HOUSESOILING
Steps to Eliminating this Behavior
Inappropriate behavior by
pets can be frustrating to pet owners. Feline house soiling has
become a serious pet behavior issue,
and according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA),
more cats and dogs are euthanized each year as a result of
behavior problems than for medical reasons. Pet owners become
frustrated by their inability to change or control a pet's
behavior and euthanasia is too often the result.
House soiling is the most common behavioral problem faced by cat
owners, according to AAHA. Although the problem is
serious, there is a basic approach which may help pet owners and
veterinarians work together to put an end to the problem.
Diagnosing the cause of a house soiling problem usually involves
some basic investigative work and a willingness to make some
adjustments to the pets' living environment, according to Wayne
Hunthausen, DVM, an AAHA veterinarian who specializes in animal
behavior issues. Identifying the problem, eliminating or avoiding
the stimuli causing the problem, and re-establishing use of the
litter box are keys to the solution. "The first step in
solving a house soiling problem is to find out whether the cat is
spraying, an activity usually associated with marking its
territory, or eliminating inappropriately outside its litter box,
which is usually related to a change in the cat's
environment," said Dr. Hunthausen. Spraying involves
urinating on vertical objects; inappropriate elimination is the
act of squatting to defecate or urinate on horizontal surfaces
outside the litter box.
"We have to do some detective work which usually includes a
30 - 60 minute history of the pet," said Dr. Hunthausen.
"It's
important for us to evaluate whether or not the behavior is being
caused by medical conditions, diseases of the bladder or lower
urinary tract. If the pet is cleared of medical problems related
to the behavior, we can begin to investigate the various stimuli
that may be responsible for the animal's actions."
There are many things a pet owner can do to discourage a cat from
inappropriate house soiling. Booby traps, placed in the
location of the soiling, may discourage pets from repeating the
behavior in the same location again, Dr. Hunthausen said. Tricks
include two-sided carpet tape, which pets don't like to walk on,
a string of empty pop cans, small alarms set off by motion,
balloons set up to pop against a tack on the wall if bumped by
the cat, and mouse traps set upside down provide a quick, safe
scare to the cat. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian
before setting up any traps.
There are many causes for inappropriate elimination. An
accumulation of waste, organic odor, the odor from a
disinfectant, pain associated with elimination, changing the
litter box or litter, or a negative experience associated with
the litter box may cause the pet to urinate or defecate outside
the box. The litter box may be in an area the cat doesn't like.
There may be too much traffic in the area, or the cat may
associate the location with a bad experience.
Spraying is a marking behavior which includes a cat directing a
stream of urine on an upright surface. Intact males or females in
heat are more likely to engage in this type of behavior. Commonly
sprayed objects include doors or window, new objects in the
house, and furniture. Spraying behaviors are usually related to
the individual cat, hormones and temperament. Environmental
stimuli that may upset the cat include a new roommate, a new cat
in the neighborhood, remodeling, moving, redecorating, etc. In
addition, a change in the pet's relationship with the owner,
including a change in work schedules, moving, long absences from
home, spending less time with a pet, or inappropriate punishment
can result in house soiling. Sometimes, just the suggestion that
another pet has invaded its territory, like when one pet owner
visits another home with the smell of their pet on their
clothing, can cause the pet to spray.
As with other behavior problems, a complete history on the pet is
important to the diagnosis. Pet owners should consult their
veterinarian and can assist in the diagnosis by providing
information regarding relevant changes in the cat's environment,
whether the soiling involves, urine, stool, or both, how
frequently the problem occurs, and a description of what steps
have been taken to try and correct the problems.
The American Animal Hospital Association is an international
organization of more than 12,000 veterinarians who treat
companion animals. Established in 1933, the association is well
known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals
and pet health care.
