Senior cat 'Lulu' who was nearly euthanized for urinating outside litter box is now 'healthy, happy lady'
HYDE PARK, NEWYORK: A 13-year-old Himalayan cat named Lulu was taken to a vet's clinic in December to be put to sleep because she was urinating outside of her litter box, as reported by News10. The vet spoke with Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA), and both organizations agreed this was not a justification for animal euthanasia. Following her admission for euthanasia due to a "common" and simple litter box issue, Lulu is now got a new lease of life in her old age.
The New York no-kill shelter received the blue-point Himalayan cat in December, according to Dutchess County SPCA, and it is still looking for a home. The Dutchess County SPCA was a close call for Lulu. Before she entered the shelter, her previous owner had taken the cat there to be put to sleep.
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According to Lynne Meloccaro, the Dutchess County SPCA executive director, Lulu has a colorful past. Meloccaro said, "We received a call from a local veterinarian about a cat whose owners requested euthanasia because she was not using her litter box. When the animal was deemed healthy, the vet persuaded the owner to sign ownership of Lulu over to them, and then they asked us to take Lulu, which we immediately did," as reported by People.
'The issue was resolved with a simple diet change'
Lulu's litter box issues were identified when Dutchess County SPCA took control of the elderly cat. Meloccaro said, "The reason for her not using the litter box was that she had urinary crystals — a common ailment in cats, especially of her breed — and the issue was resolved with a simple diet change. Since she has been here, she has not had any problems with the litter box."
The shelter director hopes pet owners take Lulu's story as a lesson and realize that most behavioral and health issues with pets can be managed without harsh measures. Meloccaro said, "If your pet is not behaving or their behavior has changed, the first step is to get them to a vet to see if something is medically wrong. Even if it is not a medical condition, there are numerous resources — many available at Dutchess County SPCA — to help resolve the issue and avoid both euthanasia and surrender to a shelter. Medical assistance, expert guidance, and management plans, and training referrals are all available for you."
Lulu is 'healthy, happy lady'
Lulu is now prepared to find a caring, considerate, and permanent home now that she is able to use the toilet again and is feeling like the "healthy, happy lady" she always has been, as per reports. The cat, according to Meloccaro, is seeking a calm, stress-free environment, particularly one without young children. According to Dutchess County SPCA, Lulu would probably fare best as the sole pet.