INAPPROPRIATE ELIMINATION
(URINE OR FAECES) IN CATS
COULD THERE BE A MEDICAL CAUSE?
There are several causes of inappropriate elimination in cats, and these must be investigated by a veterinarian before commencing behavioural therapy. These range from renal failure to cystitis to a blocked urethra to incontinence to diabetes and others for inappropriate urination. Gastroenteritis, constipation, malabsorptive disorders, incontinence and many other conditions can cause your cat to defaecate out of the litter tray.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN URINE SPRAYING/MARKING AND INAPPROPRIATE URINATION?
Urine marking is seen as a territorial behaviour and is characterised as a very small amount of urine sprayed with the tail high in the air, and is not necessarily on the floor – it can be on the wall or furniture also. Male undesexed cats will do this as a normal behaviour, as can male cats that have been desexed later in life as a learned behaviour at puberty.
Inappropriate urination occurs when the cat urinates a normal amount in an area other than the litter tray.
WHAT ARE THE LIKELY BEHAVIOURAL CAUSES OF INAPPROPRIATE URINATION OR DEFAECATION?
Lack of housetraining is the most obvious cause if your cat had disrupted housetraining when it was young.
Your cat can also inappropriately urinate or defaecate if they are anxious. This commonly occurs due to changing the environment, such as introducing or removing people from the house, new furniture or plants, or a change in routine for feeding or toileting.
Thus changing the type of litter can also be a cause, or if the litter tray is not cleaned regularly enough for your cat's wishes.
Another reason is if your cat has been interrupted while toileting, such as being given medications or attacked by another animal or person while in the tray.
The other main reason is if the food source is too close to the litter tray.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO IMPROVE MY CAT'S ELIMINATION HABITS?
Desexing is the most important consideration if this has not been done already as it will reduce the hormones that cause territorial behaviour marking.
Reduce anxiety where possible: get back to the cats' original routine if you can! Try to ensure other cats or dogs do not come into your yard if possible for territorial/anxiety reasons.
Cleaning the soiled area properly. Cats can smell the urine even when you think it is clean as they are very sensitive to ammonia and other urine compounds. See the next section for how to do this properly.
Feeding near the area that your cat is urinating on if it is a consistent position. You can stick some pieces of food to cardboard to keep there if you do not wish to move the food bowl. This may or may not work as a technique.
Provide hiding places for your cat to increase the feeling of safety. Boxes and cardboard bags in high and low places are a good idea for places to hide.
Provide enough litter trays in different areas: the general rule is one per cat plus one extra. Put the tray in the area that is being soiled then gradually move it once the tray is being used properly.
Close off the area that your cat is spraying or urinating in if possible.
Do not get any more cats as this will increase anxiety if your cat is already worried about territory etc.
Spend more time with your cat and give extra TLC to increase the “feeling of wellbeing”.
Punishing is not generally recommended, however you could try placing aluminium foil in a sheet over the area as they do not generally like the feeling and noise of stepping on it.
Keep the litter scrupulously clean, and make sure it is a litter type your cat likes. In general, if they like the litter type they will spend at least 4 seconds scratching around in the tray before defaecation or urination.
HOW DO I CLEAN UP THE URINE SO MY CAT CANNOT SMELL ANY RESIDUE?
Nonabsorbant surfaces: 1% solution bicarb soda (1 dessert spoon in a litre of warm water).
Steps for Absorbant surfaces:
1. Odour neutralizing agent eg. “ONA” or enzymatic washing agent eg “Enz stain”. Material can be washed in a machine with “Biozet” or other enzymatic washing powder.
2. Rinse at least 4 times with plenty of warm water.
3. Dab dry.
4. Spray and brush in pure alcohol (NOT methylated spirits). This dissolves any remaining smelly compounds.
5. Dry thoroughly with a hair dryer to get rid of all residues of smelly compounds, agent, water and alcohol.
MAKE SURE THIS IS OK TO USE ON THE SURFACE SO YOU DON’T RUIN COUCH MATERIAL ETC!!!
HOW DO I RE-HOUSETRAIN MY CAT?
Start by confining your cat to a comfortable, small, dark area, with litter tray, food, water and bedding. If all goes well with the litter after 4 days, allow access to a slightly larger area eg adding in a hallway and feed there, but keep the litter in the original position. If this works, allow access to the whole house after another 4 days, then the whole house. Then move the litter tray 30cm per day to the area where you would like it to stay. If any inappropriate elimination occurs at any time, start back at the beginning with the smallest room access.
IS THERE A BEHAVIOURAL SPECIALIST IF I CANNOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM?
This sheet has been composed from Dr Robert Holmes' notes, who is a veterinary behavioural specialist. If your cats' urination habits are unresponsive to therapy or environmental change, we offer referral to Dr Holmes.
He offersconsultations over the phone.
His contact details are as follows:
Dr Holmes requires a full blood test and urinalysis before the appointment occurs with him.
LENNOX HEAD VET CLINIC PHONE 6687 5123