KITTY CORNER:  What your cat would like you to know.

FELINE ELIMINATION PROBLEMS

One of the most common behavioral complaints in cats is that of “inappropriate elimination”.  When urine or feces are deposited any place other than the cat box, it is certainly inappropriate.  There may be a number of reasons for this behavior.  The first step in solving this problem is to diagnose why the cat is avoiding the cat box, and then a plan can be designed to resolve the problem.
A physical examination, including analysis of the urine and/or stool, will reveal any physical problems.  At least 25% of the cats that spray or urinate in the house have a physical bladder problem that must be treated.  Once the physical exam is passed, it needs to be determined exactly what type of elimination behavior problem exists: urine spraying (on vertical objects), inappropriate urination (on horizontal surfaces), defecation, or a combination of these.
Although spraying to mark territory is a normal behavior for cats, it is usually unacceptable to the human cat owner.  Spraying most commonly occurs in unneutered male cats who feel compelled to mark their territory.  Neutered males and females will also spray, especially if they feel stressed or perceive that other cats are violating their territory.  Triggers for spraying include the presence of other cats in the home or in the neighboring areas outside of the house.  New people in the household may also trigger the response.  Any stressful event that causes a cat to be afraid, aggressive, or territorial may result in urine spraying.
Normal but inappropriate urine or fecal eliminations often are the result of aversions to the location of the cat box or the type of cat litter.  The litter box may be too small, too tall, not changed often enough, or in a location unacceptable to the cat.  If pain was experienced while using the litter box (for instance, during a bladder infection), the cat will seek other non-painful areas to eliminate.  A prolonged absence by the owner, changes in the cat’s normal daily routine, or a frightening experience may lead to house-soiling.
Treating inappropriate elimination is very challenging and requires a lot of patience.  First, the cat should be neutered.  Next, attempt to identify the causes of the behavior and modify the cat’s environment accordingly—sometimes keeping a diary of events will help identify the cause.  Some general suggestions are as follows:
1. Eliminate the odors in the soiled areas  completely.  Vinegar and water, followed by an enzymatic cleaner works best.  Avoid any cleaners with ammonia, since they may give a urine-like smell.
2.  Place something aversive to the cat in the unacceptable location.  Aluminum foil, plastic, cactus plants, or a battery-operated motion sensor (available at RadioShack) may be used.
3.  Resolve the cat’s stress or irritation if possible.  Anti-anxiety medications may help considerably.
4.  Try confining the cat to a small area (bathroom or laundry room) with a cat box for 3 to 5 days.  Most cats will consistently return to using the box if they are constantly nearby.
5.  Once the cat is out of confinement, provide one or more extra litter boxes in strategic locations.  In multiple cat households, where elimination problems are occuring, the number of cat boxes should equal the number of cats, plus 1.
6.  Find a good location for the cat box where it is far away from the food and water dishes and private enough that the cat will not be disturbed by people or noises.
7.  Try different types of litter.  The most preferred type is the clumping sand litter, followed by plain unscented clay litter.  For cats that have been outdoor cats, a small scoop of garden dirt can be added to give that great earthy smell.  Avoid deodorants in the litter, because the cat will.
8.  Change the size of the litter box, and eliminate the cover if the box is the covered type.  Keep the box as clean as possible.
Lastly, there are a few drugs available to treat some  elimination problems.  These  usually work by reducing the anxiety that often triggers elimination problems.  Remember that cats are very “routine” animals and any changes made in the environment must be done very gradually.  With a good dose of patience, understanding, and consistency, most behavioral elimination problems can be corrected.