Changes

===Marking Caused by an Internal Threat===

===Marking Caused by an Internal Threat===

If indoor marking has been caused by conflict between cats in the home then comprehensive environmental enrichments should be provided. The aim is to provide separate [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|factions]] with their own resources so that they can effectively live separately from each other whilst sharing the same domestic space. This ability to coexist without competition actually increases the likelihood that the cats will begin to associate with each other.

If indoor marking has been caused by conflict between cats in the home then '''comprehensive environmental enrichments''' should be provided. The aim is to provide separate [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|factions]] with their own resources so that they can effectively live separately from each other whilst sharing the same domestic space. This ability to coexist without competition actually increases the likelihood that the cats will begin to associate with each other.

The mixture of facial and urine marking odours impairs the sense of core territory for the cats. Urine marks are also self-perpetuating because the marker feels compelled to refresh them periodically. ''For these reasons, it is very important to remove urine odours thoroughly using the cleaning methods detailed in the box entitled ‘removing urine odours’ and on the handout in the appendix. ''Scented products and those containing ammonia should not be used

The mixture of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial]] and [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|urine marking]] odours impairs the sense of [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core territory]] for the cats. Urine marks are also self-perpetuating because the marker feels compelled to refresh them periodically. For these reasons, it is very important to [[Urine Contamination of Property|remove urine odours]] thoroughly. Scented products and those containing ammonia should not be used to clean up spray marks because they may intensify urine odours and leave an objectionable smell that encourages over-marking. F3 diffusers may be used to intensify the core territory facial and flank odours, and these scents may be harvested from the cats and then spread around the house.

to clean up spray marks because they may intensify urine odours and leave an objectionable smell that encourages over-marking. F3 diffusers may be used to intensify the core territory facial and flank odours, and these scents may be harvested from the cats and then spread around the house.

Group odour is crucial to maintaining a conflict-free multicat household and it is often apparent that relationship breakdown occurs when cats are unable to maintain this for themselves. In the same way as for treatment of '''inter-cat aggression '''in the household, it is possible to classically condition an association between the odour of a specific cat or cat-faction and the presentation of food or play ''[see figure 15.4]''. The scent is harvested from the facial and flank regions of the individual cats [or factions] onto separate cloths. The cloth from one individual or faction is then regularly presented to one of the other cats

Group odour is crucial to maintaining a conflict-free multicat household and it is often apparent that relationship breakdown occurs when cats are unable to maintain this for themselves. In the same way as for treatment of [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats in the Same Household#Treatment|inter-cat aggression in the household]], it is possible to classically condition an association between the odour of a specific cat or [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|cat-faction]] and the presentation of food or play. The scent is harvested from the facial and flank regions of the individual cats (or factions) onto separate cloths. The cloth from one individual or faction is then regularly presented to one of the other cats before giving food or play, until that cat shows a positive response to that odour. That cat’s cloth is presented in the same way to the group or individual represented by the cloth. Initially the presentation of the odour may cause some alarm. However, after repeated presentation, each cat should begin to rub against the cloth when it is presented, which indicates that the odour has been fully accepted. The body odour of the factions or individuals may then be merged, by exchanging odours between them ''[see diagram below]''. In situations where there is overt aggression between cats it is best to isolate them for a period of 1 to 2 weeks and reintroduce them as if bringing in a new cat for the first time.

before giving food or play, until that cat shows a positive response to that odour. That cat’s cloth is presented in the same way to the group or individual represented by the cloth. Initially the presentation of the odour may cause some alarm. However, after repeated presentation each cat should begin to rub against the cloth when it is presented, which indicates that the odour has been fully accepted. The body odour of the factions or individuals may then be merged, by exchanging odours between them ''[see diagram below]''. In

situations where there is overt aggression between cats it is best to isolate them for a period of 1 to 2 weeks and reintroduce them as if bringing in a new cat for the first time.

Marking sites can be made less attractive for cats in a number of ways, but it has to be remembered that, if the motivation is strong, this will merely displace the activity elsewhere. Deterrent methods must therefore be used in combination with other environmental modifications. Cats are generally reluctant to spray or midden close to feeding sites, so small bowls may be put close to spraying locations. This also increases the number of feeding places. Odour deterrents should be avoided, because these may actually draw attention to spray sites or produce odours that the cat will deliberately overmark. Sheets of aluminium foil or plastic can serve to protect the floor around a spray site and may deter cats from going there. These methods are best used for isolated locations where it is imperative that the cat does not spray, such as around electrical equipment.

'''Marking sites can be made less attractive''' for cats in a number of ways, but it has to be remembered that, if the motivation is strong, this will merely displace the activity elsewhere. Deterrent methods must therefore be used in combination with other environmental modifications. Cats are generally reluctant to spray or midden close to feeding sites, so small bowls may be put close to spraying locations. This also increases the number of feeding places. Odour deterrents should be avoided, because these may actually draw attention to spray sites or produce odours that the cat will deliberately overmark. Sheets of aluminium foil or plastic can serve to protect the floor around a spray site and may deter cats from going there. These methods are best used for isolated locations where it is imperative that the cat does not spray, such as around electrical equipment.

