Inappropriate urination is the most common behavioral problem reported by cat owners. This behavior includes urination and/or defecation outside of the litter box, as well as urine spraying. Both male and female cats can exhibit this problem; it is a myth that only intact male cats inappropriately urinate.
One common misconception is that cats soil in improper places for revenge. It is tempting to think, “My cat pooped on my bed to punish me for leaving him for the weekend.” But this kind of calculation requires sophisticated cognitive abilities that cats aren’t believed to possess. Furthermore, this conclusion assumes that cats view their urine and feces as distasteful, when in fact they do not. It is only humans who view it that way.
The best way to solve the problem is to understand the underlying cause for this behavior. The first step in any elimination process is to rule out an underlying medical condition. Some examples would be bladder or kidney problems, inflammation of the colon, thyroid diseases, diabetes, arthritis and intestinal parasites. In short, any medical condition that interferes with a cat’s normal elimination behavior can lead to house soiling. Always consult with your veterinarian before assuming it is a true behavioral problem. At minimum, a physical exam and urinalysis testing should be performed.
It is important to differentiate between spraying and inappropriate elimination as these are two very different kinds of health or behavior problems. Spraying is generally performed by the cat standing and spraying a stream of urine on a vertical surface such as a wall, windows, furniture, drapes, etc. This is a normal behavior performed by cats which serves to mark their territory. Cats may spray when they perceive a threat to their territory, such as when a new cat enters the home, or when outside cats are nearby. New furniture and carpet smells can prompt spraying as well. Cats may also spray out of frustration resulting from factors—like restrictive diets, or insufficient playtime—often wrongly perceived by humans as revenge.
Inappropriate urination is when the cat urinates in the normal squatting position, but not in the litter box. The cat may urinate just outside the box, on the carpet in the living room, on your clothes, in the bathtub, on a specific rug, etc. Once your veterinarian has determined that it is not a medical issue, it is important to address the behavioral problem promptly. The longer the behavior persists, the more likely it is to become habit.
Helpful hints for preventing litter box problems:
- Choose an appropriate litter and box. Most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter, at a depth of one to two inches. Young kittens, elderly cats, and cats with mobility problems need boxes with low sides, while overweight and large cats need bigger boxes. Most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and allows a 360-degree view of their surroundings. Have as many litter boxes as cats in the house-plus one.
- Choose a good litter box location. Most cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, separate from their feeding area, and easily accessible 24 hours a day. Do not locate the litter box up or down stairs if your cat has trouble climbing. Place multiple boxes in different areas of the house.
- Keep the litter box clean. To clean the box, scrub it with a gentle detergent, dry it, and refill with clean litter. Litter should be changed often enough so that it looks dry and smells clean at all times. The more cats using the box, the more often this will need to be done.
- Spraying is more responsive to anti-anxiety drugs than other types of house soiling. However, medication is only part of the solution, and must be used in conjunction with environmental changes. Any medication can have potentially damaging and/or unwanted side effects, and not all cats are good candidates. Cats placed on long-term medication must be monitored closely by a veterinarian.
A common and frustrating problem, inappropriate elimination can be difficult to control. A full resolution depends on early intervention, followed by detective work to determine the cause of the behavior, and time and effort on your part to solve the problem. In partnership with veterinarians, both cats and the people who love them can live in harmony and good health. www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/housesoiling.html
