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Indoor Marking - Cat (view source)

Revision as of 08:58, 18 April 2015

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→‎Prognosis

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==Prognosis==

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The prognosis for cats with indoor spray marking appears to be enhanced by the use of drug (fluoxetine, clomipramine) and pheromone (F3 fraction of facial mark, Feliway®), with these treatments significantly increasing the probability of a cessation or 90% reduction in spraying. In a meta-analysis of treatment effect, fluoxetine appeared to be the most effective medication, but sample sizes in both of the included studies was small. Studies suggest that a period of 8-16 weeks is required to establish efficacy of either of these drugs. Feliway produced no significant increase in the proportion of cats showing a cessation or 90% reduction in spray marking in less than 4 weeks, but improvements were significant for treatment durations of more than 4 weeks. This suggests that a combination of pheromone and pharmaceutical interventions, with environmental modifications, is most likely to produce a rapid response and good outcome.

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~~Cats~~ with a history of indoor marking are likely to relapse at some point in the future, because this behaviour is normal and situations outside the owner’s control may create the conditions for a new bout of marking. Typical times when marking may re-emerge are after major home redecoration or reorganisation, after a house move, or the introduction of a new stressor (new baby, new pet). Spring and summer are times when cats seek to re-establish territorial boundaries, and are therefore a time when there is an increased risk of conflict and stress between cats.

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However, cats with a history of indoor marking are likely to relapse at some point in the future, because this behaviour is normal and situations outside the owner’s control may create the conditions for a new bout of marking. Typical times when marking may re-emerge are after major home redecoration or reorganisation, after a house move, or the introduction of a new stressor (new baby, new pet). Spring and summer are times when cats seek to re-establish territorial boundaries, and are therefore a time when there is an increased risk of conflict and stress between cats.

It is possible to minimise the risk of recidivism by continuing to provide an excess of resources and maintaining a suitable core and garden territory for the cats. If a new bout of marking is anticipated, then the environmental changes and Feliway diffusers may be temporarily reinstated.

Jon Bowen

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