Cat Behavior Q&A

My cat has started urinating outside of her litter box. Why is she doing this?

There are three primary reasons why a cat urinates or defecates outside the litter box. Once the motivation for the house-soiling is identified, a targeted treatment plan can be designed by your veterinarian.

Secondary to medical causes

This may include causes of increased volume of urination such as diabetes or kidney disease. This may include causes of increased frequency of urination such as urinary tract infection, cystitis or bladder stones. This may also occur due to pain or discomfort associated with spinal arthritis, hip dysplasia or chronic constipation. Every cat that eliminates outside the litterbox needs a veterinary examination to rule out medical causes.

Urine marking

This is a method by which a cat communicates with other cats in their area; this behavior is thought to be related to “spatial organization” of their environment and territory. Although cats can also facial rub or scratch to define territory, urine spraying is commonly interpreted as a more offensive behavior by humans and may be associated with a heightened state of emotional arousal. Urine marking is typically characterized by deposition of urine on vertical surfaces. The cat is often observed to back up to the surface and spray the urine while treading with their hind feet with the tail held straight in the air and quivering. Marking is done by both males and females. It can also occur on horizontal surfaces and may include both urine and feces but this occurs much more rarely. Urine marking typically occurs in locations of “social significance” and may happen on a variety of surfaces throughout the home.

Toileting/house-soiling problem

This occurs when one or more cats urinate outside the litter box for the basic purpose of elimination. This is typically characterized by a large volume of urine on a horizontal surface and the sequence is essentially the same as what is observed when a cat uses the box for elimination. Toileting problems are usually secondary to preferences or aversions. For example, a cat may find a preferred location such as the corner of the living room or a preferred substrate such as a soft, absorbent bath mat. Aversions may include a dirty litterbox, litter type, box size/style or box location.

How can I stop my cat from eating my house plants?

Cats will often ingest house plants. This may be associated with play and exploration or may satisfy some nutritional craving for fiber. A complete physical exam, including oral exam should be performed to rule out any underlying problems. Since many house plants are toxic if ingested, this can be a serious problem. The treatment includes removing plants from cat’s access, providing the cat with safe plants to consume (e.g. cat grass), providing daily interactive play time with appropriate toys, and remote punishment for chewing on unacceptable plants (e.g. motion detectors, water squirt). Remember, any time that punishment is utilized as a treatment it needs to be delivered consistently and should not compromise the animal’s welfare.

My cat has scratched my couch to shreds. I don’t want to have him declawed, but I do want him to stop scratching my furniture. Any suggestions?

Cats tend to inflict the most property damage by scratching. In a survey of cats not presenting for behavioral problems, owners reported 60% of the cats scratched furniture. Scratching is a normal behavior that serves a variety of purposes including scent marking, visual marking, stretching of muscles and grooming of claws. In studies of free-living cats it was noted that scratching behavior increased when other cats were present as compared to when the cat was alone. The social implications of scratching should be explored if scratching is a problem.

Cats may have a preference for material and orientation for scratching. One study identified fabrics with a longitudinally oriented thread were preferred over tightly woven knubby fabric for scratching. Some cats prefer to scratch on horizontal surfaces while others like vertical surfaces. Observing individual cats will identify their personal preferences. Cats often target prominent locations for scratching and areas near their resting spots.

Cats must be given and taught appropriate places to engage in scratching behavior. If a cat is scratching inappropriate items, it should be provided appropriate sturdy scratching posts in prominent locations (near areas of rest or previously scratched targets). Proper use of the post should be praised.

Encouragement to scratch on the post may be aided by placing treats on the post, playing with toys near/on the post or placing catnip on the post. A well worn/used post should be retained instead of replaced. Inappropriate scratching surfaces should be made unavailable or aversive (e.g. double stick tape, foil). Placing a bell on cat’s collar to track cat’s location in house and scratching activity can help with the appropriate delivery of remote punishment (water squirt) for scratching behavior. Remote punishment is often unsuccessful at curtailing this problem since owners are often inconsistent with its delivery. Nails should be trimmed regularly as this may decrease the damage inflicted upon targets. Soft Paws are another treatment option; these pliable nail caps are glued onto the nail and prevent destruction.