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House soiling is one of the most frustrating issues that we cat lovers can experience. Whether is is urinating outside the litter box or defecating outside the box, we often feel that our feline friends are “mad” at us. Sometimes our friends will do both.
Cats do not act out of spite. That may bear some repeating. Cat do not act out of spite. They prefer to use litter to urinate and defecate. When they stop using the box, it is a sign that something is wrong. Another point to know is that for cats urinating and defecating are very different things to cats. Sometimes they will use the box for urinating, but not defecating. Sometimes they will defecate, but urinate outside the box. For us as humans, we always use the same location.
Where to start? Most of us who live with cats are quick to consider it a behavioral issue. Actually there are 3 different categories for house soiling.
First issues are medical.
For stool, there can be a variety of medical issues which include but not limited to parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, and cancer. Your veterinarian may want to run various diagnostic test to help rule out these different diseases.
The second reason for stool house soiling can be a toileting issues. There is something that your cat does not like about the litter box. It may be but not limited to a new litter, the location of the box, and the cleanliness of the box. Cats do not defecate outside the box as a marking behavior.
As to urine there are 3 reasons for house soiling.
As with stool, medical reasons should be investigated first. These can include but not limited to diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, crystal urea, stones, infection, and cancer.
Toileting is similar as with stool.
Last is marking or stress behavior. This is a normal reaction to stress for the cat, but not a socially acceptable one for the humans that live with them.
Fortunately there is help, but it can challenging to make things right.
We have behavioral consults to work with these issues. Medical issues should always be investigated first.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has release new guidelines that are very helpful. Click here for more information
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