BehavioRx Case of the Month
for February 1999

The Little Cat Was Just Defending His Territory

The 2 year old neutered male Tabby suddenly started spraying urine on the walls in the front of the house. The client called after she and her husband had taken "Sammy" in for a complete veterinary examination, which didn't turn up and of the possible physical causes for such un-cat-like behavior. No urinary tract problems were found and a urinalysis ruled out nutritional or digestive causatives. The anal sacs were also normal.

We asked about possible stray or roaming neighborhood cats that might be invading Sammy's property. Even though he was always indoors, just seeing or smelling other outdoor animals can often trigger this type of branding behavior. The clients said there was one cat who made a habit of jumping into the front yard and using their planters on the front porch for his litter boxes. We suggested the clients find out who owned the cat and approach them about the problem.

It turned out that new neighbors, who had moved in just before the problem started, owned the cat. So, they were asked if they would keep their cat at home. They said they couldn't, because little "Bonzo," who was 8 years old, had always been an outdoor cat. Rather than create an unpleasant relationship with an irresponsible cat owner, we suggested what the owners go to a nursery and buy some lemon balm herb plants. They were to plant them about one foot apart in the planters, then pot some of the herbs and place them on their outside window sills. There is something about lemon balm that most mammals find offensive. We use it successfully here in Oregon to keep the deer from eating the tomato plants from the planters on our deck. It works like a charm.

At the same time, the clients instituted our re-litter-training program with Sammy. He responded as naturally as when he started his Mark of Zorro campaign... with the threat of invasion gone, he returned to urinating in his box.

Previous Cases

January 1999
December 1998
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September 1998
August 1998
July 1998
June 1998
May 1998
April 1998
March 1998
February 1998
January 1998
December 1997
November 1997
October 1997
September 1997
August 1997
July 1997
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May 1997
April 1997
March 1997
February 1997
January 1997
December 1996
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