by Karen Dugan Holman,B.S., B.S.E., M.S.
Photos courtesy of Ty Virden
Inappropriate “bathroom behavior” is the number-one reason for relinquishment of cats to shelters and the most common issue I address among feline clients. Feline inappropriate elimination is defined as urination and/or defecation outside an owner-designated elimination location. It is a challenging and complex behavior. It requires time and diligence to uncover the underlying motivation for inappropriate elimination so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
This supports the development of an effective treatment plan. Let’s look at the basics for effective treatment.
Diagnosis
Before a definitive behavioral etiology can be made, the veterinarian must rule out medical problems. Many factors can cause discomfort to a cat’s lower urinary tract.
Gathering information with a complete behavioral history is pertinent for understanding the motivation for the cat’s behavior and a behavioral diagnosis.
Marking and Spraying
When a cat marks or sprays, the cat stands with tail raised and sprays urine against a vertical object. A small tail quiver can be observed. Cats typically dig or cover urine, but not when spraying or marking. Many people report a more pungent odor to the urine used for marking and spraying.
The objects sprayed on are typically of social significance. For example, when outdoor cats are detectable, indoor cats might spray windows or doors in that area. Marking is done in more of a squatting position.
Marking and spraying are normal cat behaviors allowing territorial signaling between cats. Anxiety, fear, social conflict, or environmental stressors can precipitate these behaviors. Multicat households are often the source of anxiety-induced urine marking. The more cats in the home, the more the marking increases, and it often becomes a type of “spray war.”
Urine marking can be a result of poor litter-box management, changes in the family, inability to escape from other cats, outdoor cats, and owner absence. Neutering is recommended and could resolve the problem.
Management of Litter Boxes
Normal urination deposits a large amount of urine on a horizontal surface. If this occurs outside the litter box, it should be addressed. Cats can develop aversions to the type of litter box available and the litter provided. Cats tend to prefer unscented litter and finely particulate litter, even clumpable.
Avoidance of the litter box can develop as a result of poor cleaning. Boxes should be scooped daily and fully emptied weekly or more often. Deep-clean with mild soap and water. Covered boxes might trap odors and prevent the cat from having a safe lookout for the approach of other animals.
If you have multiple cats, the number of litter boxes should equal the number of cats plus one additional box. Each cat should have access to a litter box in a separate, safe, quiet area to prevent one cat from blocking another cat’s access to the litter box. Such blocking often leads to anxiety and social conflicts.
The boxes should not be all together near food or water. Cats often prefer large open boxes such as storage bins. The type of litter box, type of litter, and location matter to your cat.
Treatment of Soiled Areas
Cats are naturally attracted to previously soiled areas and are inclined to overmark or use them as the location to toilet. Proper cleaning is essential. Cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle is most effective at reducing the prevention of returning odors. Once the areas are deep-cleaned, place plastic boxes or foil on top of the areas to create an undesirable tactile.
Blocking off access to bedding, rugs, and laundry is important to deter cats that enjoy soft items. If the cat continues to “go” in a particular location, it might be telling you this is the location for the litter box. Try placing the box directly on top of the soiled area.
Environmental Stressors
Anxiety and social distress are common underlying variables in urine marking by neutered cats. Decreasing stress and intercat conflict is paramount. Provide a safe living space for all cats, such as a perch, where cats can be free from stress and fear.
A different-sounding bell on each cat’s collar can give notice that a feline friend or foe is approaching. I highly recommend the brand Bear Bells.
It is important to provide environmental enrichment for your cat.
Punishment Is Not the Answer
Punishment should be avoided because many of these issues are based on anxiety and social conflict. Using punishment often exacerbates behaviors. Redirect the cat away from the inappropriate behavior. Using a reward-based system or an interrupter cue is often an effective technique.
Pheromones, Nutraceuticals, and Pharmacology
Cats do not normally eliminate where they have deposited facial pheromones. Feliway products are made of pheromones that can be beneficial if stress, anxiety, or social conflicts are an underlying factor. Feliway spray can be used directly on areas where marking has occurred. The Feliway diffuser will provide a broader distribution in a room.
Nutraceuticals can also help to decrease fear and anxiety in some cats. Cats often respond well to a pharmacology plan.
Last Words
Feline inappropriate elimination often increases if left untreated. It leads to a breakdown in the human-animal bond. Obtaining a thorough history, performing a comprehensive physical evaluation, and developing a treatment plan for the individual cat and home environment are the cornerstones of success.
Happy Tails,
Karen
Animalbehaviorok.com
