Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - January '22

Page 12, Hobe Sound

tip of tHe tAil

Litterbox Woes box because it associates the box with pain. Arthritis because it traps odors in. And the most important tip is

making it difficult to step into the box, constipation, and to keep the litterbox sparkling clean! The litterbox should
bladder problems such as infection, stones, and feline be scooped at least once a day. Does daily sound like a
idiopathic cystitis can all cause pain leading to litterbox lot? How often do you flush your toilet? Giving your cat
avoidance. A visit to your veterinarian is the best way the litterbox they want increases the likelihood they will
to rule out medical problems. Behavioral problems can use it.
also lead to soiling outside the box. When cats are unsure And now for the cleanup step. It is important to clean
or uncertain of their surroundings, the stress can cause any areas that your cat has soiled thoroughly. If it smells
them to mark the home with urine or stool. Something as like urine or stool, in a cat’s brain it is an appropriate place
simple as new furniture, house guests, or an unwelcome to void. You think bleach, vinegar, or coconut water is
neighborhood cat lurking around outside a window up to the job? Think again! A cat’s nose is 9 to 16 times
can trigger marking behavior. Whether the problem is more sensitive than a human’s. Head to the pet store and
determined to be medical or behavioral, you can work pick up an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to
with your veterinarian to find a solution. break down the odors of urine and stool. If the soiled item
The next consideration is to make the litterbox as is easily replaceable like a floor mat or a pillow, it may
Cats urinating and defecating outside the litterbox is desirable as possible for your cat. Would you rather use be easier just to throw it out. Also, think about creative
a common and frustrating problem. As much as you may the bathroom in a spacious, sparkling clean hotel with ways to block access to problem areas where your cat
love your furry feline family member, finding pee on fancy soap, or a dirty port-o-let at a music festival? When tends to go outside the box. Close doors to rooms, pick
your pillow is hard to live with. If not addressed, it can presented with a port-o-let you might decide to head for up rugs they tend to urinate on, and put an inch of water
lead to damage to your home, rehoming of your pet, or the woods. The same goes for your cat. So what makes in sinks or tubs that they void in. Cleaning up previously
even euthanasia. Time is of the essence, the longer your an ideal bathroom for your cat? First, you need enough soiled surfaces and deterring your cat away from problem
cat voids outside the box the less likely the problem can bathrooms. We don’t like sharing bathrooms and neither areas can help prevent future problems. Also a feline
be solved. Here are some tips to keep your cat happily does your cat. Ideally, you should have one litterbox pheromone diffuser called Feliway can soothe stresses
using the litterbox. per cat, plus an extra. For example, if you have three in your kitty’s life if it is a behavioral problem.
First, it is important to determine if your cat is cats, you should have four litterboxes. Next, evaluate All cat owners have been there … sniffing around the
going outside of the box due to a medical problem, a where in the house your litterboxes are. They should be room trying to figure out where your cat has urinated
behavioral problem, or if there is something your cat finds in quiet areas that are easily accessible, where they will or coming home to a soiled rug. While frustrating, it a
undesirable about the litterbox. If your cat is experiencing be undisturbed by sniffing dogs and loud dryer buzzers. problem that can be solved if addressed quickly and if
discomfort in the litterbox, it may start to go outside the Placing litterboxes in multiple locations is also a good you see to your cat’s medical, behavioral, and litterbox
idea, that way if your cat does not like one area they needs. Hopefully the tips in this article will keep your
have the option of another. Also, just like us, cats prefer cat using the litterbox, so you and your cat can have a
plenty of space. Your average sized litterbox does not happily ever after.
allow your cat the normal behaviors of circling, sniffing, Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing and scratching in the litter. Trade in your litterbox for Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
Palm Beach County and is a privately an oversized under the bed Tupperware to give your cat for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
owned and managed company. lots of room. Next, as any cat owner can tell you, cats surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
Captain’s is committed to providing are finicky creatures when it comes to food, their choice medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
dependable, reliable and professional of humans, and their litter. Do not buy whatever litter is
ground transportation to and from all Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 on sale; get your cat the litter that they are used to and medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
To reserve your vehicle: happy with. Another good tip is to take the hood off of owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com your box. We like hoods on litterboxes because it traps www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
odors in. You guessed it, most cats do not like hoods Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

WORLD’S
BEST
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2021

POWERE D BY

Award-winning physicians and advanced technology enable Jupiter Medical The Neuroscience Institute includes Jupiter Medical Center’s Thrombectomy-
Center to provide a broad range of services with numerous specialty Capable Stroke Center (TSC). The center is certified by the Joint Commission in
concentrations and centers of excellence including: collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
ensuring that we have met rigorous national standards, clinical guidelines, and
The Anderson Family Cancer Institute brings together a multidisciplinary team of outcomes of care.
renowned surgical, medical and radiation oncology experts and state-of-the-art
technology rivaling that of any academic medical center. Also Offering:
• Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center
The Robson Heart & Vascular Institute provides the full spectrum of adult cardiac
care from minimally invasive heart procedures to our open-heart surgery program. • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Our dedicated team uses the latest techniques and advanced technology to • Tansky Concierge Unit
deliver high success rates, low complication rates, and the best patient outcomes. • Frenchman’s Creek Center for Excellence in Digestive Health
The Anderson Family Orthopedic and Spine Center of Excellence is the only • Imaging Services including Interventional Radiology
program in the State of Florida to hold Joint Commission Certifications for hip, • Pain Management
knee, shoulder and spine surgery and the Blue Distinction Center + designation • Cary Grossman Health & Wellness Center including
for total knee and hip replacement for spine surgery for delivering exceptional outpatient rehabilitation
care and results for patients undergoing these surgeries.
• Sleep Disorders Center
Women’s & Children’s Services include the Florence A. De George Obstetrics Unit • Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
offering spacious, private birthing suites and the Level II De George Neonatal • Emergency and Urgent Care Services
Intensive Care Unit. Pediatric Services include the Mastroianni Family Pediatric
Emergency Department, the De George Inpatient Pediatric Unit, pediatric
imaging, surgery and both inpatient and outpatient pediatric therapy.

For more information about
Jupiter Medical Center visit jupitermed.com.
WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE IS HERE.