Inappropriate behavior
If your cat is exhibiting inappropriate behavior, such as not using a litter pan or spraying, be sure to take the cat to his veterinarian as there could very possibly be a medical issue that if left untreated can become behavioral issue.
Some medical causes are that can lead a cat to urinate outside of the litter box:
- A urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder stones may cause your cat to seek alternate locations in hopes of avoiding the pain of urination. Additionally, your cat may hold the urine for long periods of time (to avoid the pain) and then have a sudden urgency to urinate.
- Several diseases, notably diabetes and chronic renal failure (CRF) can make your cat urinate very frequently. Your cat may find it necessary to urinate immediately, regardless of location.
- Arthritis and other orthopedic diseases can make walking, and possibly climbing into the litter box, difficult for your older cat. He may not be able to make it to a box in time to avoid an accident.
Behavioral causes of inappropriate elimination fall into two main categories:
- Litter box aversion: in which a cat develops an aversion to something related to the litter box. This could include the type of litter, the location of the box or even the kind of box. A medical problem could cause the initial aversion, which your cat may recall even after the medical issue is cleared up.
- Spraying or Marking: it is unneutered male cats who tend to do most of the spraying. They will spray over household furnishings, curtains, sofas…the lot. Not only can cat spray stain, it also leaves a less than pleasant smell. One method of stopping this problem is to have the cat neutered. There are also issues with aggression and anxiety. Please consult with your veterinarian for appropriate ways to address these issues.
A cat with such behavior problems is the least adoptable cat at the shelter and should not be relinquished to a shelter. These cats will most likely be euthanized in the end. So please try to address these issues in the home that cat lives in.
