Feline House Soiling

The number one reason cats are presented to a veterinary hospital is for urinary problems.  Cats urinate in inappropriate places due to stress of existing illness or a combination of stress and environment.  These issues may be related to feline lower urinary tract disease (flutd), territorial marking or litter box aversion.  The first step in identifying the cause of the inappropriate urination is to make sure the cause of the soiling is not due to some medical problem.  The medical problem could be infection, crystals or calculi (stones).  A thorough history and examination by a veterinarian can help to make decisions on what tests and treatments need to be performed.  Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital has both ultrasound and digital radiology to help identify stones and other bladder diseases.  Urinalysis is performed to assess for blood, infection, crystals, diabetes, pH, protein and concentrating ability.  Blood work also may be performed to rule out concurrent diseases.   Sometimes medications are prescribed depending on the findings.   

Marking or territorial anxiety are other causes of inappropriate urination.  For intact male and female cats, neutering and spaying may cure the problem.  Other cats and a prolonged absence of the owner may also induce this type of behavior.  Marking may be seen as spraying on an upright surface, but does not necessarily have to be this way.  Medications or calming agents such as Feliway may be helpful for urinary spraying.

Litter box aversion usually involves both urination and defecation outside of the litter box.  Aversion may occur if two or more cats share a litter box, a new brand of litter is used or the box is covered.   Other causes may be if the litter is not changed frequently, the cat had a negative experience in the box, the box is in a high traffic area or noisy area or the box is not large enough.   Besides not urinating or defecating in the box, the cat may not dig in the box or not want to sit all the way in the box.  If your cat has any problems with urination, we recommend evaluation  at Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital.  We are here for you and your cats' urinary needs!