Litter Box Blues
by Terri Symonds Grow with Annie Bruce
Cats don't normally urinate outside the
litter box unless something is wrong. If your cat is crying
or straining while urinating, squatting repeatedly as if
he can sit still, has blood in his urine, making frequent
trips to the litter box, repeatedly cleaning himself as
if he is uncomfortable, take your cat to your veterinarian
immediately. Do not assume it is behavioral. While the cause
may be, trying to figure it out during a health crisis is
not the appropriate time. Life threatening medical factors
must be ruled out first. Urinating outside the litter box
can be a sign of illnesses such as feline urologic syndrome,
bladder inflammation, bowel disorders, kidney stones, epilepsy,
and more.
However, once any medical disorder has
been ruled out or an acute problem is under control, it's
time to assess your cat's total health care from a holistic
perspective. Cat consultant Annie Bruce figures more than
half the calls she receives are about cat urination problems.
She contributes stress as the leading cause of litter box
problems, which can be brought on by emotional, environmental,
as well as physical problems.
- Poor diet and lack of exercise.
A dry-food-only, unbalanced or unvaried diet can contribute
to kidney, liver, or bladder problems. Allergic reactions
to certain foods may also prompt problems.
- Change. Disruption in daily routine and their environment-moving,
new family additions, vacations, can be very stressful to
some cats.
- Declawing. Declawing makes it difficult for a cat
to cover its waste, often causing greater litter box problems.
- Poor environment. Violence, overcrowding, loneliness,
boredom, sharp smells, loud noises or humans arguing extensively
make a cat's life stressful.
- Litter box. A dirty litter box, one in a poor location,
or even an electronic cleaning one may repulse, frighten,
or intimidate a cat into refusing the litter box.
- Territorial challenges. Seeing or smelling a strange
cat around their home can send a cat right into litter box
retaliation. Overcrowding can also result in territorial
pressures.
- Bad chemistry. Not every cat fits into every home
and may not adjust to the new environment of other people,
cats, dogs or other pets.
Preventing Indiscriminate Elimination
Problems
Make sure your cat is eating
a quality diet with vitamins and supplements and a wide
variety of foods, plus spending daily time with you that
includes playtime and your undivided attention. If your
veterinarian is concerned that your cat is at risk for FUS,
discuss preventative natural remedies that address urinary
tract crystals, infection and irritation.
Improve the litter box experience by offering enough
litter boxes: one box per cat, plus one, and cleaning at
least once a day. Don't forget to make sure the area around
the litter box is clear for easy access. Try different litters
and box sizes, and allow your cat to choose his preference.
Remember cats may not find scented litter as appealing as
you do, and that east-to-use scoopable litters have been
associated with health problems. And, if your cat is older
or arthritic, make sure the sides of the box aren't too
high.
If your cat is urinating in potted plants or on
personal items, take precautions. Cover the dirt with pinecones
or decorative rocks and don't leave dirty clothes or bad-smelling
articles out. Some cats will urinate on items they find
offensive. Neutralize offending urine odor so as not to
attract a cat to urinate there again.
Recognize that if your cat has had a bout of FUS,
he may view the litter box as the cause of the pain. You
may need to change the box, litter or location before he's
"comfortable" again.
If your cat is spraying:
- If you haven't done so, spay or neuter your cat.
- Reduce overcrowded situations and use play therapy
to reduce tensions between cats. Consider calming herbal
formulas, flower essences, or homeopathy to help reduce
accompanying anxiety and to help address behavior and territorial
issues.
- Keep a scratching post near a window or door to
help relieve frustration or anger. Consider a low, horizontal
scratching board, scratching horizontally is another way
a cat will mark territory. Or keep a bed by the window so
that your cat can watch and protect the house, he may feel
less threatened if he can see outside.
These are just a few of the issues and
solutions to the difficult problem of indiscriminate urination
and spraying. Fortunately we are learning more and have
access to many new therapies. If you have an offending cat,
contact an animal behaviorist with experience in cat behavior
problems; take advantage of the many new books on cat behavior;
and make sure you discuss alternative therapies, such as
acupuncture, chiropractic, Tellington Touch, flower essences,
homeopathy, and herbal remedies with a holistic veterinarian.
From Cats Be Good, A Common Sense Approach
to Training Your Cat Copyright © 2000 Annie Bruce,
with references from Inappropriate Elimination by Yody Blass
of Companion Animal Behavior and Twisted Whiskers ©
Pam Johnson Bennett.
© PetSage 2000
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