Claw marking often exists as a sub-problem in indoor marking cats. Claw marks have a similar territorial function to urine spraying and the rate of claw marking may increase along with other forms of indoor marking. Providing cats with good claw marking sites that fit with their need to defend territory can be an effective way to displace the pattern of marking from spraying to clawing. Most owners find this desirable. Claw marking posts or pads may be positioned close to windows, doorways and cat doors. They are made more attractive by rubbing them against existing clawing sites and then raking them with a wire brush to simulate real claw marks. Bold vertical stripes made with a permanent marker pen will draw attention to the object as a suitable clawing place. Undesirable claw marking can be deterred by daily  application of F3 spray, combined with the provision of a nearby alternative scratching place. ''Client information on the provision of clawing places is provided in a handout in the appendix.''

'''[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Claw Marks|Claw marking]]''' often exists as a sub-problem in indoor marking cats. Claw marks have a similar territorial function to [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|urine spraying]] and the rate of claw marking may increase along with other forms of indoor marking. Providing cats with good claw marking sites that fit with their need to defend territory can be an effective way to displace the pattern of marking from spraying to clawing. Most owners find this desirable. Claw marking posts or pads may be positioned close to windows, doorways and cat doors. They are made more attractive by rubbing them against existing clawing sites and then raking them with a wire brush to simulate real claw marks. Bold vertical stripes made with a permanent marker pen will draw attention to the object as a suitable clawing place. Undesirable claw marking can be deterred by daily  application of F3 spray, combined with the provision of a nearby alternative scratching place. ''Client information on the provision of clawing places is provided in a handout in the appendix.''

Psychoactive drug therapy is often prescribed for cats with indoor marking problems, but this will not offer a solution. The underlying reasons for the indoor marking must be addressed. Medication does have a role in longstanding cases where the number of marked sites is large, or when marking has become habitual, or there is an emotional problem that may benefit from temporary drug support. Analysis of the general emotional state of the animal is important. SRI/SSRI drugs such as Fluoxetine and Clomipramine are beneficial for cats that are habitual indoor markers, or show a pattern of anxious, reactionary spraying. Selegiline benefits behaviourally-inhibited cats that will not explore their environment, or that display fearful reactions followed closely by reactionary spraying when they see certain cats lurking outside the home. These drugs will not help confident cats that show no signs of anxiety or fear and are merely using spray marks, albeit inappropriately, as part of a calmly considered strategy to control territory in the house. Hormonal preparations have no role in the treatment of indoor marking.

Psychoactive drug therapy is often prescribed for cats with indoor marking problems, but this will not offer a solution. The '''underlying reasons for the indoor marking must be addressed'''. Medication does have a role in longstanding cases where the number of marked sites is large, or when marking has become habitual, or there is an emotional problem that may benefit from temporary drug support. Analysis of the general emotional state of the animal is important. SRI/SSRI drugs such as Fluoxetine and Clomipramine are beneficial for cats that are habitual indoor markers, or show a pattern of anxious, reactionary spraying. Selegiline benefits behaviourally-inhibited cats that will not explore their environment, or that display fearful reactions followed closely by reactionary spraying when they see certain cats lurking outside the home. These drugs will not help confident cats that show no signs of anxiety or fear and are merely using spray marks, albeit inappropriately, as part of a calmly considered strategy to control territory in the house. Hormonal preparations have no role in the treatment of indoor marking.

'''The decision to use psychoactive drugs for indoor marking'''

'''The decision to use psychoactive drugs for indoor marking'''

Psychoactive drugs may be of value when

Psychoactive drugs may be of value when

* Individual cats are showing signs of chronic anxiety [SRI/SSRI] or inhibition of normal behaviour [Selegiline].

* Individual cats are showing signs of chronic anxiety (SRI/SSRI) or inhibition of normal behaviour (Selegiline).

* The case is longer than 6 months duration.

* The case is longer than 6 months duration.

* Response to environmental change has been incomplete.

* Response to environmental change has been incomplete.

* Spraying is a reaction to specific fear [Selegiline].

* Spraying is a reaction to specific fear (Selegiline).

* A rapid resolution is demanded and the client can be relied upon to complete environmental modification.

* A rapid resolution is demanded and the client can be relied upon to complete environmental modification.

* There may be a relapse if drugs are withdrawn before environmental and social factors have been remedied.

* There may be a relapse if drugs are withdrawn before environmental and social factors have been remedied.

* Potential adverse effects of drugs: fatal hepatic disease after oral benzodiazepine administration, cardiovascular effects of SSRI/SRI drugs.

* Potential adverse effects of drugs: fatal hepatic disease after oral benzodiazepine administration, cardiovascular effects of SSRI/SRI drugs.

* Interactions with concurrent medication or disease: drugs that affect the function of cytochrome P450 can interfere with the metabolism of SRI/SSRI drugs [e.g. Cimetidine]. SRI drugs should be used with care in cats with thyroid disturbance, or with bladder disease [risk of outflow obstruction].

* Interactions with concurrent medication or disease: drugs that affect the function of cytochrome P450 can interfere with the metabolism of SRI/SSRI drugs (e.g. Cimetidine). SRI drugs should be used with care in cats with thyroid disturbance, or with bladder disease (risk of outflow obstruction).

'''Treatment: Indoor marking'''

'''Treatment: Indoor marking'''