Our grandcat has all of a sudden started wetting on the floor. Our son has started to travel with his job and dating a charming young lady. The cat was taken to a vet who did various tests on the cat's kidney. All tests turned out to be fine. The vet then prescribed Valium for the cat. Also our son's girl friend's cat has come to live with our son and grandcat. Do you think our 8 year old grandcat could be so emotionally upset about all the changes in his life he would start wetting on the floor? Or is there something else we should start looking for? Our Grandcat has been very devoted to our son, but are Maine Coon Cats usually this sensitive?

Would appreciate any comments/opinions.

-- Anonymous, March 06, 1999

Answers

Your cat is upset, yes...probably more because of the son's girlfriend's cat and the son's absence than about the son's girlfriend! By wetting the floor, he is marking his territory and showing his dominance. Cat poop and pee are the ways cats--all breeds-- tell other cats who's "the top cat" in the house. 8 years old is about "middle aged" for a cat, and it is understandable that he will be distressed at changes to his routine.

Is the cat showing other signs of distress, like crying or pulling out its hair? I have seen these in another cat left alone a great deal, and the cat was indeed prescribed Valium (although it really needed a kinder owner).

Are the two cats using the same litterbox? If so, either change the litterbox daily, or get two litterboxes in different areas, with the idea that "one is for each cat." There is no guarantee that the cats will understand this concept, but it's worth a try. Your son should also spend "quality time" with his cat, petting him and playing with cat toys, at least 15 minutes a day.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 1999

When I started seeing a woman, I forgot to see my male mc for three days, and boy was he mad. Yes, he did spray in my backpack and pee somewhere. Rather than punish, I saw my poor behavior and made myself a promise never to neglect him... I forgot he was used to seeing me. In addition, I got him two wives...

-- Anonymous, March 09, 1999