Page 2751 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

1430.e4 Inappropriate Elimination, Cat

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One substrate,
large volume Many substrates, One location, Many locations, One location, Many locations,
small volumes
large volume
small volume
small volume
large volume
Evaluate social See Subtree A See Subtree B See Subtree C See Subtree D
environment
Substrate
preference No social stressors Social stressors

Separate cats; offer
Offer multiple substrates mimicking substrates mimicking
those used (e.g., soft sand, cloth) those used

Resolved Unresolved Resolves fully—confirms marking Resolves partially—confirms
associated with stress (possible marking associated with stress
intercat aggression); may be able (possible intercat aggression)
to reintegrate cats in future

Treat anxiety with an SSRI or TCA;
will facilitate reintegration of cats

Repeat all history and
diagnostics; you missed Unresolved Resolved
something

DIAGNOSTIC SUBTREE A DIAGNOSTIC SUBTREE B DIAGNOSTIC SUBTREE C

Location Probably marking Identify social stressors
preference behavior (nonspraying and remove or prevent
marking/fecal marking) access to stressor

Move box to
location Evaluate social
environment Resolved Unresolved

Resolved Unresolved
No social stressors Social stressors
DIAGNOSTIC SUBTREE D
Nonspecific anxiety.
Treat with an SSRI Nonspecific anxiety. Treat
or TCA; monitor for anxiety with an SSRI or TCA
potential stressors. (partial serotonin agonists for
certain victims only) and with
active and passive behavioral
and environmental modification.
Resolved Unresolved
Resolved Unresolved Failing other options, allowing
outdoor access should be
considered for some
retroviral negative cats
SSRI, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting drug (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine); TCA, tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine).
UPDATED AND EDITED BY: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY: Karen L. Overall, VMD, MA, PhD, DACVB

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