAT CHAT®, "Dear Sally", what she thinks about the concept of revenge behavior and she said:
"You mean, 'Piss on you (for leaving me or getting that new Kitten or the new baby...)?' Believe me, I've given this a lot of thought, having had a little hoser, Yuri, my little prince. It's tempting to think that it's deliberate, but I think it's more of a stress-related response. Does it only happen in conjunction with going away? In Sigita's case, probably separation anxiety. How often do they go away and for how long? As you said, a Pet Sitter should come in and spend some quality time and keep up the KP. I know cats prefer to be in familiar environments, but if the cats continue to react by peeing when the family is away, they might look into a boarding facility. Depending on where they live, but around here, we have three excellent cats-only facilities (I would only recommend cats-only...)."
So that was her wise and funny advice - although she feels I have covered all bases with you on this, if you would like to have a private consultation with her and the ongoing support system that she can provide, go to www.CatChatRadio.com and Sally Bahner's page is under "Our Experts."
Good luck!
Tracie
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
