The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital and Hotel |
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Does Your Cat Urinate Outside The Catbox? |
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Cat’s who urinate inappropriately can be one of the most frustrating things
we, as masters, (cat’s don’t have owners) can deal with. With a little
understanding of the reasons why our beloved cats begin doing this seemingly
spiteful behavior, we can take positive steps toward finding a resolution. Inappropriate urination can occur for two different reasons. It can indicate a medical problem or it can be a behavioral problem. Indeed, most of the behavioral reasons a cat may urinate outside the box are not truly them “behaving badly” but rather them reacting to something in their environment that is not acceptable to them. It then becomes our problem to figure out what our cats are telling us. Cats can experience many different medical reasons for inappropriate urination. It is a common misunderstanding that the only medical reason is a bladder infection. Cats can also get a condition called cystitis that is even more common than a simple bladder infection. Some cats can also have microscopic crystals in their bladders that can cause irritation. To make it even more confusing, cystitis and crystals can occur off and on throughout a cat’s life. This means those cats that only urinate inappropriately once and awhile can also be experiencing a medical problem. Some disease processes that older cats experience as they age can also cause inappropriate urination. The most common symptoms of a medical problem are frequent attempts to urinate, a smaller amount of urine, and taking longer to actually pass the urine. However, every cat experiences a different level of discomfort. Some will seemingly not show any abnormalities and others will be obviously uncomfortable but will still use the cat box. It is not true that cats who spray (release urine on a vertical surface such as a wall) do not have medical conditions. Although spraying has been equated with behavioral marking, it could still indicate a medical condition. The absolute most important thing to do with any cat that is urinating outside the cat box or who seems uncomfortable while urinating, is to have a veterinarian examine the cat and check the cat’s urine. It is unfair and ineffective to spend months blaming a cat for urinating inappropriately when it may not be his/her fault. Another important thing to always remember is that because the opening in the tip of the penis in male cats is so small, any medical condition can potentially create a plug or obstruction that will take away your cats ability to pass urine. This condition can become very life threatening in 24-48hours. If you are ever unsure if your cat is passing urine, and he is male, seek veterinary attention immediately. If your cat truly has a behavioral reason for inappropriate urination, there are some causes that seem to be fairly common. The first is that the litter box is unacceptable to them. It could be that the cleanliness of the box is not adequate. Either the box is not scooped frequently, or the clean litter had absorbed the odor of the urine/stool. The box may be in an area that is noisy or too busy (with either people or other animal traffic). Many cats do not like covers on their boxes for the same reason that we do…because they trap odors inside. Scented litters can be overpowering and some litters are too dusty. Some cats like chunky litter and some like very fine litter. Offering your cat a choice can help. Are there enough boxes in the house? The rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one additional. Are they separated so the cats have a choice of locations? Are the boxes big enough so that your cat can dig and squat comfortably? Is there enough litter or is the litter too shallow? Is your older cat too weak or arthritic to travel across the house or up and down stairs several times daily just to use the box? Has something (or someone) ever scared your cat while he/she was using the box? A great deal of litter box problems are our fault because we do not like cat boxes or the maintenance they require. Ask yourself honestly if you could be doing more in any of these areas. Another common reason that cats urinate inappropriately when there is not a medical condition may be an issue with other cats, either within your house or other neighborhood cats. Even indoor cats can see, smell, and react to cats that may wander through your yard. Is your cat comfortable with all the humans in the house? What about dogs? Have you moved recently or made any large changes in the family or the house itself? Odor control is critically important for those inappropriate areas where your cat may have already frequented. You do not want your cat to continue smelling his/her urine and “think” that area is now acceptable for voiding. A black light works well to spot those areas of urine you may not even know about. The best odor control products are the ones with natural enzymes. These products actually help to break down the odor causing molecules in the urine. Limiting your cat access to previously soiled areas may also help. |
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9151 Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704 (208) 327-7706 FAX (208) 327-0676 |
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HOURS: Mon/Wed/Fri 8-6 | Tues/Thurs 8-7 | Sat 8-1 |
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