Renn’s urine analysis came back to the veterinary hospital yesterday, and the doctor said that it looked “great”. There is nothing wrong with my big boy’s water-works, and the kidney values that were slightly worrisome to the veterinary were likely due to mild dehydration; Renn is not drinking enough water.
He does need to have some dental repairs made. He has gingivitis - I haven’t smelled that, but I could see it - and perhaps a few teeth need pulled. I will schedule that operation for some time in the near future. His blood-work and urine testing, however, have been done, so I need not concern myself with those.
Renn’s wetting in the bath-tub, then, is likely due to stress; whether this is over some discomfort from his teeth or because of the situation at home, I can’t say, though I believe it is the latter. Parker’s illness, and my anxiety over it, are no doubt contributing to some disarray in the cosy apartment’s harmony, but that can’t be helped at the moment. I think Renn may also be feeling slightly displaced due to Raleigh, who monopolises my lap when I am on the couch. My big boy has only rarely been a lap-cat, but he likes having me on the couch with him, and I am sure he looks askance at Peachy being there. But since that is the principal time that the new boy gets physical attention, that can’t be helped, either. I will make an effort to give Renn more attention, as well.
While he needs some tooth-work, Renn is in very good shape. He has always been my healthiest beast, and while there is the chance of an ailment that cannot be detected by the tests just done, there is no reason to suspect it. He will continue to be my example to the others in terms of their well-being.
“Why can’t you be more like Renn?”
At least the urine test went great...
ReplyDeleteYes, I am pleased the tests revealed nothing seriously wrong.
DeleteThis is good news, medically. I can certainly understand how his inappropriate location for urinating is related to stress, and hope that with a bit more attention he'll return to using the litter box(es). Would you consider putting a litter box in the bathroom temporarily, if there isn't one already? When Nicki started peeing in other spots in the basement, I put a litter box at the back, though of course have had to leave it there permanently. That makes 4 litter boxes inside the house and 1 on the back step for only 2 cats!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have to note that I find it hard enough to give my two the time and attention they both demand; I have absolutely no idea how you manage with so many more in your household during normal times. Never mind that now, with Parker, these aren't really "normal" times at all. Your ability to juggle work, life chores and the cats with their health issues truly amazes me.
I have my litter-boxes concentrated in one spot, it's true, though there is another in the library, and I have seen Renn using that one. So far, he has used the bath-tub only thrice in about five weeks. I may have to add another box near it.
DeleteTo encourage more water drinking, our mom places various bowls and cups around the house. We clearly love to drink out of cups as those are the ones that she refills every day, sometimes twice a day. We also have stress and sometimes (Opie) acts out with a squirt here or there. We use Comfort Zone spray and Feliway aromatherapy. And recently we've added Jackson Galaxy's Peacemaker trio to keep us calm. Mom says we eventually figure out when is our time for Mom's attention. Gidget likes to hang out with her when she first goes to bed. Frank will sleep with Mom all night. So will Dori. Peaches likes to nap in Mom's lap while watching teevee. Opie and Chauncie Marie get Mom while she's in her office...along with me, Herman.
ReplyDeleteI have water available almost everywhere, too, and have found the smaller cups (they are the sort of little bowls used for crème brûlée) receive a lot of attention. I have six bowls in a small apartment, including two in the bedroom.
DeleteOne of Renn's problems is that he studies the water for a long time, sometimes as much as ten minutes, before drinking it, and if anything disrupts his studies, he leaves without drinking. Another cat walking by will be enough.
We are relieved to hear the news about Renn and we hope that his other issue will subside.
ReplyDeleteThat is such sunny news! I have three "watering holes" for Katie. She loves her peter Rabbit little cup that she lays on the bathtub rim to drink from. I'd have a fountain but in this old house there are few receptacles and all of them are occupied with other things..lamps and so on. Available floor space would also mean stretching out the cord to a receptacle which of course can't be done due to tripping.
ReplyDeleteThis is very good news that Renn's urine analysis results are good. I hope the extra attention will help with his inappropriate stress urinating. It is hard to give all of them their time with you.
ReplyDeleteGreat news for Renn! He's a great example for the rest.
ReplyDeleteWhat great news about Renn. It is hard to get cats to drink a lot of water. Have you tried a water fountain? I have one for my cats, and they love it. Also, some people leave the faucet dripping a little to encourage cats to drink.
ReplyDeletedood....we iz buzzed happee for ewe N buzzed happee for dad; him kneaded ta heer good nooze fora change, ya noe !! :) ♥♥
ReplyDeleteGlad Renn's tests came back good! You once wrote about water bowls in various parts of your home. I have tried that and it really works!!! That's why I enjoy cat blogs. Not only to meet new cats but also I learn new things.
ReplyDeleteRenn may not be happy but he sure looks adorable!
Renn, here's hoping that you stop peeing in the bathtub, but on the whole, it's a minor inconvenience compared to peeing on the bed, on the wall, or on your dad's lap!
ReplyDeleteI am glad Renn's tests were good.
ReplyDeleteGood boy Renn. We are glad that the vet was pleased with you.
ReplyDeleteThat is good news. With all the stress of worrying about the others what a relief it must be to know Renn is doing well. Keep it up Renn! And take the lap as. soon as it is free.
ReplyDeleteWe have one, Princess, who often wets outside the litterbox due to stress. I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Renn is doing okay. The vet thinks some of Truffle's bladder issues were due to stress. We're thankful her pH levels were normal at her last visit. She'll be checked again in about a month
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I think it would be preferrable to have a physical ailment that a little medicine can alleviate, rather than stress, which is so indefinite and might be insoluble. I wish Truffle a calmer situation.
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