Posted by Ali's mom on 5/9/2008, 8:29 am |
- Oh,,, what a CUTE little culprit!! msg
Posted by mag (magnolia) on 5/10/2008, 4:29 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
How about getting a small kids' (or dog's) wading pool. Big enough for the boxes and a couple of pee pads. Maybe they would go in there instead of jumping out and going on the floor.
Just grasping at straws, here. but it would at least contain the mess to a smaller space.
If Heather (I think that's Heather) doesn't have any urinary problems, maybe the vet could put her on one of the meds that seems to help so many others.
If it helps any, I wet my bed until I was 13!!! And so did my oldest son (he doesn't mind admitting it). At 13 I took him to a different doc, for many tests, and he put him on an antidepressant that had the side effect of stopping bedwetting. Changed our lives! I know some people have had success with cats with medication (I don't know which).
We're all with you on this.
(((((((((((((((Traci)))))))))))))) - What else have you tried
Posted by Lisa (elefanlisa) on 5/10/2008, 4:03 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
from all the suggestions given (lifting one box temporarily, changing litter, changing boxes, etc.), other than putting the pee pad down?
I understand your need to vent and that with everything else you may have going on in your life, this is one of those "straw that broke the camel's back" moments. This problem probably has a very simple fix, it's just a matter of finding the cause and the solution. - "finding the cause and the solution" is exactly where I am at a loss....
Posted by Ali's mom on 5/12/2008, 11:56 am, in reply to "What else have you tried"
As for the suggestions, they all have been tried, to the degree possible for each, given the living situation. Hence the frustation.
As mentioned, I am very concerned that any other changes, such as different or fewer boxes might lead to additional and potentially worse soiling, as the current setup is precarious enough.
More than just venting, my fear and upset is that with my limited physical and emotional capacities, which without fundamental changes beyond my control simply will not improve, my ability to continue caring for my girls will be yet another casualty of all that has been lost this past year. - Re: "finding the cause and the solution" is exactly where I am at a loss....
Posted by Lisa (elefanlisa) on 5/12/2008, 1:53 pm, in reply to ""finding the cause and the solution" is exactly where I am at a loss...."
I've got exactly 5 cats myself and only two boxes (I don't know where I'd put 6 boxes if I followed the "one per cat plus one" rule). You have one more box than I do. I suggested lifting the one box only for a day or two to see what happens. If the soiling is worse, well, you know that isn't the solution and you can put the box back down again. It would be worth a shot for me. If the soiling goes away then you have your solution. You never know until you try. - I understand your frustration...msg
Posted by Ann on 5/10/2008, 3:18 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
and I wish there was some way that we could help you.I prayed for you to be able to find the culprit and you did.Now I am praying for a solution to the problem.
Traci,I know for a fact that you are an extremely kind woman and have held a countless number of people.Can we help you now? Can we help you with vetting Heather or with paying for pee pads?
Thanks to you,I always have some toonas in my paypal so please let us know.We all love you and your beautiful fur family. - Just clarifying something...msg
Posted by Ann on 5/10/2008, 6:59 pm, in reply to "I understand your frustration...msg"
In 2003,Traci told me about paid to read programs and I still work a few of them.Thats why my paypal nearly always has some toonas in it.It has helped us through some very rough times.Thanks Traci. - I agree with Ann. Is there ...
Posted by Bobbie on 5/10/2008, 3:32 pm, in reply to "I understand your frustration...msg"
anything at all we can do from a distance to help?
I know how it feels to be alone and in pain, mentally and physically.
~ Our character is what God and cats know of us ~ - Traci, we're confused. Are you just venting or do you want to rehome a cat? msg
Posted by sweeney on 5/10/2008, 11:55 am, in reply to "Caught her...."
We can help you if we know what you want. - I'm venting. I don't *want* to rehome...msg
Posted by Ali's mom on 5/10/2008, 1:01 pm, in reply to "Traci, we're confused. Are you just venting or do you want to rehome a cat? msg"
but I am petrified to be dealing every day with the evidence and realization that I no longer have the ability to care for them, and live with the everyday problems, let alone handle major ones.
You know more than anyone that my girls are my life. But I can't even take care of myself - I don't know much about your situation, but I can tell you a couple of things that are generally
Posted by Crinn on 5/10/2008, 7:51 pm, in reply to "I'm venting. I don't *want* to rehome...msg"
true for breast cancer survivors. One is that by 2 or 3 years after diagnosis, most (but not all) are physically comparable to the general population their age. The other is that younger women do better physically but have a more difficult time emotionally and psychologically, but that older women do worse physically but better emotionally and psychologically. I think some of it is that younger women compare themselves to others their own age and see healthy women, for the most. Older women, on the other hand, compare themselves to women their age and see that so many of them have some sort of health problem -- so when you're older, you've got plenty of company and it doesn't seem so much like you're going through something unusual -- it's just part of getting older.
