My Pet World: Wind phobia is a real problem for some dogs

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Mar 24, 2021

We have an 18-year-old deaf tabby named Seamus, who up until now has been the perfect pet. We also have an 18-month-old baby girl. We have been teaching our daughter to be kind to Seamus, and she is for the most part, except for the occasional tail-pulling. A few months ago, Seamus started urinating on her things. He was also constantly in and out of the litter box. He’s been treated for a UTI, but the problem continues. Is there anything we can do to stop this? We’ve done the deterrent sprays, etc. It’s getting out of control. – Dana, Seaford, New York

Dear Dana,

Make sure Seamus doesn’t need a second round of antibiotics. There could be some lingering infection still impacting his behavior. If he’s healthy now, then he may just be returning to where he has marked before. Buy an enzymatic cleaner at the pet store and clean everything he’s marked to remove the urine entirely.

As for his relationship with the new baby, Seamus may be less tolerant now that she is up and walking around. Just know that a baby is a stressor for your cat, and he needs time to adjust to his new normal, especially at his age.

Next, put a feline pheromone collar on him so he feels less anxious, and put away as much of your daughter’s belongings as possible to remove temptation. Then, for the next few weeks, give him lots of attention when she is present and hardly any when she is not around, so he learns that she is something positive in his life.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)