My Pet World: Pets do grieve when they lose a human or animal companion

Dear Cathy,

My seven-year-old cat is over-grooming to the point of causing bald spots. He did this as a kitten, and then it stopped, so I thought it might be stress related. I see nothing different in his life, though, so I'm at a loss for why he has started to do this again.

The only thing I can think of is that I lost my husband 18 months ago, and I am experiencing a lot of stress in dealing with everything on my own. Could he be feeling my anxiety, and if so, how do I help him?

— Joan, Glen Cove, New York

Dear Joan,

I am sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy for people or pets. Over-grooming is a symptom of stress; so yes, in addition to your cat’s grief over the loss of your husband, he may be feeling your anxiety and grief too.

There are several things you can do. First, get a pheromone collar, plug-in, wipes, or spray; the latter two you can use on him and you as well. Spray the pheromones wherever he plays or sleeps – even on your lap, so that he will feel a calmer energy coming from you. Overall, pheromones can sooth him and make him help him feel more secure.

Second, you can take him to the vet to discuss putting him on some anti-anxiety medication, which should help with the over-grooming. After he’s kicked that habit, the pheromones can be used as maintenance care to keep him from over-grooming again.

Finally, don’t forget the two of you have each other to get through this tough time. So, spend lots of time together. Petting him gently will calm you both.

Dear Cathy,

We recently lost our 12-year-old English Bull Dog. We also have a six-year-old old Corgi. Both dogs got along very well. Now the Corgi lays down where the Bully's cage was and looks sad. Is this normal?

— Dave, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Dear Dave,

It's very normal. Dogs grieve when they lose a beloved friend, whether human or canine (or feline, etc.). Depending on a dog's personality, they may appear sad, sleep more than normal, find comfort in a new sleeping spot, eat more or less, and even bark more or less.

You know they are grieving because it’s a change in behavior that you have never seen before. Pheromones, like the ones mentioned in the previous question, may help during this time. But also keep him active by taking him for walks and scheduling more playtime to distract him from missing his best friend.

Dear Cathy,

I adopted a 13-year-old female cat a year ago. Her previous owners said they could no longer care for her. Her medical records were very detailed. However, while reviewing them, I failed to notice that she experienced "inappropriate elimination" (their words), which had been going on for years.

She was fine for several months. Then she pooped on the rug. She still uses her litterbox for urinating. She will go for weeks without having any accidents, and then will revert to the rug for a week or so. Her litter box is clean, and I use a fine textured litter, which she seems to prefer. The litterboxes are large and easily accessible.

Why does she do this only occasionally? The vet is stumped. He suggested a pheromone collar, which she wears all the time. He thought she might have been traumatized at one point and prescribed mild tranquilizers, but she is a very mellow cat, and I don't want to give them to her. Tests have indicated it is not a medical issue. Other than this, she is such a good cat. Any thoughts?

— Ronnie, Huntington, New York

Dear Ronnie,

Thank you for adopting a 13-year-old cat. Felines three years old and older tend to get overlooked at animal shelters. So, I am impressed by your openness to adopt a senior feline.

From what you describe, you are doing everything right. The pheromone collar is a good idea. Pheromones help to create more mellow conditions, which often helps with litterbox issues.

While it's difficult to know exactly why your cat does this only occasionally, especially since it's something that she has always done, she could just have some hard stools that are difficult to pass. When that happens, they may shy away from the litterbox.

Try giving her an over-the-counter hairball gel weekly, and introduce more water into her diet through wet food or a kitty water fountain. Let me know if you see any improvement.

_____

========

(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.)