Help! My Cat is Going Outside of the Litter Box!!

One of the most common behavioural and health issues vets see in cats is eliminating outside of the litter box.

Inappropriate Elimination is the term for pooping or piddling outside of the litter box, and is very frustrating for pet owners and, in some cases, can take many months to help sort out the triggers and underlying cause.

This behaviour can stem from various causes, ranging from medical conditions to stress-related issues. Here's how to address this problem effectively.

Possible Causes of Inappropriate Elimination:

Medical Issues:

• Urinary Tract Problems: Symptoms like urinary tract infections, increased urine production due to diseases such as diabetes, or pain from crystals/stones might prompt your cat to avoid the litter box.

• Bowel Discomfort: Constipation or diarrhoea can lead to defecation outside the box.

• Arthritis in Older Cats: Cats over 12 might find it painful to access the litter box, leading them to eliminate elsewhere.

Behavioural and Environmental Factors:

• Urine Marking: Often a sign of anxiety or stress, which might require an anxiety medication trial.

• Litter Box Aversion: If the issue isn't marking or medical, enhancing the litter box environment and retraining habits is crucial.

Steps to Address the Problem

1. Gather Information:

• History: Detail what, where, and how often your cat is eliminating outside the box. Note any recent household changes like new family members, pets, or renovations.

• Note down the type/brand of litter, size of the litter box, how often it is cleaned, how many cats and how many litter boxes you have = all essential information for your vet.

2. Medical Evaluation by the Vet:

• Physical Exam and Urinalysis: Essential to rule out or confirm medical issues. If a medical cause is found, treatment might involve medication and a dietary shift to canned food for better hydration and nutrition.

3. Behavioural Modification

• Confinement: Limit your cat to areas where the litter box is the only option, encouraging proper use.

• Environment Changes: Remove alternative elimination spots (e.g., pick up rugs, secure laundry in bins) to steer your cat back to the litter box. They love to piddle in dirty laundry or towels on the laundry or bathroom floor if they are not happy with the litter box.

4. Addressing Anxiety:

• Medication Trial: For cats where anxiety is confirmed, anti-anxiety medication might be necessary alongside behavioural strategies.

• Consistency: Medication works best with a concurrent behavioural modification plan.

• Identify Stress: Work out what is stressing out your kitty and slowly make adjustments (A new cat/dog/loud neighbours/workman/change of litter substrate, renovations, moving etc).

Understanding the Cat's Perspective:

• Cats can be very sensitive to changes that might seem minor to us but are significant to them. Once a cat starts eliminating inappropriately, it can become a habit or even encourage other cats to do the same; hence, this is one problem you want to see your vet sooner rather than later.

Summary:

If your cat begins to eliminate outside the litter box, please contact your vet promptly. Early intervention can prevent the development of bad habits and minimise property damage. Remember, addressing both the medical and behavioral aspects is key to resolving this issue and ensuring your cat's well-being and reducing your own stress caused by this particular pet problem.