Wow, talk about a lack of updates…. (!!!!) I don’t even know where to begin, honestly. My life lately has been… dramatic to say the least. I’ve had a lot of things going on since the start of the year and I feel like ‘10 has already been a life-changing year. The majority of the issues I will not be getting into on the blog (not just yet, at least). One day when I do discuss everything, you’ll understand why.
For those that follow me on Twitter, you may already know about one of the more recent “issues” in my life: my kitty Marty. Now, I love Marty more than anything, he’s the closest thing I have to a baby and I’m ridiculously attached to him. Marty, however, has a little “marking” problem. And to clarify, by “marking” problem, I mean he pees on my beautiful white shag carpet in my back hallway whenever I’m not home. Talk about frustration! He’s been doing it on and off, but more and more recently, for about 2 years. I’ve tried every trick in the book: a litter box in the hallway, tin foil down where he’s marking (he just peed on THAT), sprays, pheromone, aerosols, the works. While he only did it while I was not home, the problem has only gotten worse/more frequent recently. I know a contributing factor to his problem was that for a few weeks, I had been shifting/adjusting furniture in my house – and I know moving furniture can cause kitties anxiety.
The problem escalated about a week or so ago, when I was at home with Ryan setting up a new TV stand. Marty was in the room with us, and then he was gone. I got up to see where he was, and caught him mid-pee in the hallway! After a few trips to “lockup” (aka the laundry room), and him acting his revenge by marking again (in my presence!), I really hit my breaking point. Thoughts of giving him up for adoption, to a new owner, or shelter really came on strong. I honestly was about thisclose to giving him up – but honestly, when push came to shove, I just couldn’t do it. Look at this face. Could you?
So why did I not give up? Do I plan on living with pee-pee? No, not at all. My main problem with Marty, and why his problem (in my opinion) got more severe, was because my consistency with punishing his behavior was non-existent. (Which, in hindsight, was a huge mistake). Before, if I’d come home from work to find a mess, I’d usually be so exhausted I’d clean it up and just dismiss any punishment – which really taught him it was “ok” – and it’s just so not.
So, I am shaping myself up. Marty was held accountable for his actions – I kept him locked in “solitary” (well fed and loved regardless) for a few days, and since he’s emerged, things seem to be going much more smoothly. (No messes!)
I really hope Marty and I can work together to live in a peaceful (and pee-free!) environment. He’s my lil boy and I’d be so lost without him!
I promise guys, I will do my best to post soon. Love you all, I’m sorry for all the absence.
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