Is this for attention?

**Maybe_Maincoon** · 15th November 2010, 02:35 PM

Hey guys its been about 3-4weeks since i got my two and im having abit of a set back with Dodge. They are both litter trained, and have used the litter box with no accidents till last week. I noticed Dodge had pooped / peeded in his bed, and then the next day he did it on the rug, and then the following day i followed an iffy smell and found he had made a squitty circle under my bed

! Its not proper poo either, its like a diarrhoea squit (but not alot, more as if hes marking something?!)...... Ive watched him go in his litter tray - so its not a problem there... Do you think it could be attention related or possibly even that he doesn't want to go in the same tray as Dizzy any more?
He's not a very affectionate kittie and he doesnt like being picked up - so unless he comes to you, Dizzy gets most of the cuddles.

I have changed the litter granules to a different brand and changed the open litter tray to a hooded (much larger) corner one. He has used this fine for about 10 days, and still continues to use it.

Ideas??

**Antonia** · 15th November 2010, 05:56 PM

First, have him seen by a vet. It could very well be a medical problem that has nothing to do with attention seeking.

**Howlinbob** · 15th November 2010, 08:00 PM

I agree with Antonia. If it's squitty poo, there's something up with his digestion and he's not making it to the tray. You say he's not a very affectionate cat but it could just be that his brother is more extrovert so always barges to the front of the queue for cuddles. You don't want a situation to develop where Dizzy is the favoured one, but Dodge is the aloof, squitty pooey one! So it might be an idea to spend a bit more time with Dodge and get to know him a bit better. If he doesn't like being picked up so much, then try to find out what he does like, which game or toy for example, and play with him one-to-one to build up a bond. Maybe this will help to build his confidence a bit more, and he might come for cuddles then. It sounds like the pooing problem was temporary and is sorted now, but if it recurs, you could try changing his diet. There are threads on here somewhere on that very subject. Good luck!

**merindah** · 16th November 2010, 12:47 AM

I also recommend a vet check. Do you have more than 1 litter box? Maybe he doesn't want to share?

**Maybe_Maincoon** · 16th November 2010, 11:37 AM

Thanks guys! He seems to have stopped with the pooing for now. I did come home last night to find he had pee'd in his bed that i had just got out that morning fresh from the washing machine....(DOH!)

He gets lots of cuddles now i make extra special time for him, Dizzy is a very "look at me, pay attention to me" type of cat and will barge in the way but i get a new toy out of the play box and let him amuse himself for a half hour whilst Dodge gets quiet mummy cuddles.

I have put another litter tray down (the original open top one) in the original place, and im going to fill it with the original litter they were on, and then monitor the situation. The wood pellets ive got them on at the moment is brillient for the smell but i do find they don't bury their mess as well and then end up with dirty paw prints all over my floor!

They are due their next worming on the 20th, should i stick to the same worming medicine they were on before (they're not litter brothers, or even from the same breeder, so are on different worm medicine) Or am i being over cautious?

Cheers Laura

**Antonia** · 16th November 2010, 11:53 AM

Even though it looks like he stopped pooing all over the place, the peeing outside of the litter tray still is a reason to have him checked by the vet. Could be a bladder problem, like our poor El Monto had a few weeks ago.
If I were you I wouldn't delay that trip to the vet... just to be on the safe side. Good luck to you and poor Dodge.

BTW: I'm not keen on the wood pellets for the very same reason you mention yourself. They don't absorb, so the kitties have to step into each others' yucky wet patches.

I think the clumping bentonite grains are so much more comfortable and dignified for them.

**Maybe_Maincoon** · 16th November 2010, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by Antonia

Even though it looks like he stopped pooing all over the place, the peeing outside of the litter tray still is a reason to have him checked by the vet. Could be a bladder problem, like our poor El Monto had a few weeks ago.
If I were you I wouldn't delay that trip to the vet... just to be on the safe side. Good luck to you and poor Dodge.

BTW: I'm not keen on the wood pellets for the very same reason you mention yourself. They don't absorb, so the kitties have to step into each others' yucky wet patches.

I think the clumping bentonite grains are so much more comfortable and dignified for them.

Cheers Antonia, i shall take them both for a vet check this weekend (vets work on weekends don't they?)

And will try the granular litter again, otherwise im going to spend every evening washing my laminate flooring lol

Do vets checks cost? Do you think he will need any tests done? I just don't want to be taken for (an expensive) ride by the vets.

Cheers Laura

**Antonia** · 16th November 2010, 12:28 PM

Hi Laura, sorry to keep banging on about this but any change in toilet behaviour is something to be checked out for medical problems. I don’t think you should wait for the weekend. Firstly, bladder trouble can develop into something more serious within a very short time (such as blockage which can be life-threatening). Secondly, vets charge more during the weekend (at least they do where I live).
So do yourself and poor Dodge a favour and take him today… take time off from work if need be.
I know, it’s easy for me to talk ‘cause I’m self-employed and can take time off whenever I need to… but this is not something to be taken lightly. Poor little guy could be in pain, and there’s only one way to find out what’s wrong with him. And yes, it´s bound to cost you money… vets do charge for consultations and even more for treatment, as we found out with El Monto. But better be safe than sorry, hey?

I hope everything will turn out OK. Keep us posted!

Bye for now,
Anna

**Maybe_Maincoon** · 16th November 2010, 01:45 PM

Righty ho, I shall get my mum to drop them down the vets tommorow morning for me. Unfortuantly we are under staffed as it is at work and they will not let me take time off today

And will let everyone know how little Dodge is doing. Fingers crossed its nothing serious!
Thanks Antonia!
Edited to add, i dont mind spending money on my kitties, what ever it takes to keep them healthy and happy. Just wondered what the average consultation costs people from their vets? (so i know im not being ripped off - this will be a new vets as these little guys are the first animals i've owned since moving to the area).

**Antonia** · 17th November 2010, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Maybe_Maincoon

Righty ho, I shall get my mum to drop them down the vets tommorow morning for me.

So pleased to hear that! Aren't mums brilliant.

Our vet charges 35 euros for a consultation. That would be a little under 30 pounds. But usually it's the lab tests and meds which can really set you back ... these veterinary pharma companies must be making millions.

Anyway, fingers crossed. And let us know how it went.