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Cats that eliminate outside of the
litter box can cause a large amount
of damage and really be a problem.
It is not typical for a cat to do
this unless it is stressed. It is
helpful to know if you cat is
spraying or marking. Spraying is on
vertical surfaces and marking is
usually on the floor. Bowel
movements are often times marking.
If you have more than one cat, make
sure you know which one is doing
this.
The first step once a cat has
started inappropriate elimination is
to make sure there is not a medical
problem, such as a bladder infection
or diabetes. After you have ruled
out a medical problem, here are some
steps that may be helpful in
stopping the problem:
Check to see if you can identify
what triggered the problem:
1.
Have you done anything different
about the litter box?
a.
Did you get a new litter box?
a.
Did you get new litter?
a.
Did you forget to clean the litter
regularly?
a.
Did you move the litter box to a new
area? The location of the litter box
is critical. It needs to be in a
quiet, low foot-traffic place.
Note: if you have answered yes to
any of the above or have made any
other changes, go back to how it
used to be and see if the problem
resolves.
2.
Is there a new cat that your cat can
see outside the window?
a.
Put up a barrier to your cat can't
see the other cat for a few days and
see if the problem stops.
2.
Has someone started to yell at the
cat?
a.
Change the situation so that cat and
the person get along.
a.
Have that person give the cat treats
when they are around.
2.
Any new additions to the household?
a.
Since there many possible scenarios,
please contact us at 503
684-3132 for further information on your
specific situation.
If these methods haven't stopped the
problem, set up a room for your cat.
Have the litter, food, water and bed
in that room. Only let your cat out
of his/her room when you are with
he/she. You are providing a secure
environment for your cat when you do
this. After your cat has adapted to
the room and is not having
accidents, you can let he/she out
for longer periods of time. As soon
as another accident occurs, confine
your cat again. |
The Doctor's Corner ... Eliminating
Out of the Box
