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Animal Connections |
Inappropriate urination or defecation is a common problem that I’m contacted about to help correct. There can be any number of reasons for the behavior: a change in food, new litter (they may not like the texture or smell), location of the box, a dirty box, placing a rug under the litter box (most cats find the smell of the rubber backing offensive), too much traffic in the area where the box is placed, tension and/or change in the home environment (due to anger, visitors, depression in the person, etc.), adding another pet to the household, being left alone too much, being displaced from or “crowded” in the usual sleeping area, and/or a medical problem such as a urinary tract infection or diabetes (due to drinking excessive water). It is always important to have an animal checked for any health issues which could be causing the behavior. Then, look to the above: cats especially do not like change. If changing a cat’s litter, do so by mixing ¼ new to ¾ current litter, and increase the amount of the new each time you change the box. Add a second box in a different location if there is more than one cat in the house; you may have to experiment with whether the box should be covered or not (i.e., do they have a preference). Never place a cat’s food in the same room, or at least in close proximity to, their litter box. Cats are very fastidious and do not appreciate having to eat while smelling their leavings nearby. If there is tension in the home, this needs to be addressed. Animals are very sensitive to our emotions and will often “act out” what they pick up if it becomes too overwhelming. Disciplining them does not usually work – and never rub an animal’s nose in the “mess.” This is cruel and does not help them associate what they did as being wrong behavior. They are letting you know there’s a problem, and it takes investigation on your part regarding what the behavior is a result of. Thank them for letting you know, and take steps to improve the situation. Of course, if the animal is a puppy or kitty, accidents are bound to happen, so be patient along with closely monitoring their location and movements. As soon as puppies finish eating, they should be taken outside to do their business. Praise them profusely for doing so. When a puppy (and sometimes a grown dog) starts sniffing the carpet and circling or wandering, this is usually an indication that it needs to go out. If the above does not solve the problem, consider an animal communicator to get to the root of the behavior and to learn what steps and solutions are most appropriate. Kat Berard is an Animal Communicator (Pet Psychic), Bach flower essences practitioner and holistic care consultant. See her website for extensive information about these topics. www.katberard.com, kat@katberard.com, 210-402-1220 (San Antonio, Texas). |
