Page 1021 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

47 – THE CAT WITH ANXIETY-RELATED BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS 1013

analysis, urinalysis, even radiography may be required appropriate openings, over the litter box is help-
to exclude medical causes. ful. Sometimes changing the type of litter box
also helps, such as one with higher or lower sides.
Careful questioning of the owner is important to differen-
– Make the location of the litter box more
tiate urine marking from inappropriate urination. Medical
acceptable to the cat. Place a litter box over the
problems need to be dealt with prior to, or at least con-
area being used by the cat. Then very gradually
currently with, any behavioral therapy that is instigated.
change the location of the litter box until it is in an
The treatment of a non-specific sign such as inappro- area that is more socially acceptable. This may
priate elimination is not acceptable and will ultimately mean gradual increments as small as 5 cm daily.
lead to treatment failures. – Decrease the attractiveness of the area the cat
prefers to use by changing its significance. Most
cats will not eliminate in their feeding or play
Differential diagnosis
areas so try feeding the cat in this spot. Dry cat
Medical problems need to be dealt with prior to, or at food appears to work best as it takes longer to
least concurrently with, any behavioral therapy that is consume. Some very determined cats will eat
instigated. One or several of the following should be con- the food first, then eliminate in the area.
sidered as contributing to the possible underlying causes. Superglueing 8–10 pieces of dried cat food to an
● Medical conditions such as cystitis, diarrhea, consti- old saucer or piece of cardboard and placing it in
pation, feline lower urinary tract disease, diabetes, the cat’s favorite elimination spot will provide a
renal disease and urinary incontinence. long-term stimulus of food.
– Leave the cat’s toys or bedding in the area.
– Confine the cat to a small area to retrain the cat.
Treatment
Only allow access to larger areas gradually once
Treatment of inappropriate urination and/or defe- the cat uses the litter box consistently.
cation. – Make the area less accessible and less pleasant
to the cat by covering the area with thick plastic,
After addressing any medical problem, the treatment
aluminum foil, double-sided sticky tape, Snappy
involves: (1) Increasing the attractiveness of the area
trainers, sandpaper or place trays of marbles in
the owner wants the cat to use, and (2) Decreasing the
the area so the cat cannot get a solid surface on
attractiveness of the area that the cat wants to use.
which to stand.
● Litter box problems. To help make the litter box
– If the cat persists in urinating or defecating
more attractive to the cat:
in the bath tub sometimes leaving a few inches
– Change the type of litter. Alternatives include
of water in the bottom helps to control this behavior.
sawdust, soil, rabbit pellets, shredded newspaper
● For inappropriate elimination related to anxiety,
(or recycled-paper litter), clumping litters, sand
remove or minimize the cause of the anxiety if
or other type of commercial litter. Sometimes
possible. Provide a regular predictable routine,
a combination of substrates is effective. Cats
such as feed and play at a set time each day.
appear to prefer finely textured litter that is not
too heavy (fine sand consistency). Treatment of spraying.
– Try an empty litter box for those cats that prefer ● Owner education of normal cat behavior is impor-
smooth surfaces like bath tubs and sinks. tant so that they understand that the behavior can-
– Increase the frequency with which the litter box not always be eliminated but can be managed.
is cleaned and changed. ● Treatment of any concurrent or underlying medical
– Change the cleaning agent used to clean the lit- problem is essential.
ter box. Do not use disinfectants, try using soapy ● Remove or minimize the cause of the anxiety if
water or water only. possible. Provide a regular predictable routine,
– Increase the number of litter boxes (a good rule such as feed and play at a set time each day.
of thumb is one litter box per cat and one extra). ● Environmental manipulation: This can often be
– Cover the litter box to make it more private for the difficult to achieve in practice, although theoreti-
cat. Often just putting a cardboard box, with cally it should work well. It is rarely possible or