I don't know if this helps, but I think things will get better for you. It just doesn't feel like it right now. Hang in there! - But you are taking care of yourself & have been for years msg
Posted by sweeney on 5/10/2008, 6:53 pm, in reply to "I'm venting. I don't *want* to rehome...msg"
You are depressed & exhausted. You may need to seek help for your cats' sake.
Do you need help with vet fees? With something else? - Re: Caught her....
Posted by Noofies on 5/9/2008, 11:44 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
I didn't necessarily mean that the littermaid was cycling each and every time there was a puddle outside the box. It could have happened right before this started happening, and she's been avoiding the littermaid ever since - just like some declawed cats avoid the box long after the pain in their feet goes away because the box is associated with the pain they felt right after the declaw. She might not even have been headed for the littermaid when she was frightened by it, she might have even been mid-pee in the OTHER box when the littermaid cycled and scared her.
I still think it's worth putting the littermaid away for a few weeks and trying a plain box in that space. But before you do that, she needs to see the vet.
Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
~Mark Twain - She is not avoiding the Littermaid!....msg
Posted by Ali's mom on 5/10/2008, 12:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Caught her...."
The theory would make sense, but I am trying to explain that I have seen, and continue to see her use the Littermaid, without hesitation. Just this morning when I first entered the kitchen, she was in there doing her business. I stood quietly, observed her, and when she hopped out I followed her, praising and petting her.
The only thing I can think of is that she doesn't see going in the general vicinity of the box as *wrong*, and I don't know how to correct that. - So move the Littermaid into....
Posted by Max's Mom (Max Mom) on 5/10/2008, 12:19 pm, in reply to "She is not avoiding the Littermaid!....msg"
the bathroom, and put the box from the bathroom in the kitchen, and give it a few days. See if she *still* pees in the same spot.
Of course first & foremost, get the cat to the vet's office ASAP!! - Would love to, doesn't fit....
Posted by Ali's mom on 5/10/2008, 12:44 pm, in reply to "So move the Littermaid into...."
and I know they have to go to a vet, but it has to wait, and I am stressed enough about that. I seriously have too many things I need to do this weekend, and won't be able to get a fraction of them done (to elaborate further, here, will just be yet another exercise in frustration). And I know this is a priority, but that's why I am overwhelmed, because taking care of them is too much for me on my own when I just don't have time, energy or assistance - I agree with Noofies. The fact that the pee is near the box msg
Posted by sweeney on 5/10/2008, 9:26 am, in reply to "Re: Caught her...."
makes me think she wanted to go in the box, but something stopped her. Fear comes to mind as a possibility, - She could have been attacked or startled. Also, if the box is in the kitchen, maybe the
Posted by Crinn on 5/10/2008, 12:05 pm, in reply to "I agree with Noofies. The fact that the pee is near the box msg"
sound of the refrigerator starting up is loud enough to make her anxious.
It is helpful to know who is having the problem. But since this is both pee and poop, I think it's probably a behavioral issue and not a medical issue. - Cats with UTIs sometimes defecate outside the box, too.....msg
Posted by Noofies on 5/10/2008, 12:45 pm, in reply to "She could have been attacked or startled. Also, if the box is in the kitchen, maybe the"
It could be a medical issue. In any case, a medical issue needs to be ruled out before considering behavior modification.
Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
~Mark Twain - Quite true...msg
Posted by Owen'sMom on 5/12/2008, 10:54 am, in reply to "Cats with UTIs sometimes defecate outside the box, too.....msg"
Any pain they feel while in the litterbox is blamed ON the box so they will avoid it and look for a place to eliminate where there is no pain.
Cats can be so frustrating. I truly hope this can be cleared up for both your sakes. - Oh, I know...msg
Posted by Ali's mom on 5/12/2008, 11:21 am, in reply to "Quite true...msg"
but I don't even know if this was the same cat.
"Sh*t happens" occasionally, but this came out of left field, and given the non-avoidance behavior of all five, it was almost as though somecat wanted to "kick me when I'm down" and provide yet another example of why and how caring for them is too much for me to handle. The old rub salt in the wound - don't even give the wound a moment to try to heal, and in fact make it hurt even more. - I agree. nm
Posted by Crinn on 5/10/2008, 7:43 pm, in reply to "Cats with UTIs sometimes defecate outside the box, too.....msg"
- I have to agree as well......nm
Posted by Viv on 5/10/2008, 10:34 am, in reply to "I agree with Noofies. The fact that the pee is near the box msg"
j
"A meow massages the heart." - I also want to know when the heck you are going to take that poor cat to the vet. nm
Posted by BethW on 5/9/2008, 9:10 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
nm - Me too. There is usually a reason for these "habits". Poor cats. nm
Posted by Michelle on 5/9/2008, 11:24 pm, in reply to "I also want to know when the heck you are going to take that poor cat to the vet. nm"
kjh - p.s. I am confused, this picture is the EXACT same picture you posted 4 days ago...
