Last night we returned from a long weekend (4 nights) away. While we were gone, the kitties were well cared for by someone we trust, the same person who takes care of them whenever we are away. We have gone away for even longer periods in the past without incident. However, this time, Nedicks seems to have been very upset by our absence. I was in the process of unpacking our suitcase last night when she climbed into the empty half, and without any sniffing or scratching or anything let loose with a serious stream of pee. I should add that it has become clear to us even before this that Nedicks recognizes the suitcase as a sign that we are leaving, because every time we take it out, she attacks it with her teeth, and not in a playful way either.
After the suitcase incident, she was fine the rest of the evening. No more peeing outside the box, no straining in the box, when I scooped the litter all the pee clumps were normal size, no little dime-sized clumps or anything like that. Once we were settled in, I spent a lot of time playing and cuddling with her. However, throughout the night she was very needy, kept head bonking me at all hours and meeping indignantly when I wouldn't pet her. This morning she was really insistent about waking us, but DH and I both ignored her until the alarm went off. As soon as we were both up, she went into the corner of the bedroom, in full view, and peed on the wall and carpet, a nice big puddle of pee. When I saw what she was doing, I said, "No!" and picked her up and brought her to the litterbox. Once again, no other inappropriate peeing has followed and all was well in the litterbox when I scooped.
In late May she was diagnosed with crystals (struvite and calcium oxalate) but has since been in good health. She is on prescription food, and these incidents do not at all resemble the crystal-related peeing issues she has had before. After reading the sticky on inappropriate urinating, it seems to me that this was brought on by our trip.
So now, finally, to my question: How do I respond to her? She clearly wants my attention and has been meowing and climbing on me for snuggles. However, I am concerned that I might just be reinforcing the bad behavior of peeing where she shouldn't, i.e. she will think peeing on our stuff is a good way to get attention. On the other hand, if I don't give her the attention she is clearly craving, won't she just keep acting out until she gets it?
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted you guys to have the full picture.
After the suitcase incident, she was fine the rest of the evening. No more peeing outside the box, no straining in the box, when I scooped the litter all the pee clumps were normal size, no little dime-sized clumps or anything like that. Once we were settled in, I spent a lot of time playing and cuddling with her. However, throughout the night she was very needy, kept head bonking me at all hours and meeping indignantly when I wouldn't pet her. This morning she was really insistent about waking us, but DH and I both ignored her until the alarm went off. As soon as we were both up, she went into the corner of the bedroom, in full view, and peed on the wall and carpet, a nice big puddle of pee. When I saw what she was doing, I said, "No!" and picked her up and brought her to the litterbox. Once again, no other inappropriate peeing has followed and all was well in the litterbox when I scooped.
In late May she was diagnosed with crystals (struvite and calcium oxalate) but has since been in good health. She is on prescription food, and these incidents do not at all resemble the crystal-related peeing issues she has had before. After reading the sticky on inappropriate urinating, it seems to me that this was brought on by our trip.
So now, finally, to my question: How do I respond to her? She clearly wants my attention and has been meowing and climbing on me for snuggles. However, I am concerned that I might just be reinforcing the bad behavior of peeing where she shouldn't, i.e. she will think peeing on our stuff is a good way to get attention. On the other hand, if I don't give her the attention she is clearly craving, won't she just keep acting out until she gets it?
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted you guys to have the full picture.