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By Jackson Galaxy
The most common problem we deal with is inconsistent use of the litterbox. Often, by the time clients call, they are "at the end of their rope," which translates to "show me progress, or else..." where the "or else" is not a happy ending for the cat. Much of the frustration experienced by our clients is the result of anthropomorphizing (that is, assigning human emotional values to a cat's behavior) the offending events. The guardian interprets the behavior using their own frame of reference. For instance, she thinks that Fluffy is peeing on the bathroom rug out of spite, anger for being left alone all day, or simply because he is a "spoiled brat." One of our most important tasks is to help guardians to understand the huge differences in the way humans and cats express themselves. While it is not impossible for a cat to bear a grudge, it is not a typical reason for not using the box. Consider that cats have limited methods of communication available. They communicate among themselves with posture, body language, vocalization, and scent, i.e., pheromones, which are components of urine and the anal gland secretions that coat the feces. (Cats also mark with scent glands located on the face and feet, but these seem to have different meanings than urine and fecal pheromones). Since cats can't talk, when they have something to "say" to their humans, they often use marking behaviors instead. It's common for cats to mark with urine and/or feces to advertise stress, pain, or that they don't feel well. That's why the first step in an analysis of litterbox problems includes a trip to the veterinarian, including a thorough physical, and examinations of urine, stool, and/or blood, plus any other tests the vet feels are necessary. We don't want to mistake a physical problem for a behavioral one, and fail to take the steps needed to help the cat heal. A veterinary exam will help keep costs and time invested to a minimum. (If a physical problem is diagnosed, please see this article on Urinary Tract Disorders in Cats.)
Once physical illness is ruled out, it is important to recognize that many litterbox problems are stress-related. Cats are highly "projection-sensitive" - they feel any tension in the home and internalize it. Cats are often mirrors for our own stresses. Therefore, punishing Fluffy , yelling at him, squirting him with a spray bottle, or even arguing with a family member about the problem are not only unhelpful, but they actually tend to worsen the problem.
Flower Essences can be very helpful in resolving the prevailing energetic patterns which in part result in litterbox problems. Spirit Essences has a variety of essence remedies that can help break these "stuck" energy patterns. If a urinary tract disorder is diagnosed, try "UR-Fine" in conjunction with your veterinarian's prescribed course of action. For those "projection sensitive" cats, we reccomend "Stress Stopper."
In Part II, we address the number one reason, in our experience, that cats eliminate outside theirboxes, and that is: the box itself!
For more great articles on important feline health and behavior topics, visit the Publications Page at www.littlebigcat.com
For personal assistance with your cat's behavior problems, call Jackson Galaxy at Little Big Cat! Schedule a consultation at 310-376-6616
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