Cat and Inappropriate Spraying
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Brady Henderson
Posted on: June 29, 2006

We’re at wit’s end with our six-year old spayed female cat, Edna. Three years ago a new cat, Harriett, joined our household as a kitten. We had her spayed but Edna never liked her and was initially very aggressive and territorial towards her. Now, rather than fight, she sprays everything, particularly the cat food and any place that Harriett has been. We also have a two-year old child and a three-year old black lab who occasionally chase the cat, but do not hurt her. There is another, older male cat (neutered) but he gets along with everyone. It is probably also relevant that Edna, as a kitten, was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. Her urine is still sometimes red and she is not being treated for this condition.

When was the last time you had Edna to the vet regarding her interstitial cystitis? It is probably worth having it checked out as it could be contibuting to her need to urinate inappropriately. However, if there is nothing physically wrong with her, it may be that this is a psychological issue and Edna is literally "pissed off" with Harriett’s presence. In the latter case, flower essences such as Walnut, Chestnut Bud, Quaking Grass, Vervain, Beech and Holly might prove useful. These should be available at any good health food shop. In a clean 50 ml dropper bottle, add two drops of each of the above flower essences to 50 ml spring water. Put one dropperful in Edna’s food twice a day. as well, a good, homemade diet often goes a long way to improving the general health of all animals. Please see the work of Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst for further information and resources.

Back to | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.