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