Posted by Michelle on 5/10/2008, 12:16 am, in reply to "Me too. There is usually a reason for these "habits". Poor cats. nm"
just what in the heck is going on Traci??? What are you trying to pull? I am sad for you, and think this goes beyond the cats... - So she posted the same picture,so what....msg
Posted by Ann on 5/10/2008, 2:49 pm, in reply to "p.s. I am confused, this picture is the EXACT same picture you posted 4 days ago..."
How does that indicate that shes trying to pull something? This reminds me of a post that was made a few years ago,I believe by neoncat(s).Lucia posted a pic of one of her cats with a pipe cleaner and neoncat accused her of doctoring the pic because she had seen that carpet in other pics.
Traci may have posted the same pic to keep from having to take and upload a new on of the same thing. - oh, I remember that! I know Traci does too. msg
Posted by mag (magnolia) on 5/10/2008, 4:13 pm, in reply to "So she posted the same picture,so what....msg"
"That is not a real carpet." LOL!
I personally cannot tell one spot of pee from another. - That thread had me laughing for days...msg
Posted by Ann on 5/10/2008, 4:34 pm, in reply to "oh, I remember that! I know Traci does too. msg"
as did a lot of threads from back then.We *USED* to have fun huh!!
Oh yeah,the cat and the pipe cleaner were fakes too.LOL - What's wrong with posting the same photo? Sometimes I think you aren't happy except
Posted by Crinn on 5/10/2008, 12:07 pm, in reply to "p.s. I am confused, this picture is the EXACT same picture you posted 4 days ago..."
when you have someone to go after. Traci has plenty to deal with and doesn't deserve this kind of nit-picking. You say you care but you sound like you just smell blood and want to get a punch in. - She is just posting an old pic of the culprit. She didn't say she just took it msg
Posted by sweeney on 5/10/2008, 9:23 am, in reply to "p.s. I am confused, this picture is the EXACT same picture you posted 4 days ago..."
Just that this was the culprit. Could we cut her some slack? She has been through a major ordeal for over a year now & she is exhausted. - Re: She is just posting an old pic of the culprit. She didn't say she just took it msg
Posted by Michelle on 5/10/2008, 11:33 am, in reply to "She is just posting an old pic of the culprit. She didn't say she just took it msg"
I got the impression it was what happened this particular time...maybe I misunderstood.
As far as cutting her some slack, are you serious? We all know damn well had it been ANYONE else, things would have been handled differently. Someone comes out who has not posted in months, basically threatening to dump their cats and is seeking validitation to do just that - is not usually given any slack. In fact they are usually ripped a new one.
I know she has been through a lot and is exhausted. If Traci wants new homes for her cats, she should come out and say it. Or if she needs help paying for the vet (which obviously that cat needs to go to), she knows she can ask! She has been given some great advice on helping with the problem...she can take that and move on, or let the problem continue.
I think putting the littermaid away, vet visit, maybe a new litter may solve the problem. And maybe not...some cats just refuse to use the box! You either live with that, or not. - This post was so unessessary...msg
Posted by Ann on 5/10/2008, 3:06 pm, in reply to "Re: She is just posting an old pic of the culprit. She didn't say she just took it msg"
but since you already posted it...More that cutting her some slack,its more like the majority of us,trying to understand things from her standpoint and trying to help her with finding a solution for the situation.
I dont think you should be so quick to criticize her,until you've walked in her shoes. - Re: This post was so unessessary...msg
Posted by angelclide'smommy
on 5/11/2008, 12:53 am, in reply to "This post was so unessessary...msg"Agreed. We have no idea what Ali's Mom is going through and she's trying to make the best out of a very bad situation. She's come her for help and we need to find out how we can help and be supportive.
That help may be an understanding ear, or it may be some outside assistance.
I belong to a prayer board where many members are struggling with cancer or children with cancer. It financially and physically exhausts families.
In my volunteer and respite work, I have also seen families w/ children who have physical or behavior problems come to the point where they are exhausted and have no idea what to do any more and need outside help to avoid taking their frustrations out on their children. I think Ali's Mom is in the same situation with her kitties even though she loves them as much as if they were her human children. - Any chance to be a b###h, huh Michelle.....?
Posted by Ali's mom on 5/10/2008, 12:24 pm, in reply to "Re: She is just posting an old pic of the culprit. She didn't say she just took it msg"
You wouldn't even know about this board, or BCC, if it wasn't for me trying to help YOU by responding to your pathetic posts on Craigslist before you killed your own cats.
