Changes

Once full information has been collected about the location and characteristics of each urine or faecal deposit, it is possible to make a judgement abut the cause.

Once full information has been collected about the location and characteristics of each urine or faecal deposit, it is possible to make a judgement abut the cause.

===Location of Deposits===

===Location and Orientation of Deposits===

The type of location used for marking are different from those used for elimination.

The type of location used for marking are different from those used for elimination.

In the case of [[Indoor Marking - Cat|marking]], the location of marks is intended to convey a signal to other cats; the function of spray marking is to maintain temporal and spatial distance between cats. Marks are therefore left in visible locations close to points of entry to an area; for example in a doorway into a room, or at the bottom of a flight of stairs. They may also be left in places where the cat is responding to an interaction with another cat; for example, by a window or on a spot where a non-resident cat has recently been seen. The act of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|spraying]] also involves an element of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Visual Communication|visual display]].

In the case of [[Indoor Marking - Cat|marking]], the location of marks is intended to convey a signal to other cats; the function of spray marking is to maintain temporal and spatial distance between cats. Marks are therefore left in visible locations close to points of entry to an area; for example in a doorway into a room, or at the bottom of a flight of stairs. They may also be left in places where the cat is responding to an interaction with another cat; for example, by a window or on a spot where a non-resident cat has recently been seen. The act of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Spray Marking|spraying]] also involves an element of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Visual Communication|visual display]]. When cats spray mark, urine is normally deposited onto vertical surfaces, but in some situations cats will spray onto a horizontal surface if there is no other a choice.

[[Inappropriate Elimination - Cat|Inappropriate indoor elimination]] is not a display, and cats seek to maintain privacy whilst eliminating. Eliminated urine and faeces are therefore usually deposited in quiet secluded locations where the cat will not be disturbed. In households, common locations are quieter places like bathrooms and bedrooms. Cats usually have preferences for the kind of substrate that they will eliminate on, which may relate to their rearing environment; kittens that are reared a cage or crate may develop a preference for eliminating on bedding or newspaper because these were the first substrates they encountered. This can lead to adult preferences for urinating or defecating on carpets, sofas or bedding.

[[Inappropriate Elimination - Cat|Inappropriate indoor elimination]] is not a display, and cats seek to maintain privacy whilst eliminating. Eliminated urine and faeces are therefore usually deposited in quiet secluded locations where the cat will not be disturbed. In households, common locations are quieter places like bathrooms and bedrooms. Cats usually have preferences for the kind of substrate that they will eliminate on, which may relate to their rearing environment; kittens that are reared a cage or crate may develop a preference for eliminating on bedding or newspaper because these were the first substrates they encountered. This can lead to adult preferences for urinating or defecating on carpets, sofas or bedding. When cats eliminate, the usually deposit urine onto a horizontal surface, but cats with LUTD may urinate standing up, or stand up as they urinate, leading to urine deposits o vertical surfaces or outside the litter tray.

Cats with [[:Category:Urological Diseases - Cat|lower urinary tract disease]] will often have episodes of using multiple sites to urinate around the house. It is thought that pain associated with [[Micturition - Anatomy & Physiology|micturition]] in a latrine site discourages repeated use of that location: The cat chooses a different latrine site next time. This pattern of urination is often cyclical, with cats eliminating normally for a few weeks and then displaying a bout of housesoiling in multiple locations. This fits with the waxing and waning cyclical nature of feline lower urinary tract disease. With cystitis, the volume of urine found at each site is usually small, and the urine has a strong odour.  

Cats with [[:Category:Urological Diseases - Cat|lower urinary tract disease]] will often have episodes of using multiple sites to urinate around the house. It is thought that pain associated with [[Micturition - Anatomy & Physiology|micturition]] in a latrine site discourages repeated use of that location: The cat chooses a different latrine site next time. This pattern of urination is often cyclical, with cats eliminating normally for a few weeks and then displaying a bout of housesoiling in multiple locations. This fits with the waxing and waning cyclical nature of feline lower urinary tract disease. With cystitis, the volume of urine found at each site is usually small, and the urine has a strong odour.

===Frequency of Deposits===

===Frequency of Deposits===