Came home from Vegas to a not so nice suprise from our cat

[Emeraldfan]

We were gone from Sat until Monday night in Vegas leaving our 2 year old Siamese neutered cat home alone. We left plenty of food and water and left new litter. We came home last to find he peed and pooped at least 5 or 6 times all over our bed.

He also threw up his cat food all over the floor of our bedroom.

We''ve left him for 3-4 days before without incident before and even left him for our 16 days in Fiji (with someone who came to watch him every day). We have a 2 bedroom almost 1400 square foot apartment and the only place he did this was our bedroom. He has thrown up his food occasionally before, which the vet said wasn''t something to really worry about unless it was a more frequent occurence. I''ve heard of dogs doing this when they are lonely, or upset you left them, but never cats. Ours is an especially needy cat though. If we''re gone for more than 10 hours he freaks out and needs attention for at least an hour before he calms down and leaves us alone. But, at the same time, when we''re around the house on the weekends he can''t be bothered and if you try and put him on your lap he''ll only sit his certain way. Should we take him to a vet? I feel like we traumatize him more everytime we take him out of the house, so if this is a "normal" thing I''d rather not have to upset him more.


Has this ever happened to anyone else? Is there something anyone would recommend doing? We were thinking about getting another kitten so he would have someone to play with, is this a good idea? Also we got him from a cattery when he was 12 weeks old so its not like he''s been an abused cat.


On a side note - a little upsetting as I just purchased a new down comforter and duvet about 3 months ago that I now had to throw out.

 

[SoonIHope]

Oh, I''m so sorry!! I hope he''s okay!!!

I would like to say that my parents'' cat (who I grew up with) is a neutered male who takes great delight in "punishing" us whenever we do things not to his liking. Leave him alone for a few days? Pees on things. Bring a strange dog by the house? Pees on things. Let a small child poke him in the eye repeatedly? Won''t touch the kid or even run away from her...but when I notice and tell her you can''t do that, shoo her away and ask the cat if he''s okay....he scratched my arm alllllll up. We have heard from various empathizers and vets that a lot of male cats like to pee on things (or similar

) to show they are displeased with...anything they don''t like! We no longer will leave suitcases sitting in the hall for 10 minutes while we get the car ready to pack because everyone knowwws he''d take that chance to pee on them since he knows what suitcases mean. And my parents keep a bedwetting sheet on their bed at all times Just In Case (not that that helps for a new duvet!

). Supposedly this kind of behavior is far more common in un-neutered cats, but apparently in some cats even though they are technically neutered, it doesn''t "take" in the hormonal sense so they''re still just as...feisty...as they would have been otherwise.

(They also have another very timid female and while he does seek some comfort from her when they''re alone, her presence does nothing to deter him.)

That said - just be glad you aren''t my dad! One time he went to pick up his bicycle helmet and put it on....and felt you know what pouring down his face and neck....

 

[marvel]

I have two very needy/emotional cats and I''ve had to learn how to adapt to them...and they hate each other to boot. When I''d go away for the weekend, one of my cats, neutered female tabby, would leave me "presents". Turns out, she is so afraid of the other cat, a neutered Himalyan, that she wouldn''t move from the spot she was in to use the litter box. The Himalyan will pee on my bed

I have to put carpet runners on the bed to keep him off. I''ve even visited a kitty behavorialist because of this. One time after coming home from my b/f''s house, there was pee on the pillow of my coach. I think this was to let me know he was pissed that I didn''t come home.

I don''t have any answers, but your kitty is telling you something. It sounds like it is probably more emotional then physical. Do you think your kitty would do well with another kitty friend?

 

[Madam Bijoux]

He was definitely displeased with you.

Is there someone you trust who could come in and sit with the cat for a little while every day while you're away?

 

[Emeraldfan]

albicocca - thanks so much for the reply. I didn''t think male cats did that. I had a female siamese cat growing up and she never acted at all like this male. He really does have his own personality. You''re right though, at least I didn''t pick up a helmet like your dad - yuck.

Do you think it would be a good idea to get a new kitten for him? We were supposed to go to the cattery tomorrow to pick one out and maybe bring one home soon. I just don''t want to bring another cat into his environment where he may get even more upset rather than happy to have a new friend. We were just thinking that since we''re both working full time now that someone to play with would be nice for him.

 

[ljmorgan]

From a "mom" of three cats, I wouldn''t bring a new one home just yet. Cats don''t actually "punish" people (although it can sure feel like it) -- when they do their business outside of their litterbox when you''re away for periods of time, it''s usually due to stress and anxiety.

