Toileting Problems in Cats

Pet Care

Cronulla Veterinary Clinic provides veterinary services for cats in Sutherland Shire.

Does your cat have issues related to toileting? Many cats do, and these problems can be horrible to clean up. Luckily, there are ways to deal with them, which we’ll share in this article.

Common problems related to toileting for cats are:

  1. Marking or Spraying.

  2. Going to the toilet outside the litter tray.

  3. Showing signs of pain or stress while going to the toilet.

Let’s talk a little more about the causes and solutions for each of these issues.

1. Marking or Spraying:

The cat backs up to a vertical area, such as a wall, and then will urinate a small amount of urine horizontally backwards, often while quivering his tail.

This is one of the ways that cats communicate with one another. These “messages” are aimed at cats from a different social group (“strangers”). It leaves a visual and scent message, and has a long-lasting effect. The aim is to avoid confrontation between social groups, and therefore reduces the risk of fighting and injury. Un-desexed (intact) male cats often show this kind of behaviour.

But also, if cats become anxious about their territory inside the house, for example because of other cats in the household that are NOT part of their social group, or neighbouring cats entering their backyard, or even human visitors or changes in routine, they can start spraying inside the house.

This is natural for cats — but a big problem for most owners.

2. Going to the toilet outside the litter tray (inappropriate urination/defecation)

In this case the cat goes to the toilet normally (in a squatting position, and urinating a

larger volume — as opposed to urine spraying where small amounts are being squirted against a vertical target) but in the wrong place. You may find the cat sniffing and investigating the new toilet area before actually going. Often, the toileting is done on a horizontal area, usually a quiet location or a preferred substrate such as a rug, clothes etc.

The usual reason for this is unhappiness with the current litter tray situation. This could be because the cat doesn’t like the litter tray type (sandy vs. granular vs. paper based vs. crystals…) or because the litter tray has been used before (by them or by another cat) – cats are very clean creatures, if they think the litter tray is too soiled they will choose another area, or in multi cat households there can be (very subtle) conflict between cats over a litter tray.

To make using litter trays more attractive, various things can be tried. Here are a few ideas:

  • Trial various litter tray substrates to see which one your cats like best

  • Have enough trays in the house. The general rule is “one per cat (plus one extra)” with the litter trays spread out in different locations in the house, and ideally in quieter out-of-the-way spots.

  • Trial different types of trays as well. Some cats like covered trays, some like open trays, and some trays have sides that are too high and more difficult to get into. (If one cat would always spray against one particular wall, you could even put a tray on its side against that area of the wall to at least protect that wall.)

  • If you suspect your cat may have a problem with the litter tray because of a “bad experience” he or she has had while in the litter tray (for example pain due to a bladder infection, a loud noise such as a cooking pan lid clattering onto the tiles while the cat was in the tray, a scare by a dog coming up to the cat while trapped in the tray)  then you could try to retrain them, making them realise the litter tray was not the cause of the fear or pain, and to make going to the litter tray a positive experience again.

Some other possible solutions for inappropriate urination/defecation include:

  • Clean the area where they have eliminated outside of their tray first with soapy water, then with an enzymatic cleaner such as “biozet” washing powder (this will break down the organic material enzymatically) and then rinse and treat with an odour neutralizer (such as “febreze”). Special products such as “urine off” spray are available as well. Never use products based on chlorine or ammonia though!

  • Place something on the floor where they have eliminated, such as food or toys, or foil or even a pot plant. However, make sure to also provide enough attractive litter trays around, or they will find somewhere else to go.

  • In case of stress, for example either  having multiple cats in the household, neighbouring cats being close enough to be heard, seen or smelled, new furniture, new house mates etc. we may need to reduce the stress for toileting success and the cat’s welfare

  • In households with more than one cat, it is important to find out who the culprit is!

3. Showing signs of pain or stress while going to the toilet:

Going to the toilet more frequently, showing pain while urinating or defecating, or being seen going in and out of the litter tray constantly may indicate health problems that need veterinary attention. Especially if your cat doesn’t appear to be passing anything while straining to go, seek veterinary help immediately, as some health issues (like a  urinary blockage where the cat can’t urinate) can be life threatening if not addressed early.

These health problems can in return result in fear for the litter tray, risking development of “inappropriate urination” problems.

For further information, please contact Cronulla Veterinary Clinic.