Changes

Typically, it is possible to identify one or two environmental changes that have precipitated the inappropriate elimination problem.  

Typically, it is possible to identify one or two environmental changes that have precipitated the inappropriate elimination problem.  

However, it is very important not to treat the problem at this superficial level. If a single inconsequential change has caused the cat to eliminate in the house then it is very likely that there are other underlying problems that also need to be addressed. Not to do so may leave the cat vulnerable to welfare and behavioural problems in the future, and an incomplete or temporary resolution of the current problem of inappropriate elimination.

However, it is very important not to treat the problem at this superficial level. If a single apparently inconsequential change has triggered a period of inappropriate elimination then it is very likely that there are other underlying problems that also need to be addressed. Not to do so may leave the cat vulnerable to welfare and behavioural problems in the future, and an incomplete or temporary resolution of the current problem of inappropriate elimination.

The presence of a problem of inappropriate elimination should be regarded as an indicator of general environmental inadequacy, and an opportunity to review the cat's living conditions.

The presence of a problem of inappropriate elimination should be regarded as an indicator of general environmental inadequacy, and an opportunity to review the cat's living conditions.

* Provide a choice of outdoor access points if here are signs of competition over the cat door.

* Provide a choice of outdoor access points if here are signs of competition over the cat door.

* Install an electronic coed cat door that only permits access by resident cats (especially if there is evidence that non-resident cats have been coming into the home.

* Install an electronic coed cat door that only permits access by resident cats (especially if there is evidence that non-resident cats have been coming into the home.

If factions have been identified in the household, resources should be distributed so that each faction has access to a full set of its own resources in a location that it tends to favour.

If factions have been identified in the household, resources should be distributed so that each faction has access to a full set of its own resources in a location that it tends to favour.

Distributing resources around the home also prevents resident despots from being able to monopolise resources and intimidate other cats. This also helps to undermine the activities of feline despots who try to monopolise specific resources.  

Distributing resources around the home also prevents resident despots from being able to monopolise resources and intimidate other cats. This also helps to undermine the activities of feline despots who try to monopolise specific resources.  

'''F3 diffusers''' are traditionally used to treat [[Indoor Marking - Cat|spraying problems]], but can be used to make a latrine location more attractive. The diffuser is placed very close to the litter tray in a confined area. This can be effective for cats that choose to eliminate on piles of the owner’s clothing or on the owner’s bed because these locations are associated with increased security. F3 diffusers may also be used to reduce general social stress in the household. In this situation, the diffuser should be allowed to warm up for at least a couple of hours before allowing cats to have access to the room where the diffuser is installed.

'''F3 diffusers''' are traditionally used to treat [[Indoor Marking - Cat|spraying problems]], but can be used to make a latrine location more attractive. The diffuser is placed very close to the litter tray in a confined area. This can be effective for cats that choose to eliminate on piles of the owner’s clothing or on the owner’s bed because these locations are associated with increased security. F3 diffusers may also be used to reduce general social stress in the household. In this situation, the diffuser should be allowed to warm up for at least a couple of hours before allowing cats to have access to the room where the diffuser is installed.

Conversely, '''inappropriate latrine sites should be made less appealing'''. There are a number of ways to do this, including changing the floor substrate to make it less pleasant to stand on, placing small bowls of food close to the location so that it becomes designated as a feeding station instead of a latrine. The best guide for how to modify a particular latrine site is the cat’s reason for choosing it in the first place. For example, a dark and secluded corner can be made a lot less discrete by moving furniture, putting in a loud radio close by or illuminating the corner with a bright spot lamp. Battery powered infra-red activated lamps can be bought very cheaply from hardware stores and can be installed in small corner, where it will switch on every time the cat approaches. This can act as an effective deterrent.

 

If suitable latrines have been provided, and the general environment has been improved for the cat(s), then it is acceptable to use mild deterrents to encourage cats to stop using inappropriate elimination sites. The best indication of what measures may deter the cat is the reason why it chose that location to begin with, for example:

Altering inappropriate latrine sites to make them less appealing to the cat (this must only be done when a potential alternative has been made available)

* If the site has been chosen for increased privacy: Restrict or block access to the location, or install a radio or bright table lamp that illuminates the area. Battery powered infra-red activated lamps can also be used; these switch on as the cat approaches.

* Cover the location with thick polythene: urine will then drain towards the cat’s feet when it is standing on the sheet.

* If the site has been chosen for substrate: Cover the area with aluminium foil, double sided adhesive tape, or polythene that make the surface unpleasant to stand on.

* Cover the location with a large sheet of silver foil: some cats do not like to stand on this.

* If the site has been chosen to avoid eliminating near other resources: Place small bowls of food close to the location so that it becomes designated as a feeding station instead of a latrine.

* Apply strips of double-sided sticky tape to either of the above to make them even more repellent.

* Place small bowls of food on top of the latrine sites, so that they become feeding stations. Cats are usually reluctant to urinate near sources of food.

* Illuminate dark corners with a bright spot lamp so that any privacy is taken away.

* The same effect can be achieved using a small, battery powered infrared activated lamp, which will turn on each time the cat approaches (these are very inexpensive).

==Social Issues==

==Social Issues==