First I''d take the kitty to the vet to make sure he is fine medically, and I would discuss what happened with your vet. Pooping AND vomiting don''t sound like a good thing. He likely didn''t feel well and your bed might have been comforting place for him (unfortunuately.) So first check with the vet, and after leaving him a few more times and everything goes well, maybe then go ahead and get your new fur baby.

 

[marvel]

Maybe you can try fostering a cat to see if you kittly likes the idea, or not. I know getting a second kitty back-fired on me, but I won''t get rid of my cats...we just have to learn how to get a long.

 

[Mara]

I''m not a cat person at all but my girlfriend has two cats, one of which always gets sick, throws up, and/or has accidents when she goes out of town. She has a cat sitter type that comes in 1x a day when she is gone and spends time there and the last few times she said that the finicky cat has not had accidents or thrown up when that woman comes. They seem to really like her. In any case, maybe something to consider in the future. She pays not too much for the service and it gives her peace of mind.

 

[AdaBeta27]

I''ve had 2 different neutered males act that way when they had urinary tract infections. I''d get him to the vet fast.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

That is why we always close our bedroom door! Our older cat can hold a grudge and takes it out on our bed. Luckily she forgets quickly. As long as we shower her with attention when we get home she is fine.

 

[moremoremore]

The only answer I have is YES, take him to the vet. When in doubt go to the vet....The vet visit isn''t nearly as traumatic as you think....

 

[Cind11]

I agree with the Vet suggestion to be on the safe side. And when you do bring another kitty in, I''d introduce the two VERY slowly so as not to bend your cat completely out of shape.

 

[monarch64]

With my last kitty, I learned really quickly that I needed to leave the suitcase closed whether I was packing or unpacking. She knew as soon as she saw the suitcase come out of the closet that there would be some "alone" time involved for her. It didn''t take more than two times of her stepping into my suitcase and peeing inside it (clothing packed, suitcase unzipped) before I realized she was expressing her dismay either because she was anticipating my leaving her or because I''d come back and she was still upset that I''d left her. I never left her for more than the usual hours I worked, and I had neighbors or friends come over to keep her company in my absence when I was gone for more than 12 hrs. She was very attached to me, or just upset by any change in her normal routine, I guess.

I agree with other posters who''ve said, leave the bedroom door closed, and have someone come over to "kitty-sit." Contrary to popular belief, you can''t just leave cats to themselves, unfortunately. They do get upset and wonder where their people have gone, and they will let you know they''re unhappy by leaving unpleasantness in their human''s habitat. Sucks, but true. Sorry this happened to you...I hope this situation improves for the sake of you and your kitty!

 

[Emeraldfan]

I called the cattery where we got him to ask what I should do. She said that since he''s not peeing droplets every couple minutes and not acting out anymore that it probably is not a urinary tract infection. He was almost back to acting normal (just a little needy) when we came home from work last night but I may try and take him to the vet this week to be on the safe side.

We''ve been gone once for 4 days before and he didn''t do anything like this, which is why I thought since we were only going 3 days he should be fine. I usually do have the neighbor across the hall watch him and play with him while we''re away for more than that. The only time he ever even remotely acted out like this was when we moved from an apt. to our condo last year and then he peed on my dad''s shirt my dad left on the floor while helping us move - we just chalked that up back then to not having his litter box set up yet.

From everyone''s posts this does seem like a more common occurence than I was aware of, so thanks everyone for sharing. I''ve learned that I need to keep the bedroom door closed when we''re away and to have my neighbor check in when we''re gone even just a few days. Hopefully we won''t have anymore of these incidents.

 

[bex891]

Three days is too long to leave a cat on it''s own!

Your puss needs fresh food daily, and litter changing daily (they are very clean animals)

They can get very stressed to, if left alone for too long.

Please give this some thought before you go away next time.

Best wishes.....Bex

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/6/2006 12:02:01 PM
Author: Random Iccle Gingee
Three days is too long to leave a cat on it''s own!

Your puss needs fresh food daily, and litter changing daily (they are very clean animals)

They can get very stressed to, if left alone for too long.

Please give this some thought before you go away next time.

Best wishes.....Bex

I agree totally. Also Siamese can be very needy cats in my experience and cannot handle any change or curve balls as easily as some other types. I would take the cat to the vet ASAP - even if it is nothing to worry about, any delay can make the difference between life and death if some illnesses are left too long. Better to be safe than sorry. Perhaps you can make some other arrangement for your cat if you need to go away in future? It doesn''t sound like he handles it well, also 3 days is far too long to leave a cat unsupervised. As to him needing attention all the time, this is typical of the Siamese breed. Also just because a cat seems to be passing urine normally isn''t always an indicator that there isn''t an UTI.

