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Inappropriate Elimination - Cat (view source)
Revision as of 13:04, 25 June 2014
, 13:04, 25 June 2014→Typical Causes
* Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
* Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
==Typical Causes==
==Typical Causes of Inappropriate elimination==
Many of the causes of inappropriate elimination relate to relative unsuitability of available latrine sites. Feral and wild cats have the freedom to choose they down latrine sites, and will select places that provide an acceptable compromise of ideal features that is tolerable to the individual. For example, for some individuals substrate is more important then privacy, and vice versa. In a domestic setting, cats also differ in their tolerance of substrate type, privacy and sharing of latrine sites with other cats, but the range of options that are acceptable to the owner is far more limited. Often inappropriate elimination does not start because a single feat cure of the litter tray is undesirable to the cat, but because a combination of factors causes the cat to choose another location.
* '''Lack of privacy in latrine locations''': litter trays that are placed too close to feeding areas or cat doors, or sited in busy places where the cat does not feel safe to go to the toilet. A previously satisfactory location may become unacceptable if the presence of new pets or children constantly disturbs the cat. New cats in the neighbourhood may overlook the litter tray from outside, again reducing privacy.
Some common causes include
* '''Inappropriate substrate''': Cats appear to prefer unscented, sand-like mineral based litter in a tray filled to a depth of 2-3cm. Scented, pine or wood-pulp based litters are often aversive to cats, although they may tolerate them if other characteristics of the litter tray are acceptable. Litters based on pine chip pings have become popular due to owner concerns about biodegradability. However, these release the acrid chemical pineol when wetted with urine. Cat find this deterrent, especially in covered litter trays.
* '''Competition and excessive latrine use''': if several cats are using the same litter tray then it quickly becomes soiled and cats may be forced to find somewhere else. Cats may be forced to displace each other in order to gain access to the solitary household latrine. Cats prefer to use separate toilets for urine and faeces wherever possible.
* '''Lack of privacy in latrine locations''': Cats may refuse to use litter trays that are placed too close to feeding areas or cat doors, or sited in busy places where the cat will be disturbed whilst eliminating. A previously satisfactory location may become unacceptable if the presence of new pets or children constantly disturbs the cat, or if non-resident cats settle in vantage points that overlooks the litter tray location.
* '''Despotic control of entry/exit points''': Feline despots may perch close to cat doors and threaten other cats as they come and go. Nervous cats may not have the confidence to go in and out so they cannot use outdoor latrines. Threatening of cats leaving or entering the litter tray may also occur from cats within the same household.
* '''Competition for latrine sites''': Wild and feral cats do not share latrines, and they use separate sites for urine and faeces. In multi-cat households there may be competition for use of litter trays, which can also fill up with urine and faeces, map,ing them unacceptable.
* '''Despotism''': Some cats show a pattern of despotic control around resources, latrine sites and cat doors, constantly guarding them and intimidating other cats that try to access them. In most cases this is due to a general lack of available resources. Despots may be resident cats controlling resources within the home, or non-resident cats seeking to drive away territorial competitors. Timid, non-assertive cats may choose to use inappropriate latrine sites in the house rather than challenge an aggressive despot.
* '''Negative litter box associations''': If the cat has been attacked or disturbed whilst using a particular latrine, or if it has experienced pain on micturition, then it is likely to chose a different toilet location the next time it needs to eliminate.
* '''Negative litter box associations''': A cat may become reluctant to use a litter tray where it has previously been disturbed or attacked, or where it has experienced pain on micturition (associated with LUTD).
* '''Inability to use/find litter trays''': Elderly or debilitated cats may be less willing to travel to find a latrine, so they may resort to soiling in the house. They may be unable to make use of high-sided or covered trays.
* '''Inability to use/find litter trays''': Cats with physical debilitation or cognitive dysfunction syndrome may be unable to find or get to latrine sites, especially if they do not have a litter tray and usually go to the toilet outside. They may be unable to make use of high-sided or covered trays.
* '''Medical illness''': Cats with polyuria/polydipsia (PU/PD), incontinence, [[:Category:Urological Diseases - Cat|feline lower urinary tract disease]] (FLUTD) or recurrent/chronic [[diarrhoea]] are unlikely to maintain a normal or acceptable pattern of elimination.
* '''Punishment''': Owners may punish cats when they catch them eliminating in an inappropriate location. Cats have not evolved to accept social control over basic functions such as going to the toilet, and are unlikely to associate their specific actions with punishment. They are more likely to find their owner's behaviour intimidating, which can make them wary of eliminating when the owner is present. This can become a serious problem if the cat is is subsequently deterred from using a litter tray when the owner is present.
* '''Health problems''': Cats with polyuria/polydipsia (PU/PD), incontinence, [[:Category:Urological Diseases - Cat|feline lower urinary tract disease]] (FLUTD) or recurrent/chronic [[diarrhoea]] are unlikely to maintain a normal or acceptable pattern of elimination.
==Feline Idopathic Cystitis==
[[Cystitis|Feline idiopathic cystitis]] (FIC) is a complex condition that involves neurological changes in spinal pain fibres and biochemical changes in the bladder wall. The precise aetiology is not fully understood but there appears to be an association between stress and FIC. Bladder permeability in FIC affected cats is increased by stress
cats with an anxious personality are predisposed to FIC and it is proposed that the condition arises from a combination of physical and psychological factors. Black and white cats, and Persian cats are commonly affected and FIC may account for a significant proportion of FLUTD in cats. Urine samples of FIC cats may be sterile or may contain crystals, plugs or traces of blood. Diagnosis is confirmed by double contrast radiography or ultrasound imaging of the bladder to reveal mural thickening.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==