My neighbor took on a second job and says her cat has been urinating outside the litterbox while she’s at work. What should she do?

—Concerned Kitty Confidant

When cats feel stressed or sick, they may behave in uncharacteristic ways, including by having, ahem, “accidents.” First and foremost, your neighbor must take her cat to a veterinarian right away to rule out a urinary tract infection, which is common and can be fatal—especially in male cats, who can become “blocked” and die from a buildup of toxins very quickly. If the cat shows any other signs of stress, including appetite loss, overgrooming, or aggressive behavior, a veterinarian can also help identify the cause.

It’s very possible that the cat simply misses his or her guardian and is having a hard time adjusting to spending more time without her. Despite cats’ reputation for being independent, they do enjoy interacting with their guardians. They need plenty of playtime and other ways to exercise their agile minds and reduce stress. From paper bags and rolled-up balls of paper to motorized “mice” and laser pointers, toys can perk up a forlorn feline. A cushioned perch in the window, especially if there is a bird feeder in view, can give a cat hours of entertainment. Encourage your neighbor to spend more “quality time” with her cat and/or have a trusted friend or cat sitter visit the cat during the day. If the cat is outgoing, she might also consider adopting another feline friend to keep her cat company.