messin' where she shouldn't be messin'
Question:
I quite agree. You wouldn’t do it to a human, why do it to an animal? In fact, rubbing an animal’s nose in its faeces is extremely dangerous, if the animal breathes in at the wrong time (which is quite possible given its fear) it can inhale the faecal matter and die. The shelter I help at has had a couple of cases like this referred to it, but the poor cats couldn’t be saved. Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I don’t know who the heck ever came up with the idea of rubbing an >animal’s nose in feces to teach it anything. This will *never* work. >All you’re doing is making the cat more confused. This is, IMHO, >a mean and rude thing to do to an animal. Now I know you’ve heard >this is what you should do, so I’m not trying to be hard on you. >But you must try to see that your cat doesn’t understand why you’re >doing this to her. >Eva
Response:
Also, please take her to a vet SOON to rule out any medical problems. Take Phil’s advice – please DO NOT punish your cat by doing what you described. You could actually be making this problem worse. lmg _ Laura M. Grindle _ / _ ,_ _ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
If she has favourite spots to mess in, put either her food or a litterbox over them. This worked well for training my kittens, and it’s much less stressful than punishing them. Hope this helps. Mazy
Response:
and e-mailed Hi, Please stop reprimanding your cat for eliminating outside the box. She does not associate your putting her nose in it and yelling with what it is you are punishing her for. It just aggravates the problem as you have found out and results in her becoming more anxious and fearful around eliminating which is the last thing you want. You should take your cat to the vet and have a thorough examination and urinalysis done to rule out any urinary tract infection, crystals, or other physical problem. Her stool should also be checked. This is your cat’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If urination is painful (due to an infection), she will avoid the box as she associates it with pain. She is not doing this out of anger or spite, but she is stressed or anxious about something. It may be physical, it may not. If your vet has ruled out any physical source for the behavioural problem, you will have to do some sleuthing as to what is bothering your cat. Some questions to ask yourself. Is the box kept immaculately clean at all times? Is it in a quiet, easily-accessible area where the cat is not surprised by another animal or humans? Does your cat have to share the box with another cat? Perhaps your cat has decided she doesn’t want to defecate and urinate in the same box and providing her with a second box may well solve the problem. Has anything changed in your household, no matter how small a change? Cats do not generally take well to changes and often react with stress and anxiety manifested by "inappropriate elimination". Is your litter unscented? Have you changed it recently? Also, ensure that you clean all areas she is peeing on very carefully with an enzyme-based cleaner. Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner as this will attract her back to the area. Please have the vet check her out and then ponder about the above. It is always solvable and I hope you do not resort to making her an "outside" cat. I hope some of the above helps, M.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > any suggestions can be mailed to me personally at
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I don’t know who the heck ever came up with the idea of rubbing an animal’s nose in feces to teach it anything. This will *never* work. All you’re doing is making the cat more confused. This is, IMHO, a mean and rude thing to do to an animal. Now I know you’ve heard this is what you should do, so I’m not trying to be hard on you. But you must try to see that your cat doesn’t understand why you’re doing this to her. I recently had a problem with my kitten pooping just outside the box. I couldn’t scold her because I never saw her do it. I took her to the vet and took a stool sample. He checked the stool and said there were very few bacteria — not enough to be causing the problem. So my vet and I had a chat about the litter box set-up. I had two boxes in the bathtub in my spare bathroom. He suggested that it may be a territorial issue and said I should try taking one of the litter boxes and putting it outside the tub. Such a simple thing, and it worked like a charm. Sometimes it can be such a small thing that is making your cat eliminate inappropriately. You have to be a good detective. Try to figure out what is making your cat unhappy and address that issue. You’ll have much more success with this kind of method. Talk to your vet. He/she may have some good ideas for you. Good luck! Eva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
