Feline Soiling Problems

Litter Box Avoidance and Spraying

There are many causes of inappropriate soiling (elimination), including a highly significant rate of medical reasons. It is essential for the cat to have a full medical prior to any behaviour therapy; this may include a blood test.

In cases of litter box avoidance it is likely that the deposit of urine outside of the box is significantly large in volume, which indicates that the cat is emptying his bladder. It is more likely to be seen on horizontal surfaces rather than vertical surfaces, which indicate that it is not sprayed. However, you might also expect to see deposits of faecal matter as the cat is attempting to avoid using the litter tray for all forms of elimination.

Household routines generally may affect how a cat uses its litter tray.  For example, changes can be stressful and may precipitate house soiling. Equally, the location of the litterbox could play a significant role in the initial onset of the litter-box avoidance, due to its close proximity to an area of change and instability and/ or its close proximity to the sleeping station.

Substrate (litter) preference: Preferences for substrates to evacuate the bladder/bowels have been studied in cats. A study of several different types of litters showed that most cats prefer unscented, finely particulate litter materials as is typical of the clumping type litters over other litter options. Large particulate matter is generally not preferred for an elimination substrate for cats. Cats with elimination problems are more likely to be offered a scented litter than cats without elimination problems, suggesting that the scent may contribute to the development of elimination problems.

The cleanliness of the box and maintenance routine is often suggested as a factor contributing the cat refusing to use the litter tray. However, in a litter depth study there was anecdotal evidence to suggest that cats used the same litter-box for urination and defecation although an alternative clean box was available.

FELINE HOUSE SOILING: Urine Marking (Spraying)

Urine spraying occurs more commonly in male than female cats.  However communication via chemical signals, (spraying), can be used by both male and female cats.

During spraying, the cat will back up to a target stand with its rear end held high, tail erect and quivering and squirt a stream of urine – just prior to the urine release the cat may tread the ground with it rear paws. The increase of spraying within the home is directly related to the density of the cat population, and in a recent study the incidence of spraying increased from 25% in single cat household to 100% in those with 10 + cats.

While urine spraying is readily recognized as a type of urine marking because of the conspicuous deposition of urine on upright surfaces, some cats do urine mark on horizontal surfaces.

As well as cat overcrowding, urine spraying appears to reflect the affective (emotional) state of the animal. It has been noted that some cats will spray urine during socially stressful situations, such as adding new pets or family members to the home, visitors and also absences by the owner can cause spraying and tensions between pets.

Problems associated with elimination behaviour

   Initial learning failure                               Poor Maternal example

   Lack of toilet facilities                              Location

   Failure to bond to Litter (as a kitten)    Type of litter box (Size)

   Post trauma break down                       Cleaning regime

   Forced confinement                               Number of cats

   Fear association                                     Nervousness

  Medical condition                                    Disruption of substrate

   Litter preference                                     Overcrowding

   Litterbox with/without lid                          Old age

   Challenges to security                            Alteration to core territory