Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
There are a handful of drugs that can be used to try to control inap-
propriate elimination. Most of them are safe, even with long-term use,
but the cat should be monitored regularly for side-effects. In some sit-
uations a short course of medication stops the problem. In others the
cat may be on medication indefinitely. Most of the antianxiety drugs
available take one to two weeks to evaluate their effectiveness. Initially
they may make a cat sleepy or dopey, but this effect usually goes away
within four to five days.
TURN IT DOWN!
Excessive vocalization can be an annoying feline behavior. Some
breeds, such as Siamese, are known for being talkative, and other cats
may vocalize excessively and demand constant attention. A move, trau-
ma or some other significant change in the cat's schedule can trigger
this behavior. It can occur in older cats who lose their hearing and
vision and become disoriented. High blood pressure, pain or neurolog-
ical disease can also trigger excessive vocalization.
If you have a young, healthy cat, it can help to establish a routine
where you give the cat your undivided attention for a few minutes
twice a day.This is a good time to involve the animal in interactive play.
If you have an older animal, a veterinarian should examine her to
rule out any medical problems that may be triggering the behavior. If
no medical problems, such as high blood pressure, are found and the
cat's senses of vision and hearing are normal, a senile syndrome called
cognitive dysfunction
should be considered. Medication is available that
can improve this condition, although it is not currently approved for use
in cats.
If you have tried everything and the cat won't stop howling, tran-
quilizers or antianxiety medications may be needed to manage the
problem.
