I’m a healthy young Siamese cat living in a lovely home with my litter mate, Dizzy. We get on like a house on fire, playing and sleeping together round the clock. We are indoor cats, so the humans leave us a litter tray each in the laundry. Lately I have been peeing in various places around the house – on the kitchen bench, on the humans’ clean washing and on the bedroom carpet. My owner acts like she doesn’t love me any more, she even yells at me from time to time. What’s the matter? (Ella, Siamese, 3 years, North Narooma)

Dr Alan

Ella, do you feel as though you can’t wait to pee in your litter tray? Has your owner purchased some kitty litter you don’t particularly like? Have there been any changes to your living arrangements that you have had trouble accepting? Is you brother using your litter tray? Is your litter being changed regularly enough? These questions need to be answered to help with the diagnosis. Urgency and increased frequency of peeing can point to a urinary infection, even bladder stones. If you are peeing in odd places because changes have occurred in the family situation that concern you, please somehow alert your owners to the fact that the vet may be able to assist. He or she may recommend one of the newer anti-depressants – a kind of “Prozac” for pets in case the situation turns out to be psychological in nature. I am sure this difficult issue can be resolved with some good communication and care.