hello, I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. what can we do? if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside cat. thanks, mike Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Mike, No no no, bad owner, no chocolates for you. How would you feel if you went to greet a friend only to have him rub your nose in a pile of feces? Surely, that would hardly be the basis for an enduring and compatible relationship! Cats learn by association and anticipation. When two events occur consecutively, the cat begins to anticipate that one leads to the other. If you catch you cat in the act, make a loud noise, toss an object near her or give her a light spritz with water so she learns to associate something negative with the behavior. Its very important that she does not associate the correction with the person doing the correcting. Correction should be given *only* during the behavior or within one or two seconds after the no-no ceases. If you don’t catch her in the act, don’t even scold her. Otherwise she’ll associate the scolding with whatever she’s doing at the time. Since she does it only when you’re not looking, punishment may actually make things worse (which seems to be the case). Try to find the cause. It could be litter scent, or simply for attention or from anxiety from being alone. A few weeks after I set up a computer in my home, my oldest began peeing on my pillow – never when I was around. More attention to her solved that problem fast. It might work for you. Give it a try. Forget the nose rub, and think about getting her a companion. Another cat works wonders. Good luck. Phil. — "Cats’ have no masters, just friends" Cat health info & more: http://maxshouse.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I quite agree. You wouldn’t do it to a human, why do it to an animal? In fact, rubbing an animal’s nose in its faeces is extremely dangerous, if the animal breathes in at the wrong time (which is quite possible given its fear) it can inhale the faecal matter and die. The shelter I help at has had a couple of cases like this referred to it, but the poor cats couldn’t be saved. Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I don’t know who the heck ever came up with the idea of rubbing an >animal’s nose in feces to teach it anything. This will *never* work. >All you’re doing is making the cat more confused. This is, IMHO, >a mean and rude thing to do to an animal. Now I know you’ve heard >this is what you should do, so I’m not trying to be hard on you. >But you must try to see that your cat doesn’t understand why you’re >doing this to her. >Eva
Response:
Also, please take her to a vet SOON to rule out any medical problems. Take Phil’s advice – please DO NOT punish your cat by doing what you described. You could actually be making this problem worse. lmg _ Laura M. Grindle _ / _ ,_ _ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
If she has favourite spots to mess in, put either her food or a litterbox over them. This worked well for training my kittens, and it’s much less stressful than punishing them. Hope this helps. Mazy
Response:
and e-mailed Hi, Please stop reprimanding your cat for eliminating outside the box. She does not associate your putting her nose in it and yelling with what it is you are punishing her for. It just aggravates the problem as you have found out and results in her becoming more anxious and fearful around eliminating which is the last thing you want. You should take your cat to the vet and have a thorough examination and urinalysis done to rule out any urinary tract infection, crystals, or other physical problem. Her stool should also be checked. This is your cat’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If urination is painful (due to an infection), she will avoid the box as she associates it with pain. She is not doing this out of anger or spite, but she is stressed or anxious about something. It may be physical, it may not. If your vet has ruled out any physical source for the behavioural problem, you will have to do some sleuthing as to what is bothering your cat. Some questions to ask yourself. Is the box kept immaculately clean at all times? Is it in a quiet, easily-accessible area where the cat is not surprised by another animal or humans? Does your cat have to share the box with another cat? Perhaps your cat has decided she doesn’t want to defecate and urinate in the same box and providing her with a second box may well solve the problem. Has anything changed in your household, no matter how small a change? Cats do not generally take well to changes and often react with stress and anxiety manifested by "inappropriate elimination". Is your litter unscented? Have you changed it recently? Also, ensure that you clean all areas she is peeing on very carefully with an enzyme-based cleaner. Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner as this will attract her back to the area. Please have the vet check her out and then ponder about the above. It is always solvable and I hope you do not resort to making her an "outside" cat. I hope some of the above helps, M.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > any suggestions can be mailed to me personally at
