One product that is effective in reducing or eliminating the incidence of territorial spraying is Feliway. This analogue of facial pheromones can be sprayed on prominent objects in the cat's environment. When the cat sniffs the pheromones, the chemical message reads something like, "All is well. This spot has been marked facially-no need for urine marking." (For more information on Feliway, ask your veterinarian or call 800-234-2269.) Another approach to reducing the anxiety of cats who are urine marking is drug therapy. The antianxiety drug, buspirone, has proven to be effective in cats living in multicat households, but remember that drugs alone are not a permanent solution. They are most effective when used along with environmental modifications.
Ten Steps to Solving Housesoiling Problems
- Have the cat checked by a veterinarian to rule out the possibility that health problems are causing litter box avoidance.
- Make sure the litter box situation is ideal-clean, natural, and convenient.
- Identify possible stressors for the cat.
- Eliminate the stressor, if possible. Otherwise, systematically desensitize the cat to the anxiety-producing stimulus. Drug therapy may be considered.
- Thoroughly clean soiled areas with a strong enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering odor.
- Place deterrents in the problem areas for at least a month to break the cat's habit of revisiting these spots.
- If possible, place a new litter box in a location that is near the target area and where it can remain indefinitely.
- Give the problem cat extra attention regularly by practicing play therapy (interactive play with a fishing pole-type toy).
- Don't give up! There is always a humane solution for every behavior problem.
- Call Cats International's Behavior Hotline for help, if necessary (262-375-8852).
No housesoiling problem can be completely cured without thoroughly cleaning and neutralizing the soiled areas. If the scent of urine lingers, it will be a constant reminder to the cat that this area was once used as a litter box alternative, and that it can be used again. In the case of a vertical urine mark (from spraying), the slowly fading scent will remind kitty that his chemical message needs to be periodically freshened. While many products promise to eliminate the odor of cat urine, few actually do. The Equalizer, a strong enzymatic product, is effective. If it sufficiently soaks into the carpeting or upholstery and reaches the urine, it will break it down and the smell will be gone. The Equalizer is sometimes sold in veterinary clinics, but it can also be purchased from the Revival Animal Health Catalog (800-786-4751, www.revivalanimal.com ). To accurately identify the areas that need cleaning, rent or purchase an ultra-violet light. The urine should fluoresce under the light, saving you from trying to sniff out the problem spots. If you live with a group of cats and are unsure who is the culprit, you can give one of the suspects a small amount of fluorescein (obtainable from your veterinarian). This can be given orally to the cat each day. Under the ultraviolet light, this cat's urine will show up as a glowing green spot-with no harm to the cat (other than the stigma of having been identified as the perpetrator).
Try Aversion Conditioning
After the soiled areas have been thoroughly cleaned, place solid air fresheners in these locations to break kitty's habit of revisiting the scene of the crime. Experiment with different fragrances to discover which is most repelling to your cat. Keep in mind that many cats dislike a citrus smell. Spray repellents and plug-in air fresheners are not a good choice, because it is difficult to determine when they have lost their effectiveness and should be renewed. Next > Be aware of behavioral changes
