The Stove Top Pee-er

Hi Greyce, I am a handsome black cat who you've mentioned in your entry, The Pungent Scents of Comfort. Urine Marking #1 (1/10/10). That's me on the right, along with my bossy sister, Bailey. I have been troubling my folks with a penchant for stove top peeing. And yes, my urine was tested so I know an infection is not the cause of my problem.

The stove is gas. Mostly I used the top as a toilet (but only for peeing). Yes, I have a litter box which has been roughly in the same location since I was a kitten and I continued to use it (doing 'the usual' - dig, squat, pee and cover - but I do like to dig down to China first). I rebelled when the folks changed litters to one of those pearl-types because I didn't like its feel on my paws; it was then that I discovered my enjoyment of stove top peeing. I was able to revert to my previous and much-prefurred-by-my-folks' habit of using the litter box. Basically, they made the stove top inaccessible to me and found a more acceptable litter for me to use. And all was fine.

Alas, I reverted! There could be many causes. I've developed asthma and my coughing fits are anxiety-provoking to me. I'm a sensitive guy you know. And there have been times when my bossy sister, Bailey, perched on top of the kitchen cupboards looking directly over the stove top and we'd have a stand-off. After such an altercation, I have been known to leave a small piddle of urine (only a teaspoon or tablespoon at a time) on the stove.

In periods of high anxiety I have peed on quilts and pillows but mostly I stick to smooth flat surfaces like tile, counter tops and the beloved stove top. I admit it, I have had a good run at peeing on the stove but I am reforming. And I wonder if you'd share the tips you gave me with other readers who may be in the same situation.

Here's to peeing in the litter box! Bear

Molly's Good News

Dear Readers, I just got another update from Molly, a cat who lives with the much-more-confident Ivy and was having trouble dealing with a multi-cat household of two (see Oil & Water, 11/10/09; Molly's Update, 28/12/09).

In her own words: Just reporting that things are improving more and more. My purrsons were finally able to take their Christmas tree down two weeks ago because I wasn't going under it anymore. I am still always looking for Ivy but can actually fall asleep in the same room as her and about five feet apart. My purrson started feeding me a little wet food every morning and I wake her up and SHE follows ME to the kitchen, tail held high (Molly, I assume it is your tail!). We pass by Ivy and I don't slow down. She got her food first one day, and I went right over to her dish with her there. (I am not that brave when food isn't involved.) I still hiss on occasion when she surprises me. I am enjoying life much more.

Molly,  You are an inspiration to all shy and frightened cats. I am SO proud of you! Greyce.

Is Play Fighting Bad?

Dear Greyce, You say in your blog entry, The Pungent Scents of Comfort. Urine Marking #4 (Jan. 26/10) that our purrsons should learn the signs of cat aggression and intervene before we start to fight. But what about play fighting?

Every night my companion, Muffy, and I love to chase through the house as if the wind was after us. Sometimes I lie in wait around the corner and then pounce on her. And then it's her turn to chase me. We have great fun. But now I'm concerned that you think this should be out of bounds. Say it isn't so! Ginger

Switching Medication

Dear Greyce, I just read your blog entry (15 Things to Aks About Medication) and now I have a question. I'm a sprayer (I admit this doesn't make me the most popular guy in the household) and the vet gave me a medication to take. A month later, the vet decided to switch medications. Why? Silvester the Sprayer

15 Things to Ask about Medication

I promised in the Urine Marking Series that I'd deal with the issue of medication. While I'm not going to give you a list and let you choose what you think may be right for you, I am going to help you prepare for meeting with your veterinarian, so you will know what you are getting, why you are getting it, and how best to deal with it.

A Cat Tree for Every Cat

Dear Readers, 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Every cat should have a cat tree - or reasonable facsimile thereof. But rather than make this complicated, let's stick to cat trees in this entry.

Why a cat tree? Aside from the fringe benefit of getting your humans to spend some cash to demonstrate their love for you?