Correcting Feline House-Soiling Issues

Usually in cases of housetraining problems with cats or kittens, there was something neglected in the social and dietary management aspects of cat care.

The term “spraying” refers to the act of a cat urinating on a vertical surface.

In male cats, spraying is frequently a technique used to “mark their territory”. Contrary to popular belief, female cats (both spayed and intact) and neutered male cats can and do spray also.

House-soiling can be a frustrating and difficult problem to solve.

Follow these suggestions to try to correct house-soiling issues:

Have your cat examined to rule out any medical issues which may be causing or contributing to his/her house-soiling habits.

If there is more than one cat in the household, make sure there is more than one litter box. Provide at least one litter box for each cat. It is even advisable to have an extra box. So, for instance, if there are 3 cats in the household, there should be 4 litter boxes.

Make sure to place litter boxes in a quiet area where your cat will not be disturbed or frightened while using the box.

Litter boxes should be cleaned daily and refreshed with new litter at least once each week. Litter boxes must be large enough to allow several eliminations without your cat having to step on a previously used spot.

Try different types of litter. Some cats have preferences. Generally, the scoopable litters are more frequently accepted and are also easier to maintain. It may also be necessary to avoid litters with strong fragrances associated with them.

Some cats prefer the privacy that a hooded box provides and others do not. You may need to experiment to find out what your cat prefers.

If you are currently using a liner in the bottom of the litter box, try removing it. Some cats do not like the feel of the liner under their feet.

Do not leave food out all the time. Feed twice daily to allow supervision afterward for at least one hour. This gives you the opportunity to guide your cat to the litter box.

Plan a 5- minute play session with your cat in the morning and at night.

In the event that spraying has followed an invasion of your cat’s territory by a new baby, guest, new cat, etc., more upbeat, playful attention should be given to your cat at times when the invader first enters his/her area. This helps associate the target of jealousy with pleasure, rather than social neglect.

If your cat sprays in your presence, try triggering a startling reflex of other than human origin. This might be dropping a pot or slapping a table with your hand or ruler. This sudden noise should stop the urination, allowing you to take your cat to the litter box. It is often necessary to remain there with him/her until the proper duties are performed and then be sure to praise lavishly.

Cleaning up soiled spots should be done while your cat is placed in another room. There are odor neutralizers that will remove the odor, not just cover it up. Remember also that many cleaners contain ammonia, which is a normal constituent of urine. That only makes matters worse, so do not use these types of cleaners.

Start feeding your cat at the location of the soiling. Leave the food dish, even though empty, down at the spot until the next meal. If several areas are soiled, split the feeding into however many dishes are required to cover the areas. One owner required 17 dishes before the problem was resolved. Bowls may start to be removed slowly after a minimum of four days without soiling. If regression occurs, you must reinstate feeding in each spot until another dry spell is accomplished. This program is usually successful in six weeks or less.

Finally, though spaying or neutering is not guaranteed to stop or prevent house-soiling, it is definitely recommended.