Changes

==Identifying the Culprit==

==Identifying the Culprit==

It is very important to properly identify the culprit(s) for the indoor housesoiling, particularly when treatment with psychoactive medication is being considered. It is common for more than one cat in a multi-cat household to be involved, particularly when the problem is indoor spray marking.   

It is very important to properly identify the culprit(s) of the indoor housesoiling, particularly when treatment with psychoactive medication is being considered. It is common for more than one cat in a multi-cat household to be involved, particularly when the problem is indoor spray marking.   

===Identifying Cats Responsible Faecal Soiling===

===Identifying Cats Responsible Faecal Soiling===

===Using Fluorescein to Identify Cats Responsible for Urine Marking or Elimination===

===Using Fluorescein to Identify Cats Responsible for Urine Marking or Elimination===

When ingested, fluorescein dye is excreted intact in urine, and can be made to fluoresce using a UV lamp. This can be used to identify the cat responsible for leaving urine deposits. A dose of 50mg/cat once daily is given, which is equivalent to the amount of dye in the tips of six fluorescein test strips (commonly used for ulcer detection in ophthalmology)<ref>Neilson, J. (2003) Feline House Soiling: Elimination and Marking Behaviors. "Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice". 33(2):287-301.</ref>. However, the fluorescence of fluorescein varies considerably with pH<ref>Sjoback, R., Nygren, J., Kubista, M. (1995) Absorption and fluorescence properties of fluorescein. "Spectrochimica Acta Part A". 52. 7-21.</ref>, such that it only strongly fluoresces in a neutral or alkaline solution; in an acidic solution it may hardly fluoresce at all. Spots may therefore need to be sprayed with a buffer solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which will produce a pH of around 8, before testing with a UV lamp.  

When ingested, fluorescein dye is excreted intact in urine, and can be made to fluoresce using a UV lamp. This can be used to identify the cat responsible for leaving urine deposits. A dose of 50mg/cat once daily is given, which is equivalent to the amount of dye in the tips of six fluorescein test strips (commonly used for ulcer detection in ophthalmology)<ref>Neilson, J. (2003) Feline House Soiling: Elimination and Marking Behaviors. "Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice". 33(2):287-301.</ref>. However, the fluorescence of fluorescein varies considerably with pH<ref>Sjoback, R., Nygren, J., Kubista, M. (1995) Absorption and fluorescence properties of fluorescein. "Spectrochimica Acta Part A". 52. 7-21.</ref>, so that it only strongly fluoresces in a neutral or alkaline solution; in an acidic solution it may hardly fluoresce at all. Spots may therefore need to be sprayed with a buffer solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which will produce a pH of around 8, before testing with a UV lamp.  

* Fluorescein is available as large sterile paper strips, for ophthalmic examination. These contain approximately 9 mg of fluorescein per tip, but this should be checked with the manufacturer.

* Fluorescein is available as large sterile paper strips, for ophthalmic examination. These contain approximately 9 mg of fluorescein per strip, but this should be checked with the manufacturer.

* The dye containing tips of six test strips are torn off and either rolled to fit into gelatine capsules, or chopped up and mixed with food.

* The dye containing tips of six test strips are torn off and either rolled to fit into gelatine capsules, or chopped up and mixed with food.

* This dose is given once daily for 1-3 days, depending on results.

* This dose is given once daily for 1-3 days, depending on results.

Owners must be warned of this, because considerable damage can result. In addition, it is best to start by dosing those cats which are believed least likely to be responsible for the urine deposits. Using this method it is possible to make an identification based on exclusion, and therefore avoid any dye contamination of the owner's home.

Owners must be warned of this, because considerable damage can result. In addition, it is best to start by dosing those cats which are believed least likely to be responsible for the urine deposits. Using this method it is possible to make an identification based on exclusion, and therefore avoid any dye contamination of the owner's home.

===Use of video cameras===

===Use of Video Cameras===

Most mobile devices have a video capability, and webcams are relatively cheap. Movement triggered apps and software enable the video function to be activated when cat comes into range. If certain locations are regularly marked or soiled, movement triggered video recording can be used to identify the culprit. This can be particularly valuable when it is suspected that urine marks are being deposited by non-resident cats entering the home.

Most mobile devices have a video capability, and webcams are relatively cheap. Movement triggered apps and software enable the video function to be activated when a cat comes into range. If certain locations are regularly marked or soiled, movement triggered video recording can be used to identify the culprit. This can be particularly valuable when it is suspected that urine marks are being deposited by non-resident cats entering the home.

==Cooperation Between Cat Owners==

==Cooperation Between Cat Owners==