Tribe.net. Local Connections Sarah http://ethologistsunite.tribe.net/thread/1717f82e-569d-472f-8a8b-e273ab4520bf#3041f878-032e-4d68-ae87-83b48624e1dc 2007-11-14T22:09:33Z 2007-11-14T22:09:33Z

He actually has 2 of his own boxes, and one which I bought for him that the other cat uses occasionally. He does not seem to mind that she uses it, because he primarily uses that one, instead of the other 2 which are just his... strange.. but I think it is still scent related.

Sarah 2007-11-14T22:09:33Z elf http://ethologistsunite.tribe.net/thread/1717f82e-569d-472f-8a8b-e273ab4520bf#5104d91a-afc8-4c09-ab06-ea41922072f9 2007-11-14T14:47:47Z 2007-11-14T14:47:47Z

Does he have his own litter box? I live with 4 cats and everyone but our old queen uses the downstairs box. She has her own upstairs in a dark corner. I can only think it is due to scent. She does not like sharing her box and lets the boys know it. If our cat is male and the other is male it could very well be a territory issue.

elf 2007-11-14T14:47:47Z Sarah http://ethologistsunite.tribe.net/thread/1717f82e-569d-472f-8a8b-e273ab4520bf#1594a84f-f089-40fa-92ba-e73f73160984 2007-11-08T21:27:18Z 2007-11-08T21:27:18Z

Thank you for all the information. Actually, I already knew that my cat in particular dislikes having attention drawn to him while in the box- so I would not look at him while he was using it- but when I was praising him, it was while he was in it- I would just speak very calmly and quietly- partly because it is usually around 3 am and I couldn't get full volume if i wanted to!- and give him a t reat when he came out- trying to make it a postive experience. The other cat does have access to the box, and although she has her own, she does like to use his. I prevent her whenever possible but am not home during the day. Both cats are kept in separate bedrooms during the night with their people, with access to their own boxes but not each others'. I don't know if Beau gets adequate sleep- how could I tell? The articles you included were very helpful- much of the information was familiar, but I had not thought to try a secondary box alongside to see which he preferred. I will try that. Thank you again, and if you have any more info, I am open! I am pretty desperate and trying really hard not to get frustrated with him and the situation!!

Sarah 2007-11-08T21:27:18Z Wendy http://ethologistsunite.tribe.net/thread/1717f82e-569d-472f-8a8b-e273ab4520bf#aff4bcf2-3dcc-4ae5-a334-9b545f552f36 2007-10-24T22:39:06Z 2007-10-24T22:39:06Z

Honestly, making an issue about the litter box with an adult cat is not a good idea. They aren't like dogs. If you pay too much attention to the box while they are in it, they tend to abandon it altogether. They prefer to poo in peace. Does the other cat have access to the litterbox? Does the cat get adequate sleep? Are the cats around each other? here are some tools for you: http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/pdf/RMN_cat_litterbox_problems.pdf http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/pdf/RMN_prevent_litterbox_blues.pdf http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/pdf/RMN_prevent_litterbox_problems.pdf

Wendy 2007-10-24T22:39:06Z Sarah http://ethologistsunite.tribe.net/thread/1717f82e-569d-472f-8a8b-e273ab4520bf#5109bc65-c62c-4cb7-8486-c624fa774684 2007-10-24T21:34:42Z 2007-10-24T21:34:42Z

Hello out there! I am the proud life-sharer of a gorgeous and sweet but traumatized cat. He came to me after having two other homes, and came to me in great fear. We have lived together for five years now, and are very close, he is so much more brave than when he first came to me, but we are having a new problem. He was doing really well, then I moved in with family, who also have a cat, and he has , to put it mildly, abandoned the use of his litterbox. He is about 8 years old and has never done this before. I think this is partly him acting out his emotions about having to give up our place, and partly about (maybe mostly) how little time I spend at home. I am a dancer, teacher, and have a full time job, but come home every night- late, usually, but I never have left him except for a family wedding- 2 years ago. Can anyone give me some insight in how to communicate to him my love for him, and that I won't abandon him? And how to convince him to resume use of his box? He used it last night (he does use it sometimes) and I praised himand gave him treats, etc. But I have a show this weekend and am going to be out really late and am dreading the retaliation. If you have any wisdom, please help me! Thank you.

Sarah 2007-10-24T21:34:42Z