Felines are supremely hygienic by nature. Eliminating outside the
litter box is an unequivocal demand for attention to issues that cats
find deeply disturbing. They deliberately employ this maneuver as
a sign of their outrage with our behavior, usually for some way that
we have been insensitive to their needs. In fact, the location where
cats soil or spray is the most significant clue as to why they are doing it.
Punishment for this behavior is one of the worst things
an owner can do to the feline species. Especially if reprimanded
more than three to five seconds after the soiling occurs, cats cannot
associate their behavior with the punishment. Instead, such actions
may backfire, and the cat may begin to fear both the owner and
the environment.
With a little detective work of our own--analyzing what changes
occurred in the cat's life at the time the problem began--we quickly
learn that there is no such thing as an "accident." Litter box
problems are not arbitrary; there is always a reason. The root cause
can easily be traced back to something happening in the home. We may
accurately generalize that litter box problems indicate an unacceptable
behavior by the cat's owner.
 Master's Grape is an excellent all-purpose essence to have
on hand for your pet's range of behavioral challenges reflective
of some aspect of neediness--jealousy, whining, loneliness,
clinging, or its opposite, aloofness. For the blending of households
when your cat is no longer "top dog" and loses interest, for withdrawn
or bullying behavior when other pets are brought into the home,
and for pets who cry for no apparent reason, Grape is highly
recommended. Also for those pets who behave in an overly or
inappropriately territorial manner, this essence calms them
almost immediately.
One man, himself fastidiously tidy, recently reported a serious
problem with Junior, a two-year-old neutered cat. Junior had begun
urinating everywhere in the house but on the bed. Junior's new behavior
contrasted strongly with his initial integration into his new home as a
loving, affectionate cat, delighted with his new circumstances and
attentive owner.
When questioned, the owner said that nothing had changed in his life
at the time the rampage began. The man had started a new relationship a
few months ago at about the same time he brought Junior into his home.
At least superficially, this did not seem to follow the standard pattern
of a cat feeling replaced or displaced.
And yet as the love relationship progressed, the owner began to
focus more time and energy on his new partner than on Junior, who,
by the way, was fondly accepting of the woman. A cat does not so much
mind his owner extending love to other animals or people; what irks
him to the point of soiling is feeling replaced.
Junior's owner had even begun affectionately referring to his
girlfriend as "Kitty Number One." The cat was then relegated to the
role of "Kitty Number Two." Apparently this conveyed a clear message
to Junior that he had been bumped. In addition, the man noted that
Junior's play had grown increasingly more aggressive; he used his
claws and teeth in a vicious rather than a fun-loving manner.
I suggested to the owner that he give Grape essence to Junior.
I also suggested that he apologize and explain to him that he was
in no way being replaced; and, through his eyes, voice, and mental
pictures, that he communicate to his feline friend that he was
still "Number One" in the owner's heart. After following my suggestions,
the owner reported by phone, "Junior's really turned the corner.
He's happier, more secure again, and just a jovial little fella."
 Grape and Raspberry are Master's most commonly used
essences for litter box problems--both addressing hurt
feelings and highly emotional issues, to which cats as
a species are prone. Raspberry strengthens the cat's
natural tendency toward compassion, its capacity to
bond with others, and the ability to forgive.
Other
essences, naturally, may come into play from time to
time, but essences alone cannot solve the problem if
it begins in a strain in the relationship. Flower
essences, combined with behavioral changes on the part
of the pet owner, are a virtual remedy for success.
 NOTE: This article is an excerpt from Lila Devi's brand-new book,
Flower Essences for Animals : Remedies for Helping the Pets You Love.
It was released by Beyond Words Publishing Inc., and is reprinted here with their permission.
For another article by Lila Devi, see our March, 2000, issue.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lila Devi (pronounced lee-lah day-vee), founder of the Master's Flower Essences
in 1977--the second oldest essence line in existence--is author of The Essential Flower Essence
Handbook (also available in German and Italian), which is the text for the MFE Correspondence
Course, and Flower Essences for Animals: Remedies for Helping the Pets You Love (in print in October, 2000). Lila lectures extensively both
nationally and abroad and is considered one of the foremost authorities on flower essences in the
world today. Please feel free to contact Lila personally by
email, or visit
Master's web site that lists upcoming seminars and
displays the Master's Essences with more information.
ART CREDITS: The animated kitties
are part of a large and enchanting collection of cat graphics at CatStuff. The kitty in a heart is by the Rhymester. The background was designed by Eos Development.
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
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