 

[Emeraldfan]

Let me clear this up - We have an automatic litter box that cleans out the litter every time he is in there. We then take the plastic container that that is in and throw it away about twice a week. We did this before he left so it was completely fresh.

We take great care of our cat. All he eats is Iams food, he has a perpetually running water bowl, he has a million toys and scratching posts, and he gets pampered like crazy. Maybe the problem is that he''s so spoiled.

Many of my relatives and friends down the street had cats (not siamese) growing up - most of them left them alone for periods of time with no issues. I agree that cats or any animal should not be left alone for a long period of time but Saturday morning until Monday night is not that long. And as I said, we have never had problems with him before and have not taken long vacations without him being watched.

The innuendo that I am not being a good parent by not having him looked in on is very upsetting to me. I wrote this post because I am worried about him and I am planning on taking him to the vet. I did call the cattery and I am making attempts to find out what is wrong with him. I think all these speak to good kitty parenting skills. Yes, obviously now I will in the future have someone watch him, but at the time did I think it was a big deal - no.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

EF- I have every faith you are a good mom and don''t think you did anything wrong. We have one of those litter boxes as well, aren''t they great? Honestly it sounds like he was just mad at you. Cats are sensitive animals but they good thing is they get over it quickly (at least my cats).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 9/5/2006 9:23:03 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
That is why we always close our bedroom door! Our older cat can hold a grudge and takes it out on our bed. Luckily she forgets quickly. As long as we shower her with attention when we get home she is fine.

Yes!!! We had two cats inside for 15 years, and we learned that when we went away, we had to leave them in the kitchen and laundry room area away from upholstery or beds. I definitely think they get upset when you leave and pee on the bed. Cats throw up all the time. I wouldn''t go to the vet unless you see the cat is sick in the next couple of days. And yes, absolutely I support always having two cats or two dogs if the people work or are away often.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 9/6/2006 2:19:30 PM
Author: Emeraldfan
Let me clear this up - We have an automatic litter box that cleans out the litter every time he is in there. We then take the plastic container that that is in and throw it away about twice a week. We did this before he left so it was completely fresh.

We take great care of our cat. All he eats is Iams food, he has a perpetually running water bowl, he has a million toys and scratching posts, and he gets pampered like crazy. Maybe the problem is that he's so spoiled.

Many of my relatives and friends down the street had cats (not siamese) growing up - most of them left them alone for periods of time with no issues. I agree that cats or any animal should not be left alone for a long period of time but Saturday morning until Monday night is not that long. And as I said, we have never had problems with him before and have not taken long vacations without him being watched.

The innuendo that I am not being a good parent by not having him looked in on is very upsetting to me. I wrote this post because I am worried about him and I am planning on taking him to the vet. I did call the cattery and I am making attempts to find out what is wrong with him. I think all these speak to good kitty parenting skills. Yes, obviously now I will in the future have someone watch him, but at the time did I think it was a big deal - no.

Stray cats live on their own outdoors very well! So no guilt about leaving your indoor cat! We'd leave ours for up to a week at a time with multiple litter boxes and plenty of food and water. They kept each other company and we never had a problem (once we learned to close all the bedroom doors!). We'd have a neighbor maybe check on them a couple of times, but all in all, cats are very self sufficient as long as they have clean litter, food, and water.

ETA: Be sure you give him some time to adjust if you get him a kitty brother or sister. He may not like that at first, but I bet it'll be a good thing in time.

 

[Emeraldfan]

Tacori & Diamondseeker - thanks so much for both of your posts. I guess I was just feeling a little attacked when the whole reason I was posting was because I was worried about him. I discussed it with my FI and we do think getting another cat will hopefully help him - he was so playful with his brothers and sisters before we took him home. If he does get sick or pee again before the end of the week I will take him to the vet. I don''t want him to be unduly suffering if there is something wrong with him.

My next thing is to find a new down comforter this weekend - any suggestions as I want nice quality but don''t want to spend another $350 for another one when it could get ruined again (although we will definitely be keeping our doors closed).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Did you consider taking the comforter to the dry cleaners to see if they thought it could be cleaned? I think I''d try if I had one that expensive. And keep your bedroom door closed all the time from now on!

