Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Lauryn on March 06, 2014, 07:10:30 AM
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Hi,
We moved to a larger house with our 1 female and two tom cats about 5 weeks ago. They are all from the same litter, two and a half and neutered.
They had a good relationship in the smaller house and slept together most of the day, but the female is not adjusting and is spraying and growling at her brothers on and off.
They are all outdoor cats and have access to a cat flap which they use. The toms have settled well and seem happier than ever before (largely due to lack of other cats in the area, I think).
We're removing the urine thoroughly, but she sprays in different places every few days. I'm not certain, but I think this has mostly been happening since they we're allowed outside and she seems to go for them when they've been out more than any other time.
She's going outside when she wants.
Any suggestions as to how to handle this, please?
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A vet check is your starting point. This link is a good summary of things to consider. http://www.catchat.org/urination.html
Assuming there was no spraying indoors before the move, it sounds like she is stressed. Plugins: Feliway or more recently people have given good reviews for the much cheaper but initially smellier Pet Remedy. Some also recommend Zylkene capsules. Animed are usually amongst the best prices.
http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/cats/healthcare/anxiety
Whilst I'm not sure that spraying is a common sign of cystitis, there are capsules you can get without prescription called cystophan which contain a calming ingredient that really chilled our Dinah out. She did have cystitis though.
http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/protexin-cystophan-capsules-for-cats-pack-of-240.html
Very much hope your girl settles soon :hug:
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I agree, sounds very much like stress. Get her checked out with the vet to be on the safe side and if it comes back clear, it is likely that stress is the cause. When cats move house, they are in neutral territory and have to rejig the pecking order again. This, along with being a new environment, causes stress to build up. Plugins are definitely worth a go, and lots of fuss and attention to keep her chilled out. If it continues even with plugins, I would recommend starting right back at the beginning and do slow introductions.
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if it is stress then it might be worth investing in a couple of Pet Remedy plug ins
http://www.petremedy.co.uk/
Pet Remedy works on all mammals (even humans) and is a good way of claming everyone down after a house move ;)
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Did the previous owners have pets? If so, she may be able to smell there scent which is causing her to mark her territory in this way. Stress may also be another cause - cats do not like change in the slightest. Ensure you eliminate the smell of the urine or she may continue doing it in the same place.