"Help -- my cat's not peeing in the litterbox!"
This column we will discuss one of the most frequent problems presented to me, a situation that plagues my
clients, my friends, and even myself! Inappropriate urination is the number one feline behavior "problem"
reported to vets, and also the primary reason cats are released to animal shelters.
Since my wonderful cat Leo and I have struggled with his house-soiling, I understand the difficulties this
causes in a home: Cat pee stinks! Here, I will give you some tips for avoiding and dealing with this behavior.
First, understand that "inappropriate" urination is only inappropriate from our point of view. In nature,
cats urinate to empty their bladders, but also to mark territory.
Unlike animals like raccoons, cats do not naturally midden, or use designated communal toilets. Thus, it is
amazing that most cats consent to the small, shared, hidden and less-than-pristine boxes that we often give
them.
Although feral cats are social animals, the ways that we house cats are unnatural in other ways as well.
Our pets have no opportunity to choose their companions, and often little space to resolve or avoid conflicts
(especially over limited resources like litter boxes and food bowls). All cats may urine mark territory (male
and female, although neutered animals do it less), and every cat may have a type of surface on which they
prefer to urinate. Cats do not housesoil out of malice or spite. However, stress or anxiety will often
exacerbate the problem.
Tip #1 is to understand the problem, and avoid frustration and anger. Indeed, as cat owners we should
anticipate that urine marking is a natural behavior that any cat may express, and that the more cats we
have the more likely we are both to have a cat that housesoils, and to create situations that cause
housesoiling.
Tip #2 is that inappropriate urination may be due to an actual physical problem: PLEASE consult your
veterinarian. Diseases that increase the volume of urine produced (such as kidney failure and diabetes)
often cause housesoiling, as do diseases that increase frequency of urination (like lower urinary tract
inflammation, infection, or stones), or cause pain in the litterbox (urinary or bowel irritation, orthopedic
pain).
Because many cats (even young ones) have an excuse for not using the box, it is vital to take kitty to your
vet for an exam and appropriate diagnostics to rule out these problems.
Tip #3 is that you can take steps to decrease housesoiling. Avoid feline stress! Visit
http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/indoorcat.htm for lots of great ideas. Never punish a cat for inappropriate
urination.
Clean any messes with an enzymatic cleaner, and then with a deodorizer. Provide plenty of space (cats love
the third dimension of height), and avoid competition. You may need to shield your windows, or use
deterrents to keep stray cats away.
There should be at least one box per cat plus one in your house, in at least two (quiet) locations if you have
multiple cats. You may want to try different materials in each box until you see which is preferred (most
cats prefer fine-grained, clumping litter, 2- to 3-inches deep). You must scoop waste daily, and dump the
boxes weekly.
Make sure boxes are big enough for your cat, easy to access (most prefer uncovered boxes), and as natural
as possible (avoid scary mechanical boxes and "litter-free" systems).
If these tips aren't doing the trick, see your vet to discuss other options. Your cat will thank you, as will
your furniture, your floors, and your nose!
With appropriate medical treatment, diet, and care, I'm happy to report that Leo now urinates outside the
box less than twice a year.
Maia Tcheng Broussard's columns appear on the first Sunday of the month.
She has worked in the veterinary field in Durham since 1994.
Dr. Broussard is a general practitioner at Westside Animal Hospital,
a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, and has a special interest in
behavior medicine.
Contact her at MaiaBroussardDVM@gmail.com
She has worked in the veterinary field in Durham since 1994.
Dr. Broussard is a general practitioner at Westside Animal Hospital,
a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, and has a special interest in
behavior medicine.
Contact her at MaiaBroussardDVM@gmail.com