Cut me some slack? Well yeah. I have been trying to fight cancer, deal with the trauma of treatment and long term permanent effects, COMPLETELY ON MY OWN - as well as the fact that every single friend and family member abandoned me in my time of need - while trying to continue to care for the loves of my life. And you dare to sit in judgement of me for posting the same photo in order to illustrate an event - the point of which, by the way, is that it is the same exact behavior, the same exact location of pee, repeatedly, every day? The photo of Heather is from last year. Was posting that a stunt as well? - I was assuming that Traci just wanted people to respond & didn't plan to dump the cats. Let's ask nm
Posted by sweeney on 5/10/2008, 11:44 am, in reply to "Re: She is just posting an old pic of the culprit. She didn't say she just took it msg"
vvv - I also got the impression
Posted by BarbaraB on 5/10/2008, 11:54 am, in reply to "I was assuming that Traci just wanted people to respond & didn't plan to dump the cats. Let's ask nm"
she was ready to rehome by statements she made, to name a few:
"Ready to just give everyone away I am so sick and tired and frustrated. "
I also got the impression she was ready to rehome. She could have been just venting but some of her statements seemed like she was seriously considering it..
"It takes time and energy that I don't have. Every single bloody day."
"Can't take it anymore."
"I made a mistake. I can't take care of five cats. I don't even think I can take care of one. I love them, but I can't do this anymore."
It is possible she was only venting, however. Some people vent more strongly than others.
"Beware of people who dislike cats."
- Irish Proverb - I know--I'm confused, too nm
Posted by sweeney on 5/10/2008, 11:57 am, in reply to "I also got the impression"
ccc - That IS the same picture
Posted by BarbaraB on 5/10/2008, 7:26 am, in reply to "p.s. I am confused, this picture is the EXACT same picture you posted 4 days ago..."
the only explanation is she uploaded the wrong pic, or something's amiss here.. and it's not the cat.
"Beware of people who dislike cats."
- Irish Proverb - I think she was making a point or telling the story.....msg
Posted by Sandy S on 5/10/2008, 9:16 am, in reply to "That IS the same picture"
...with the pictures. I didn't get the impression that she had just taken either picture - just that she was using them to illustrate her points.
There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat. - Tay Hohoff - Re: I think she was making a point or telling the story.....msg
Posted by Michelle on 5/10/2008, 12:36 pm, in reply to "I think she was making a point or telling the story.....msg"
Maybe, it just seemed like she was showing us what had just happened. I guess I missed the point of reposting that picture. - Iz take her to lib wif me..I always lukkin fur a cutie pie...purrs..nm
Posted by Jr. Da Hansum Borg (Viv) on 5/9/2008, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
"A meow massages the heart." - Re: Caught her....
Posted by MikeK on 5/9/2008, 12:24 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
Homedepo has some cheap flat pine boards at 1/3 and 1/4 thickness. Use some tacks that you can remove but they can't. Maybe use a staple gun since the pads are going to be removed and thrown away. But make sure what staples are in the board can be flatten or pulled out. Duct tape is good if you can use heavy card board. Just an idea, good luck.
"It takes a bigger man to admit he loves cats than most men who would not". - Me - I hope you have scheduled a vet visit for her. nm
Posted by Michelle on 5/9/2008, 12:20 pm, in reply to "Caught her...."
kjh - At least you now know..I also am using a new product to remove odors..ms
Posted by m on 5/9/2008, 10:58 am, in reply to "Caught her...."
OdorXso far so good. Seems a little expensive but if it works it is work it. I hate the cat pee smell. Good luck. - Oh no, not her! That's Heather, isn't it? Why??? Why oh Why??? (msg)
Posted by Andrea on 5/9/2008, 10:37 am, in reply to "Caught her...."
I would get her to TED to eliminate the possibility that there's a physical cause. If there isn't then .... ???
I believe the very best thing would be to confine her in a smaller space until she uses the box every time. I know, I know.. limited space, hard to confine somekitty, but it's supposed to be very effective.
Geeze Traci. I'm glad that you finally found the guilty party, but now what???
Huge ((((((( hugs ))))))) for you sweetheart. Hang in there. This WILL get better.
As for anchors - have you tried canned goods? I've done that with newspapers for the dogs on occasion. They're heavy enough to deter most kitties but not too hard to move.
I am so praying for a solution for you that will end this stress forever!
Andrea - What a look on that pretty face!!! I am so glad you...
Posted by Bobbie on 5/9/2008, 9:42 am, in reply to "Caught her...."
found out who it is. What a doll but I'm sure that is not what you are thinking.
No suggestions about weighing it down. I'm sure someone will know what to use.
I hope just discovering which lady did it will help you feel better!! (((Hugs)))
~ Our character is what God and cats know of us ~ - could you try a little masking tape around the edges of the pad? msg
Posted by Mcat on 5/9/2008, 9:39 am, in reply to "Caught her...."
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Does she have a UTI? She is so very pretty.
