In the last year or more we've had trouble with Scout, my eight year old rescue kitty--we've had her since she was 4 weeks old. She's always been adaptable and mellow, not a scaredy cat. In the last year, though, we've had some behavior problems, specifically refusing to use her litter box for #2 about once a week--she always uses it for #1.

Our vet, an excellent cat advocate who runs an all cat clinic, has suggested that DS, with all the houseguests he brings, is causing her to feel frustrated and anxious. I'm sure that's probably true. She has recommended a "valium" type drug. The box behavior is a problem--I am a clean fanatic and I'm living with steam cleaners and all kinds of chemicals to make the house as clean as I need it to be with DS all over the place. She also occaisionally "bolts" her food and can't keep it down.

I'm not excited about the sedation (if that's what it is) because I think it would change Scout too much--I am generally opposed to "happy pills" but I really DON'T know what the effects are. I also think it terrorizes her to be "pilled." At the same time, though, I can't keep DS from following her around the house and wanting to pet her. I protect her absolutely, and he's never touched her, but he has crawled toward her squealing and gotten somewhat close--she runs away and hides.

What do you think? Anybody had this problem? Did you go the drug route or did you try something else? I do think that we haven't been as good "parents" to Scout since DS was born, we just don't have the time to play with her like we used to.

Allison
Mommy to Matthew Clayton, 5/19/03