Back in the Box - Solving Litterbox Problems

What possesses an otherwise well-behaved cat to urinate in your shoes? It’s nothing personal. In fact, urinating outside the litterbox (called inappropriate urination or inappropriate elimination) is one of the most common complaints among cat owners. Whether the cause is medical, hormonal, or behavioral, getting to the root of the problem is the key to proper treatment.

ADDRESS MEDICAL CONDITIONS

“The first step is to consult with a veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying medical reasons for this behavior,” according to Jacqueline Neilson, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon.

Medical conditions such as bladder stones, constipation, or urinary tract infections may cause cats to shun the litterbox. Possible signs of an underlying medical issue include bloody urine, licking at the genital area, or straining to urinate. Cats may associate the pain or discomfort of elimination with the litterbox and choose to do their business elsewhere.

MARKING VERSUS HOUSE SOILING

If there are no underlying medical conditions, it is important to distinguish whether the cat is marking or urinating. When urinating, a cat squats and releases a large volume of liquid on a horizontal surface. When urine marking, a cat usually stands upright, with his tail erect and quivering, hind legs shifting from side to side, and sprays liquid onto vertical surfaces. A marking cat will occasionally squat and deposit urine on a horizontal surface.

“Urine marking is considered a normal communication behavior among cats,” says Dr. Neilson. “It’s simply one cat’s way of notifying (via pee-mail) other cats of his or her territory.” Although any cat can exhibit marking behaviors, intact male cats are by far the biggest culprits. “Ninety percent of male cats stop urine marking after being neutered,” reports Dr. Neilson.

LITTERBOX PREFERENCES

Cats may avoid the litterbox if it isn’t clean enough, if they don’t like the texture or scent of the litter, or if the box is located in a noisy and/or high-traffic area. Determining the preferences for each cat may require trying different litters or moving litterbox locations. As a general rule, owners should provide one litterbox per cat in the household, plus one more.

REDUCING HOUSEHOLD STRESS

Inappropriate elimination can also occur because the cat is experiencing stress or anxiety related to other pets, children, or recent changes in the household. Although the therapeutic plan should be tailored to the specific situation, Dr. Neilson suggests that owners:

• Create a safe haven for the cat that is off-limits to other pets or children
• Provide high perches where the cat can escape from stressors
• Use a synthetic pheromone product, which can have a calming effect
• Provide an enriched environment for the cat (e.g., toys, scratching posts)
• Discourage neighborhood cats from approaching doors and windows

In some cases, behavioral medications may be necessary. “Although litterbox issues can be frustrating for owners,” says Dr. Neilson, “most can be resolved.”

CREATING A CAT-FRIENDLY LITTER BOX

Owners can take a number of steps to make the litterbox more appealing to cats:

Try different types of litter.

• Most cats prefer fine-grained, unscented, clumping litter.
• Start with a litter depth of one to two inches, and adjust to the cat’s preference.

Use the right size and type of box.

• Litterboxes should be 1.5 times the length of the largest cat.
• Provide kittens and older, arthritic cats with boxes that have lower sides.
• Covered boxes may restrict movement and trap odors, so consider offering an uncovered option.

Clean litterboxes frequently.

• Remove feces and urine balls at least once a day.
• Change clumping litter at least once a month and clay litter at least once a week.
• Wash litterboxes with mild dish soap when changing litter.
• Avoid cleansers with ammonia or strong fragrances.

Choose a private but accessible location for the box.

• Do not place litterboxes near noisy appliances.
• Provide at least one litterbox for each floor of the house.

Discourage use of previous elimination sites.

• Thoroughly clean them using an enzymatic cleaner.
• If necessary, block access to the area.
• If all else fails, place a litterbox in that location.