deanna...how is kitty joanne?

[nancymaring]

just checking to see how joanne is feeling. i have been thinking of her and hope all is well.
nancy

[Deanna]

Thank you so much for asking. Unfortunately, things are not well, kitty-wise.

Last Saturday, I returned Joanne to the shelter. She had been with me for 9 months. As you know I kept her confined to the "cage" for a couple of weeks and the pee problem seemed to have stopped until the one day I left her out and came home to find pee on the rug again. So back she went. When I dropped her off, I was told they "might" have to euthanize her, and did I want them to notify me beforehand. I was so sad, but told them no, I didn't want to know about it if they did. I'm telling you I'm at the end of my rope!

Well, when I came home from work on Wednesday, I discovered two fresh pee spots in the same corner where the problem had been occurring all along. DOES THIS MEAN IT WAS NOT JOANNE???? And I sentenced her to death???? Or, at the very least, more months of living in a cage at the shelter?? Or was Joanne doing it, too. With three cats, who knows?

I'm just beside myself. I've been crying all weekend. Sent my sister an email asking if she could take in Benson (the nine-year old I adopted from the shelter a year and a half ago) until I figure out which of the two boys is doing it. She never responded to me. I really envy those of you who have sisters who GIVE support instead of always just ASKING FOR support!

Anyway, I had pretty much made up my mind I'd have to put one or both of the "boys" to sleep, but which one? I don't know who is doing it!

Anyway, you are a real sweetheart to inquire about my situation. I wish I had better news!

[AZLorena]

Deanna,

I am in tears just reading your post. I know exactly what you are going through, as you know. I hope you can fix the pee pee problem in your household. Consider, when you find out who the culprit is, trying Buspirone. It didn't work for us, but it is something to try before you let the kitties go.

My thoughts are with you.

Lorena

[Deanna]

Thank you so much for your concern, Lorena. Too many people don't understand and just say "cats are nasty animals" and act as if they are disposable or should be killed just because they are cats.

I will be taking Cheeto to the vet and will have the same tests run on him as I did Joanne. Perhaps a drug will help him, if it is in fact him! It's just impossible to know for sure who is doing it.

Anyway, thanks again, wish I had better news to share. Take care.

Deanna

[KathrynY]

Deanna - just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. I didn't have any helpful advice to offer on your other thread, but I am a cat owner and have been through behavioral problems too (they resolved themselves when we moved to a house with hardwood floors). I understand what it's like to be at the end of your rope, and wanted to offer my support.

Keep your chin up, it sounds like you are doing all that you can!

[Deanna]

Thank you for your kind thoughts and words, Kathryn.

Do you all know how much your support means? I really do appreciate each and every one of you!

I've been giving "the boys" a treat each time I catch them using the litter box in hopes that it will reinforce good behavior. Too bad I'm at work all day.

Would sure like to go back to the shelter and rescue Joanne, but I'm afraid the situation would be just as bad, if not worse. I sure hope she is there....or adopted....

[nancymaring]

oh darn...i was hoping to hear some good news. i'm so sad for you. big hugs!!

yes, take those boys to the vet. hopefully something will show up and it can be fixed.

just got some information on a new product in our trade magazine. might be worth checking into. it is called kittycheck. here's what the blurb said....
kittycheck and doggiecheck litter additives detect illnesses by changing color in response to abnormalities in urine. (from here i'll just give the cat information)
kittycheck blood indicator detects invisible blood. kittycheck infection and stones monitor indicates urinary infections or possible struvite stones. kittycheck diet imbalance monitor signals high acidty. the kittycheck maintenance kit includes kittycheck blood indicator, kittycheck infection and stones monitor and kittycheck diet imbalance monitor, plus extra kittycheck blood indicators.
contact systems complete l.l.c.
sunnyvale, calif.
408-773-1750
syscomplete@hotmail.com
www.kittycheck.com

this sounds like an interesing product. would be so nice to find out about problems before they arise. it is new, so i don't know if it works or not, but it might be worth a try.

i admire your perseverance and fortitude. your in my prayers......nancy

[Deanna]

Thank you Nancy. We'll see what the vet says.

Please keep Cheeto and Benson in your prayers, too!

[Deanna]

The shelter just called to see how we are doing at home with our Pee Problem...and asked if JoAnne can come back home!

I'm so tormented about this...hope I don't sound like a whiner. It's just making me crazy!

[aggie94]

That's gotta be so tough. I know if it were me, I wouldn't be able to say no. But that's just me - you'll know what decision is right for you. I hope everything works out! (And no, you don't sound like a whiner - it's a very big deal!).

[beejayw1]

I read through the posts but didn't read the original thread.

Did you use a deodorizer on the spot? I had a cat that kept pooping on an area rug. I finally removed the rug and haven't had a problem.

For what it's worth, I'd say not to be hard on yourself. You're doing what you can, and trying to do what is best for all concerned. And the 'all' includes you.

[nancymaring]

i wish i had some words of wisdom. all i can offer are vitual hugs. i hope it is a comfort to you to know that others care and are standing behind you at these trying times.
nancy