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I don’t know who the heck ever came up with the idea of rubbing an animal’s nose in feces to teach it anything. This will *never* work. All you’re doing is making the cat more confused. This is, IMHO, a mean and rude thing to do to an animal. Now I know you’ve heard this is what you should do, so I’m not trying to be hard on you. But you must try to see that your cat doesn’t understand why you’re doing this to her. I recently had a problem with my kitten pooping just outside the box. I couldn’t scold her because I never saw her do it. I took her to the vet and took a stool sample. He checked the stool and said there were very few bacteria — not enough to be causing the problem. So my vet and I had a chat about the litter box set-up. I had two boxes in the bathtub in my spare bathroom. He suggested that it may be a territorial issue and said I should try taking one of the litter boxes and putting it outside the tub. Such a simple thing, and it worked like a charm. Sometimes it can be such a small thing that is making your cat eliminate inappropriately. You have to be a good detective. Try to figure out what is making your cat unhappy and address that issue. You’ll have much more success with this kind of method. Talk to your vet. He/she may have some good ideas for you. Good luck! Eva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
hello, I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. what can we do? if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside cat. thanks, mike Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Mike, No no no, bad owner, no chocolates for you. How would you feel if you went to greet a friend only to have him rub your nose in a pile of feces? Surely, that would hardly be the basis for an enduring and compatible relationship! Cats learn by association and anticipation. When two events occur consecutively, the cat begins to anticipate that one leads to the other. If you catch you cat in the act, make a loud noise, toss an object near her or give her a light spritz with water so she learns to associate something negative with the behavior. Its very important that she does not associate the correction with the person doing the correcting. Correction should be given *only* during the behavior or within one or two seconds after the no-no ceases. If you don’t catch her in the act, don’t even scold her. Otherwise she’ll associate the scolding with whatever she’s doing at the time. Since she does it only when you’re not looking, punishment may actually make things worse (which seems to be the case). Try to find the cause. It could be litter scent, or simply for attention or from anxiety from being alone. A few weeks after I set up a computer in my home, my oldest began peeing on my pillow – never when I was around. More attention to her solved that problem fast. It might work for you. Give it a try. Forget the nose rub, and think about getting her a companion. Another cat works wonders. Good luck. Phil. — "Cats’ have no masters, just friends" Cat health info & more: http://maxshouse.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I quite agree. You wouldn’t do it to a human, why do it to an animal? In fact, rubbing an animal’s nose in its faeces is extremely dangerous, if the animal breathes in at the wrong time (which is quite possible given its fear) it can inhale the faecal matter and die. The shelter I help at has had a couple of cases like this referred to it, but the poor cats couldn’t be saved. Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I don’t know who the heck ever came up with the idea of rubbing an >animal’s nose in feces to teach it anything. This will *never* work. >All you’re doing is making the cat more confused. This is, IMHO, >a mean and rude thing to do to an animal. Now I know you’ve heard >this is what you should do, so I’m not trying to be hard on you. >But you must try to see that your cat doesn’t understand why you’re >doing this to her. >Eva
Response:
Also, please take her to a vet SOON to rule out any medical problems. Take Phil’s advice – please DO NOT punish your cat by doing what you described. You could actually be making this problem worse. lmg _ Laura M. Grindle _ / _ ,_ _ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
If she has favourite spots to mess in, put either her food or a litterbox over them. This worked well for training my kittens, and it’s much less stressful than punishing them. Hope this helps. Mazy
Response:
and e-mailed Hi, Please stop reprimanding your cat for eliminating outside the box. She does not associate your putting her nose in it and yelling with what it is you are punishing her for. It just aggravates the problem as you have found out and results in her becoming more anxious and fearful around eliminating which is the last thing you want. You should take your cat to the vet and have a thorough examination and urinalysis done to rule out any urinary tract infection, crystals, or other physical problem. Her stool should also be checked. This is your cat’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If urination is painful (due to an infection), she will avoid the box as she associates it with pain. She is not doing this out of anger or spite, but she is stressed or anxious about something. It may be physical, it may not. If your vet has ruled out any physical