Does the cat poop and pee outside the litter box? These two problems are the No. 1 reason why cat humans request my intervention. But there is good news: except in special cases, it is also the issue that is most likely to be resolved successfully if the advice given in counselling is put into practice.
There are many prejudices and false solutions on the subject of needs outside the litter box: it is not a question of buying the latest repellent on the market, and often not even of changing the position or brand of litter box, but of listening to the cat’s deep-rooted needs and understanding its ethological requirements, reviewing not only feline, but also and above all family habits and tendencies.
Once medical problems have been ruled out, experienced professional help can help you look at the situation from the cat’s point of view and offer concrete solutions that suit you, your cat and your life together. Because if your cat is happy, you will be better off too!
Write a message to info@aliceguardaigatti.it or fill in the form.
I will get back to you as soon as possible!
THE CAT PEES AND POOPS AROUND THE HOUSE: A SENSITIVE TOPIC!
If you are struggling with episodes of urine and faeces outside the litter box, I can understand your state of mind. I’ve been there myself, and it can range from nervous breakdown, to exasperation, to resignation.
As much as we may adore our feline, finding oneself with a sofa, bed or parquet floor soaked in urine or decorated with cute organic reminders is something that puts a strain on even the most patient and loving souls. When the problem becomes a daily or almost daily occurrence, conflicts can arise in the family and some may be forced to painfully give up the company of their cat. All this because cleanliness and hygiene are very important values for us human animals, the only species that has evolved to do their business in places called toilets. However, cleanliness and hygiene are just as important for our cats: just watch them while they groom their fur, or, indeed, when they do their business in their litter box, digging and covering it carefully.
WHY DID THE CAT DECIDE TO DO ITS BUSINESS ON THE SOFA, THE BED, ETC.?
There can be as many reasons as the places where the cat decides to do its business, but let’s rule one out right away: it’s not to spite you. And let’s also say straight away what it is best NOT to do: punish and scold. It is absolutely unnecessary, as cats have no sense of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. On the contrary, punishment tends to aggravate the situation, as well as undermining the trusting relationship.
It must be understood that at the basis of a problem of urination and defecation in inappropriate places in the cat there is a discomfort, more or less marked. There may be an organic disorder: cystitis, kidney stones, colitis. The first thing to do therefore is to talk to your vet about this problem. He will be able to tell you whether it is necessary to proceed with examinations to ascertain the cat’s state of health. If the results are negative, you can then seek the help of a cat relationship expert to assess the situation from another point of view: that of kitty. And this is where Alice Watch Cats comes into action!
NEEDS AROUND THE HOUSE: A MESSAGE TO BE HEARD
As a cat behaviour consultant, I would say that the humans of ‘pissy’ cats are actually lucky. Yes, I did not misspell it, that is exactly what I think! Droppings outside the litter box are the cases I work on most frequently, not so much because it is the most common behavioural problem, but just the one that hurts our sensibilities the most.
The cat leaving its needs outside the litter box communicates an important message not only about its preferences, but also about its psycho-physical state of health. Precisely because in nature it is so important for a cat to deposit its excrements in a sandy material, where it can hide the traces of its passage from possible predators, the fact that it decides NOT to do so is not only a great annoyance for us humans, but first and foremost an alarm bell about its well-being.
Admittedly, it is a message that is all too colourful for us humans and, nonetheless, hardly decipherable. But sometimes it is the only one that comes to our attention. A message of help that we have the opportunity to grasp and resolve.
That is why in such cases it is important to arrange a consultation, preferably at home, to assess not only the circumstances of the onset of the problem, but also the cat’s history, the environment in which it lives, its relations with other family members, human and otherwise.
SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NEEDS OUTSIDE THE LITTER BOX
If you have lost count of all the pee you have found around the house, while the dry-cleaner’s count increases, and all that it has cost you to change pillows, mattresses, partners. If you have tried all the detergents on the market to get rid of the smell and maybe they worked, or maybe you just got used to them. If you have followed all the advice on the internet, but you are just more confused. If when you come home to your cat, you skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point: “Where did you do that?” and now you don’t know who’s more anxious, you or kitty… then it’s time to seek counselling and start seeing things through… and clean.
1 - FIRST CONTACT
Write me an e-mail using the contact form or at info@aliceguardaigatti.it and tell me why you need my help: I will get back to you for a brief chat. If the case falls within my competence, we will make an appointment for a home visit.
Do you live outside Lombardy or is it not possible to meet? No problem, a video consultation can be arranged.
2 - HOME VISIT
The time has come to get to know each other! I will come to your home and here the case study will begin, which will last between 1 and 2 hours. The visit comprises 3 moments:
- Listening: you will tell me everything you know about your kitten or kittens, their history and your cohabitation.
- Observation: I will ask you to show me the house to collect clues and study it through the eyes of a cat…
- Discussion: I will give you my initial thoughts on the case and the first steps to be taken, weighing up the pros and cons and feasibility together.
3 - A TAILOR-MADE PLAN
Thanks to the impressions and information gathered through observation of the animal, the family and the environment, and after analysis of materials that you will send me (diaries, videos, photos and materials about your cat), I will share with you all the advice and recommendations to follow for a new life with kitty.
Here I will need maximum co-operation and commitment from the whole family to be able to achieve good results together!
4 - HOW IS IT GOING?
It has been a few weeks, how is the situation with your feline companion evolving? Some time after the visit, 14 to 30 days depending on the case, we will get in touch for a new discussion.
We will take stock of the situation, understand what is working and discuss any changes or adjustments to the initial plan.
If you are ready to improve your relationship with kitty or take on a new challenge together, write to me!