Many cats only urinate once a day. Some cats may go two or three times a day, while others may go two or three times a week. You should monitor your cat’s habits over the course of a week and use that as a gauge. If his habits change suddenly, contact your veterinarian.

Cats are territorial, private, and fastidious, which is why we suggest separate litter boxes for your cats. Your new kitty may be detecting odors that indicate the litter box has been “marked” by your first cat. Try giving her a litter box of her own in a quiet place, with a hood for added privacy. Gently introduce her to the box and praise her when she uses it. See Tips.

You should contact your veterinarian immediately. This could be a symptom of illness, possibly Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which affects 10% of pet cats seen by veterinarians. Crying during urination, bloody urine, excessive licking of the genitals, and a strong ammonia smell coming from the urine are just a few of the symptoms. If your cat is straining to urinate without result, he may need urgent medical care.

Feline diarrhea is common and can be caused by a number of things. Often, intestinal parasites and viruses are the culprits. If you are serving your cat milk, stop. Many cats, like humans, have trouble digesting lactose as they mature. Dog food is not formulated for feline nutrition, so feed your dog separately. Overeating and abrupt diet changes that could result from capturing and eating vermin may cause diarrhea as well. And of course, ingesting toxic substances or foreign objects can trigger an outbreak.

Because your problem seems to be prolonged, we recommend contacting your veterinarian who will check your cat for intestinal parasites or viruses and prescribe appropriate medication. To treat at home, try withholding food for 24 hours, with a minimal amount of water or ice cubes to lick. Then offer your cat a bland meal (1 part white chicken and 2 parts rice) in several small servings. Gradually mix in his regular diet over a 4-day period. See your veterinarian if the diarrhea persists.

If your cat is cured and still goes on the side of the box, he may need a larger litter pan. Make sure he has plenty of room inside to turn around.

While most cats instinctively cover their waste, some just don’t bother. It may be that her mother didn’t get the chance to teach her how to do it. Or, she may want to know right where it sits for future reference. We can’t read cats’ minds, so we may never know. Regardless, don’t take it personally!

Yesterday’s News® is non-abrasive and has no small particles that can get stuck between your cat’s paws. Check her paws for cuts, torn claws, or foreign matter embedded in her paws. If they seem healthy, she may simply be a neatnik who wants a good grooming after she relieves herself. If in doubt, contact your veterinarian.

Tapeworm is common, particularly in cats who have ingested fleas. If you find dried rice-like grains in the litter box or under your cat’s tail, your cat may have a tapeworm. Contact your veterinarian with your concerns.

Kittens are very curious and prone to eat almost anything that looks interesting. That’s why it’s a good idea to kitten-proof your home and keep an eye on him. Yesterday’s News® is non-toxic and will not harm your kitten. However, a persistent desire to eat litter might indicate a medical problem that should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Excessive thirst and urination coupled with weight loss could be a sign of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Diabetes Mellitus or Kidney Disease. Please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, do not let your cat drink from the toilet! Toilets can be hazardous to your cat. We recommend keeping the toilet lid down when not in use.

If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to have your cat neutered. He’s showing tomcat traits by marking his territory. Neutering usually diminishes the urge to spray. If he has been neutered, he may feel threatened by the presence of another cat.