Understanding Inappropriate Elimination

Inappropriate elimination, the most common feline behavioral problem, can cause pet owners to take drastic measures. Most cats have underlying causes for eliminating outside of their litter box. A visit to your veterinarian office can rule out bladder inflammation, diabetes, renal disease, and hyperthyroidism.

What can you do at home?

1)  Have enough litter boxes in the home. You should have one extra litter box than the number of cats in the household. So if you have three cats, you need four litter boxes.

2) Hooded litter boxes trap odors inside and should be avoided.

3) Clumping litter best simulates sand and soil and is preferred by most cats. Once a desirable litter is found do not make changes, cats are creatures of habit.

4) The litter box should be scooped daily, or several times a day if there are multiple pets. Also the box should be completely emptied and scrubbed once monthly.

5) Location of the box is also important, cats often avoid litter boxes in walkways and prefer those in a somewhat secluded location. We all like our privacy :)

6) Height of the litter box can be important for very young or senior kitties. Arthritic cats can have difficulty climbing in or out of litter boxes with sides that are 4 inches high or more.

The smell of urine will attract a cat, so it is imperative if you have found areas of elimination  outside of the litter box that the urine be removed from the carpet, furniture, and bedding. If the item is washable do so with hot water and bleach (if possible). Use a black light to find all soiled carpet areas. Treating the carpet pad is paramount. Pour a half cup of water on the area and spray with Zero Odor or Nature's Miracle. Also you can use a feliway diffuser which should be plugged into an outlet in good zones, cats will not urinate or defecate in these areas.