Dear Steve: We have four cats, ages 2 to 7. All are male and neutered. Everyone seemed to know who was boss and we had no problems until suddenly the youngest cat decided to start marking his territory. He’s spraying walls and furniture. Now, another cat is doing the same thing. They all appear to be getting along, so what’s going on? — A.A., Cyberspace
Dear A.A.: Dr. Myrna Milani, a Charlestown, N.H., veterinarian with a special interest in inappropriate elimination in cats and author of Cat Smart (NTC/Contemporary Books, Lincolnwood, IL, 1998; $19.95), says if there’s a perceived threat, such as a marking nearby by a feral cat, your best hope is to make that threat go away. Also, you may not have enough litter boxes. The rule is about 1 litter boxes per cat, meaning you need six. OK, at least three or four boxes.
Milani has a new technique for dealing with spraying (vertical spraying or marking on walls or furniture, as opposed to horizontal puddles on the floor or carpet). When you’re unable to supervise the 2-year-old, place him in a crate with a litter box, blanket (sleep with the blanket once so it has your scent), toys and food. Milani says the confined area will create a sense of security in your insecure cat. In time, you may even find this cat using the litter box in his crate — away from the other cats — so be sure the crate is available at all times.
Play therapy is also important. When you feel stressed, perhaps you relieve the tension in an aerobics class or by watching TV. Give all your cats an appropriate outlet for stress using interactive toys.
Concurrently, ask your vet about a product called Feliway. You spritz it where a cat has sprayed. Feliway replicates the pheromone cats deposit on your pants when they rub against you. This has a calming effect. If the 2-year-old doesn’t especially want to be crated, you could spray Feliway in the crate to make it more inviting.
Dear Steve: I live in a small apartment and I want a Siberian husky. I do jog every day, and I realize these dogs need tons of exercise. Should I even attempt this? — S.H., Boston
Dear S.H.: I don’t see a problem here. Take a husky who lives in a mansion and gets stuck in the back yard all day, without socialization or the chance to do anything except find a way to jump the fence. Now, take a husky living in a small apartment but with a chance to get a daily run — which huskies love — and meet other people and dogs along the way. I’d choose your small place anytime.
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