 

[moremoremore]

Before my scotty got sick, I also went away for 4 days! I had a neighbor come and give them wet and dry food am and pm and also water....I left two litter boxes that were nice and clean and the lights on and one tv going...they were totally fine!

 

[Emeraldfan]

Diamondseeker - I thought about taking it to the dry cleaners but with about 6 different soaked in spots I just tossed it in the garbage bin monday night. I had heard (though not sure if its true) that even washing it won''t totally get it out and that cats will still smell it and continue to do their business there.

I may check out ebay or ovestock for some comforters, hopefully a little less expensive.

 

[lizz]

Emeraldfan, we have left our cats alone too for days at a time. I think cats do get vindictive, if you want to call it that. We have had the "surprise" poops, etc. But I think having more than one cat definitely helps. We have two cats and two dogs, so they can keep each other company.

We only go away about 2x/year at the most, but the look on my cat''s face when I was walking out the door before our last vacation made me want to cry. She knew I was leaving and looked like she was pleading with me not to go!!!

 

[Christa]

I''m not a cat person, so I don''t know how helpful this is, but last year when my totally house-trained dog (that''s him in my avatar) suddenly started peeing lakes on our beds and rugs it turned out to be a urinary tract infection. So I guess I second the go-to-the-vet opinion.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

You have to go to here they have AWESOME comforters for very, very good prices. I am not sure what size your bed is but their regular king in medium warmth (they have different thickness, covers, styles...) is $125. I am on my third one (went from a twin, double, now a king size). They come in great colors and have loops in the corner. If you buy their duvets they have ties in the corner so they always stay in place. I would order one (you can always return it) and try it out.

I really don't think he is sick. I think he was angry with you. If he does get lonely than maybe a little sister would be a good solution (I was told by a vet that the opposite sexes got along better). But then again that can lead to more stress. Our older cat got very, very sick a few weeks after we brought home a new kitten. I think it was maybe somehow related. She didn't eat, drink, or go to the bathroom for a week and she threw up about 40X a day. We took her to the vet twice and her x-rays were clear and her blood work came out fine and she got better as quickly as she fell ill. They get along better now (though the younger one still attacks her sometimes...

)

 

[JohnQuixote]

I have been owned by 2 cats for some time now. My 2 cents:

He was upset and anxious. I can only imagine he was in a panic and frightened of not seeing you again.

From my own experience, I think the idea of another kitten is good. My eldest has been with me over 11 years. In 2002 he swallowed something sharp and we almost lost him. They saved him at the pet ER, but I was pretty shaken up by it. The following week I got another kitten as a backup cat. It was a great move for all. They're inseparable and Jordan (eldest) stopped several annoying 'while-we're gone' habits once he had a playmate.

Unless something magic works out I fear your bedding is a loss. I'm checking out Tacori E-Ring's suggestion... I've been looking for bedding as a gift for my parents.

 

[Lorelei]

Please don't think I was attacking you Emeraldfan, I assure you that isn't the case. You asked for opinions and as an experienced cat owner and having been " owned" by a Siamese I was giving you my opinions.

I think 3 days is too long to leave a cat unsupervised. A cat needs checking on at least once a day and preferably twice - sickness can happen quickly, any gastric disturbances can lead to dehydration and death rapidly, a cat can get into trouble in countless ways with accidents etc. Thank goodness those of you who have left a cat alone for this length of time have been lucky that the cat has been fine.

Also Siamese cats are different in my opinion to many other breeds. They are very emotional, needy, loving, and very people oriented - they pine easily, especially if they think they have been abandoned. This may have been why your cat was toileting on the bed to show his disapproval, but it is always best to check with a vet to be on the safe side. I lost a cat very quickly this year to kidney failure, in some cases if these diseases strike and they are caught early enough much can be done. That is why I will always say to see a vet to be on the safe side.

Siamese cats are not the easiest of cats to have in my opinion, rewarding though they are, they do seem to need more parenting in some instances than some other cats. Maybe it would be best if next time you go away, you could get a friend or family member to sit or visit with him? This is what I had to do with my Siamese, in this way he was happy if I had to be absent for any length of time.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 9/7/2006 3:53:31 AM
Author: JohnQuixote
Unless something magic works out I fear your bedding is a loss. I''m checking out Tacori E-Ring''s suggestion... I''ve been looking for bedding as a gift for my parents.

John, I cannot praise them enough. They are a local company (from where I grew up) and very good quality. I have only bought their comforters (not sheets or blankets...) but I am sure they would be nice too. They always have sales as well.