Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If anyone has any imput I would be grateful. I currently have 2 cats, (mom and daughter). They are both very friendly, affectionate, passive and get along well with eachother. The mom cat is the alpha cat in the family. Recently, within the last month, the kitten (2yrs)has had 2 very out of character violent outbursts towards the mom, subsequently loosing bladder control, (not suqatting but trailing urine while running after the mom cat), hissing and growling at me and in about an hour or so is back to her normal self. They both had been outside with me earlier when the incident occured the second time. Can't remember if they were outside the 1st. Wondering if this has anything to do with the bizarre behavior. If anyone can offer any suggestions as to why this is occuring please let me know.

This sounds like a case of re-directed agression. Something outside spooked the kitten, and she is hissing at you because of it. She also is very scared to lose bladder control.

I would recommend not allowing her outside anymore and see if that stops the problem. If this behavior continues, please contact your vet!
-----
Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thank you for your quick reply. The outburst happened long after she had come in to the house, in the middle of the night infact. It happened again last night at about 1:00AM. Do you mean she may be seeing another animal through the window and reacting with such an extreme bout of insanity? I contacted my vet this morning and the secretary suggested I contact the Cats Int'l org for behavioral issues because she didn't feel this was a "medical" issue. Unfortunately, the org is not up and running.

It could indeed be a reaction to spotting a cat outside. Actually this is a cross between a medical and behavioral issue. Sometimes meds will work to help a cat "unlearn" fear.

Animal Behavior Hotline - San Francisco S. P. C. A.
415/554-3075
Consultation is free, except for applicable long distance charges. When a counselor retruns call, charges will be reversed. Offers behavior information for dogs and cats. Hours: Messages can be left anytime; calls returned within 24 hours.
-----
Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Hi,

This sounds to me like either re-directed aggression or, most likely, some type of seizure. Does the kitten act really out of it after one of these episodes? Does it seem like she can see normally during and immediately after one? Are her pupils dilated?

I know a kitty with a seizure disorder that will run around wildly, go after other cats, and urinate when he has an episode. He is not able to focus during or right after a seizure and will sometimes run into things. He will also sometimes become destructive.

This kitty had a major head injury as a very young kitten and also has some brain damage. Yet, unless he is having a seizure, he is a very happy and loving cat.

I recommend that you take your kitty in ASAP for a full workup. It might be a good idea to document all of her episodes in the meantime.

Regards,
PHKitkat

She seems to be fine after she calms down. I think she may be seeing an unfamiliar animal outside. There are a lot of strays in the neighborhood and she never reacts to them. I was wondering if there is an animal frequenting the yard in the middle of the night that perhaps she has never seen before, a racoon, opossum, or possibly a coyote. For the last 2 nights she has been "spooked" between 1-2 A.M. Her urine trail was on my desk which faces the window looking into the back yard. Tonite I am going to close all of the blinds and try to rule out this possibility before taking her into the vet. I realize cats have seizures but they are much more infrequent than in other animals. If this was the case it would be a focal seizure, nothing like a grand mal, she is way too active. There is no way to test for this at the vet until every other possibility is ruled out. Unfortunately since these episodes have occured in the middle of the night I haven't been able to witness them at the onset. Hopefully we will get through the night. Thank you for your imput. Let me know what you think.

Trailing urine while chasing another cat is not normal and I think it could possibly be a health issue. Possibly a bladder or uniray tract problem that should be ruled out by your vet. Health issues in this area can cause pain and in turn every cat deals with pain in a different way...

let us know!

I spoke with the vet and we ruled out all health issues. I think the problem is stemming from stray cats in the neighborhood. I have noticed at least 5. I think they may be spraying the house. I think my cats may be fighting due to territorial issues. She is urinating because she is afraid. They are otherwise normal. I havn't had any problems for about a week or so. I do notice a change in behavoir when they spend time outside, (which they are always kept on a leash while I am outside with them). So I think they may be picking up the stray cats' sent. Not really sure. Do you have any info regarding this. My only other alternative is to trap the strays and have animal control pick them up. It is rather irresponsible as well as illegal for pet owners to let their animals roam the city deficating and spraying on other people's property. Let me know what you think.
Thanks

Glad to hear kitties are healthy.
Strays in the neighborhood can and will spray doors and windows. Cat spray is much more concentrated thatn urine adn all you have to do is walk by an area that was sprayed by another cat and you bring that scent into the house with you. Cats noses are extremely sensitive and this could be causing problems between you cats. They smell a feline intruder that has essentially marked "their" territory and it's also on you whether you realize it or not! They will fight between themselve due to the stress and anxiety,a s well as when your cats see them outside. Some cats will even attack thier owners due to this. I am not sure how to stop the strays from marking your house, perhaps someone else has been able to dter this behavior or search online. I do know that bleach or vinegar seem to clean an area very well and eliminate the urine smell so you may want to wash down your doors and window sills outside. Besure to get an extended area beyond just the door jam.

Anyone else with ideas of deterring strays from marking?