  |
|
|
|
Inappropriate Urination in CatsWhat To Do When Cats Wee in the Wrong Place
Cats are usually very clean, learning to use a litter tray or go outside from an early age. But sometimes this behaviour breaks down. Why, and what should the owner do?
It is a real problem for the owner if a cat who has previously always used a litter tray or gone outside to pee suddenly starts to use other, inappropriate locations. Why does this happen, and what can one do about it? Is There a Medical Problem?If a cat with previous faultless toilet problems suddenly starts to wee in the wrong places, the first thing to do is take him or her to the vet, as there may be a medical problem. It could be that the cat has a urinary infection or some other difficulty, making it difficult for him to ‘hold on’. Older cats too, tend to get ‘caught short’, and sometimes have trouble reaching the litter tray. They may also find it hard to climb into it if they are arthritic or less mobile than they used to be. The vet should be able to say if there is a problem of this type. Does the Cat Feel Safe?Cats, like people, want to relieve themselves somewhere where there is no danger and they can relax. Cats who previously urinated outside may refuse to do so if, for example, they have encountered a new cat or the neighbourhood bully. Or it may be that the weather is bad, and the cat, feeling the cold perhaps more than when he was younger, no longer feels happy about relieving himself in the cold and rain. Litter trays also need to be in a location where the cat feels safe. If there are other cats in the household, is one of them guarding the litter tray and terrorizing the others? The rule if this sort of thing is happening is to have one litter tray per cat, plus one more, in different locations. Then the bully cat cannot possibly guard all of them. Some cats prefer the privacy of covered litter trays, but larger cats or long-haired cats may find it hard to fit inside these, or to turn around. This can be the reason for a cat who puts his front paws in the litter tray, but not his back end! Is the Litter Tray Near the Food?Cats, again like people, don’t like to pee in their dining room! If the litter tray is too near their food, they may refuse to use it. Does the New Location Now Smell Like a Toilet?Once a cat has become used to a new location for urinating, it will smell ‘right’ to him, and he will continue to use it. Therefore the owner will need to clean it thoroughly, ensuring that no smell of cat urine remains. It is best to use a proprietary pet stain cleaner designed for this purpose. It might then be advisable to feed the cat in that area, just to reinforce the idea that this is no longer a toilet. If the above rules are followed and the owner is patient, the cat should go back to being clean. If not, on no account should he be chastised or punished. There is a reason for his behaviour, and the advice of a competent animal behaviour counsellor should be sought. SourceThey Wee on the Carpet, Your Cat, October 2008. Related ArticlesThe Contented Multi-Cat Household Cats - Keep Indoors or Go Outside?
The copyright of the article Inappropriate Urination in Cats in Cat Care is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Inappropriate Urination in Cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