source for the behavioural problem, you will have to do some sleuthing as to what is bothering your cat. Some questions to ask yourself. Is the box kept immaculately clean at all times? Is it in a quiet, easily-accessible area where the cat is not surprised by another animal or humans? Does your cat have to share the box with another cat? Perhaps your cat has decided she doesn’t want to defecate and urinate in the same box and providing her with a second box may well solve the problem. Has anything changed in your household, no matter how small a change? Cats do not generally take well to changes and often react with stress and anxiety manifested by "inappropriate elimination". Is your litter unscented? Have you changed it recently? Also, ensure that you clean all areas she is peeing on very carefully with an enzyme-based cleaner. Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner as this will attract her back to the area. Please have the vet check her out and then ponder about the above. It is always solvable and I hope you do not resort to making her an "outside" cat. I hope some of the above helps, M.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > any suggestions can be mailed to me personally at
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
I don’t know who the heck ever came up with the idea of rubbing an animal’s nose in feces to teach it anything. This will *never* work. All you’re doing is making the cat more confused. This is, IMHO, a mean and rude thing to do to an animal. Now I know you’ve heard this is what you should do, so I’m not trying to be hard on you. But you must try to see that your cat doesn’t understand why you’re doing this to her. I recently had a problem with my kitten pooping just outside the box. I couldn’t scold her because I never saw her do it. I took her to the vet and took a stool sample. He checked the stool and said there were very few bacteria — not enough to be causing the problem. So my vet and I had a chat about the litter box set-up. I had two boxes in the bathtub in my spare bathroom. He suggested that it may be a territorial issue and said I should try taking one of the litter boxes and putting it outside the tub. Such a simple thing, and it worked like a charm. Sometimes it can be such a small thing that is making your cat eliminate inappropriately. You have to be a good detective. Try to figure out what is making your cat unhappy and address that issue. You’ll have much more success with this kind of method. Talk to your vet. He/she may have some good ideas for you. Good luck! Eva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
hello, I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. what can we do? if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside cat. thanks, mike Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Mike, No no no, bad owner, no chocolates for you. How would you feel if you went to greet a friend only to have him rub your nose in a pile of feces? Surely, that would hardly be the basis for an enduring and compatible relationship! Cats learn by association and anticipation. When two events occur consecutively, the cat begins to anticipate that one leads to the other. If you catch you cat in the act, make a loud noise, toss an object near her or give her a light spritz with water so she learns to associate something negative with the behavior. Its very important that she does not associate the correction with the person doing the correcting. Correction should be given *only* during the behavior or within one or two seconds after the no-no ceases. If you don’t catch her in the act, don’t even scold her. Otherwise she’ll associate the scolding with whatever she’s doing at the time. Since she does it only when you’re not looking, punishment may actually make things worse (which seems to be the case). Try to find the cause. It could be litter scent, or simply for attention or from anxiety from being alone. A few weeks after I set up a computer in my home, my oldest began peeing on my pillow – never when I was around. More attention to her solved that problem fast. It might work for you. Give it a try. Forget the nose rub, and think about getting her a companion. Another cat works wonders. Good luck. Phil. — "Cats’ have no masters, just friends" Cat health info & more: http://maxshouse.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hello, > I’ve been searching all over the internet for an answer to my question > and haven’t been able to find one. our cat (about a year old) has taken > to peeing and pooing in places other than her litterbox. it doesn’t > seem to be a problem with the litter because she hardly ever does it > when we’re away….it’s like a game to her to do it without us seeing > it…so far i’ve only done what i know to do: stick her face in it while > yelling (we don’t catch her in the act, because she won’t do it if we > can see her). she has only responded by doing it more. > what can we do? > if we can’t solve this problem she’s going to have to become an outside > cat. > thanks, > mike > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
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