Adopt a Friend - "Brad" the Shy little Lovebug!

ADOPT A FRIEND- ADOPT BRAD

NAME:  “Brad” the Shy Little Lovebug!

COUNTY ID#:  A383145 

AGE:  3 years old

GENDER:  Male

BREED:   Domestic Shorthair

WEIGHT:  Approximately 8 lbs

COLOR:  Gray Tabby

HOBBIES:   Playing Hide and Seek

PERSONALITY:  Brad is very shy and nervous but when he get to know you, he becomes very affectionate.  Brad loves to hide so don’t be worried if you can’t find him for awhile.

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting the wonderful pet featured this week, please call the Prince George's Animals Management Facility in Upper Marlboro at 301-780-7201 to check on the availability. You may also visit www.pgamd.petfinder.com or www.petharbor.com to see many more precious pets that are available for adoption.

ASK FOR BRAD #A383145

End Cat Behavior Problems

Stops using Litter Box

A cat that suddenly stops using the litter box is making a statement: something is wrong. If your cat won't use the litter box your first call should be to your vet. It would be illness (a urinary tract infection is a serious illness and requires prompt veterinary care). Once you have ruled out a medical reason other possible causes include; a dirty litter box, change in the type of litter you use, or perhaps something scared her the last time she used the litter box, distress over the introduction of a new pet or baby into the home, or moving to a new home.  Here are a few steps you can make to get your cat back on track:

Destroy the Evidence – Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, the cat may naturally regard it as an appropriate area for relieving itself. Do all that you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the “trouble spot”. Clean it thoroughly  with a liquid, enzyme cleaner or vinegar. You can also cover the area with a plastic carpet runner with the spike side up, self-sticking shelf paper placed with sticky side up, or aluminum foil. If your cat still can’t resist the area, try placing its food there. Cats are not likely to urinate where they eat.

Freshen Up – Your cat’s sense of smell is nearly 1000 times better than yours, so clean the litter box thoroughly and make sure you remove feces and urine clumps daily. If your cat does not respond to a clean litter box you may need to replace it. Old litter boxed can become scratched and permeated with a scent your cat finds unpleasant.

Make Over your Litter Box – Hooded litter boxes were designed for owners not cats. Try removing the hoods and rethink the location of the boxes. They should be in a quiet, out of the way places with convenient access for your cats. Keep the boxes away from bright lights, loud noises, and vibrations from washing machines or furnaces. If your home has multiple floors, have a box on each level. Finally, do not put a litter box near the cat’s food dishes.

The Right Litter – Cats prefer fine-grained litter because it is softer on their sensitive paws. Many of the low-dust scoop-able clay litters on the market today are usually acceptable to your cat. It is also recommended that you used unscented litter since many cats are repelled by the odor of scented litters. For the same reason, it’s not a good idea to place a room deodorizer or air freshener near the litter box. A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat. Odor shouldn’t be a problem if the litter box is kept clean. Once you find a litter your cat likes, don't change types or brands. Constantly switching your cat’s litter could result in your cat not using the litter box. One exception to switching your litter is to use a special litter formulated for problem cats. 

De-stress your Cat – Stress is the leading cause of litter box problems.  Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help ease your cat’s mind. Cats are territorial by nature and need to feel secure in their environment in order to relax. Therefore, in homes with multiple cats make sure each cat has a separate zone with its own bowls, litter box, and bed or elevated perch for relaxing.  Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day and make sure she has plenty of toys to play with when you are away. Make sure you show your cat lots of attention and love and praise her when she uses the litter box.