Page 15 - Stuart Exposure - January '22

Stuart Exposure, Page 15

tip of tHe tAiL

Litterbox Woes The next consideration is to make the litterbox as desirable to rooms, pick up rugs they tend to urinate on, and put an

as possible for your cat. Would you rather use the bathroom inch of water in sinks or tubs that they void in. Cleaning up
in a spacious, sparkling clean hotel with fancy soap, or a previously soiled surfaces and deterring your cat away from
dirty port-o-let at a music festival? When presented with a problem areas can help prevent future problems. Also a feline
port-o-let you might decide to head for the woods. The same pheromone diffuser called Feliway can soothe stresses in your
goes for your cat. So what makes an ideal bathroom for your kitty’s life if it is a behavioral problem.
cat? First, you need enough bathrooms. We don’t like sharing All cat owners have been there … sniffing around the
bathrooms and neither does your cat. Ideally, you should have room trying to figure out where your cat has urinated or
one litterbox per cat, plus an extra. For example, if you have coming home to a soiled rug. While frustrating, it a problem
three cats, you should have four litterboxes. Next, evaluate that can be solved if addressed quickly and if you see to your
where in the house your litterboxes are. They should be in cat’s medical, behavioral, and litterbox needs. Hopefully the
quiet areas that are easily accessible, where they will be tips in this article will keep your cat using the litterbox, so
undisturbed by sniffing dogs and loud dryer buzzers. Placing you and your cat can have a happily ever after.
litterboxes in multiple locations is also a good idea, that Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
Cats urinating and defecating outside the litterbox is way if your cat does not like one area they have the option is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
a common and frustrating problem. As much as you may of another. Also, just like us, cats prefer plenty of space. pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
love your furry feline family member, finding pee on your Your average sized litterbox does not allow your cat the physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
pillow is hard to live with. If not addressed, it can lead normal behaviors of circling, sniffing, and scratching in the extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
to damage to your home, rehoming of your pet, or even litter. Trade in your litterbox for an oversized under the bed Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
euthanasia. Time is of the essence, the longer your cat Tupperware to give your cat lots of room. Next, as any cat care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
voids outside the box the less likely the problem can be owner can tell you, cats are finicky creatures when it comes For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
solved. Here are some tips to keep your cat happily using to food, their choice of humans, and their litter. Do not buy palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
the litterbox. whatever litter is on sale; get your cat the litter that they are at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
First, it is important to determine if your cat is going used to and happy with. Another good tip is to take the hood
off of your box. We like hoods on litterboxes because it traps
outside of the box due to a medical problem, a behavioral odors in. You guessed it, most cats do not like hoods because Treasure Coast
problem, or if there is something your cat finds undesirable
about the litterbox. If your cat is experiencing discomfort it traps odors in. And the most important tip is to keep the
litterbox sparkling clean! The litterbox should be scooped at
in the litterbox, it may start to go outside the box because least once a day. Does daily sound like a lot? How often do Outdoors
it associates the box with pain. Arthritis making it difficult
to step into the box, constipation, and bladder problems you flush your toilet? Giving your cat the litterbox they want
such as infection, stones, and feline idiopathic cystitis increases the likelihood they will use it. Winter Is Pompano Time
can all cause pain leading to litterbox avoidance. A visit And now for the cleanup step. It is important to clean any
to your veterinarian is the best way to rule out medical areas that your cat has soiled thoroughly. If it smells like urine By Jim Weix
problems. Behavioral problems can also lead to soiling or stool, in a cat’s brain it is an appropriate place to void. Offshore fishing on the
outside the box. When cats are unsure or uncertain of You think bleach, vinegar, or coconut water is up to the job? Treasure Coast is often a
their surroundings, the stress can cause them to mark the Think again! A cat’s nose is 9 to 16 times more sensitive than challenge due to strong
home with urine or stool. Something as simple as new a human’s. Head to the pet store and pick up an enzymatic winds and the resulting
furniture, house guests, or an unwelcome neighborhood cleaner specifically designed to break down the odors of rough seas. Rather than
cat lurking around outside a window can trigger marking urine and stool. If the soiled item is easily replaceable like stay home, Treasure Coast
behavior. Whether the problem is determined to be medical a floor mat or a pillow, it may be easier just to throw it out. anglers can take advantage
or behavioral, you can work with your veterinarian to find Also, think about creative ways to block access to problem of the great winter pompano
a solution. areas where your cat tends to go outside the box. Close doors fishing.
A member of the jack
species, pompano are the
most prized due to their excellent taste. Found off beaches
and on the flats of the St. Lucie and Indian rivers, anglers
find dating
know that fresh pompano equals a delicious fish dinner.
success shrimp, crabs and other shellfish. Anglers target pompano
Pompano typically feed in shallow water for small
with sand fleas, small pieces of shrimp, and an assortment
in your city of jigs. Too big a shrimp piece and you’ll lose the

action pompano find
irresistible.
Color can be an
important role in
catching pompano
Happy with jigs. In cleaner
water, yellow, white
NewYear or brown hues
are best, while in

2022! dirtier or stained
water, bright pink
or chartreuse often
work better. Jigs
should be heavy
enough to keep
close contact with
We Connect REAL People in REAL Life. the pompano, which
are definitely bottom
feeders. I like the ⅜-
to ½-ounce size. Mike Connor makes and sells
Anglers barely pompano jigs that work well in
feel many pompano anywhere from 1 to 6 feet of water.
strikes. Often the Call (772) 521-1882 to order.
only thing you’ll
feel is extra weight on the line. Short, quick pops of the
rod tip will mimic a fleeing shrimp and produce more
strikes.
If you catch a lot of ladyfish, it means that your jig is
not reaching the bottom.
Mike Conner, executive director, Indian Riverkeeper
#TellYourFriends and fishing guide, makes and sells pompano jigs that work

DATE LOCAL Private & Con dential NOT ONLINE DATING well in anywhere from 1 to 6 feet of water. He has a variety

90% Success Rate All Clients Pre-Screened of colors. Call Mike at (772) 521-1882 to order.

One-on-One Matchmaking Representing Ages 21 - 80+
Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler,
Palm Beaches 561.630.XOXO (9696) conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer.
Jim is included in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s
Treasure Coast 772.932.HERE (4373) Hall of Fame, for his work in helping restore thousands
REVOLUTIONDATING.COM of acres of wetlands. Jim is a broker associate with The
Kelly Leary, M.S.

THE Florida Matchmaker Keyes Company. He can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or
by email: jimweix@jimweix.com.