Urination in Cats Dr. Serena Mills (With credit to Dr. Jacqueline Nelison)

Feline Elimination Problems The #1 behavior problem with cats in households 23% of cats relinquished to animal shelters had daily or weekly incidents of house-soiling (Patronic, JAVMA) House-soiling is the most common reason cited for relinquishment to shelters (Salaman, J App An Wel Sci) House-soiling is the most common problem post-adoption and most likely issue to prompt return to shelters (Marder, IVBM)

Motivations Medical Marking/spraying Toileting Revenge Periuria Behavioral

Medical < 1 year old1-7 years old> 8 years old Uroliths (stones) Anatomical abnormalities (ectopic urethras, etc) FIC/FLUTD Uroliths Less than 2% have bacterial infection!!! Bacterial infection Kidney failure Metabolic disease (diabetes, hyperthyroid, etc) History – reasons for MRS Frequent trips to litter box (with or w/out urine production) Blood in urine Crying or straining when urinating Vomiting Disinterest in food/water Medical tests Physical exam Overweight? Arthritis? Painful? Urinalysis Blood? Crystals? pH? USG? Radiographs Stones? Pelvic fractures?

Medical FIC/FLUTD - #1 medical reason FIC = feline idiopathic cystitis FLUTD = feline lower urinary tract disease Group of conditions w/ shared symptoms Unknown cause “Blocked cat” - #2 medical reason Stones Crystals Mucus plugs (mostly in males) Growths

Veterinary treatments? NOT antibiotics… remember <2% of cats have bacterial infections If FIC/FLUTD – anti-inflammatories + pain medications If “blocked cat” – anesthetize and unblock If stones – surgery If crystals – veterinary diets If fractures/arthritis – provide appropriate tx If overweight – recommend weight loss

Recommendations you can tell adopters for prevention of medical issues… Increase daily water intake Feed more canned food – high water content Increase frequency of feeding Add additional water to food Use free-flowing water bowls or fountains Reduce stress Feliway Keep constant schedules/routines

Behavioral Toileting = cat creates a new toilet spot because the one provided isn’t good enough Marking/spraying = cat is trying to communicate Fun fact…no difference in the amount of urine between toileting and marking Average urine in litter box = 20mls Average urine in vertical spray = 24mls Toileting (cat doesn’t like current box)Marking/spraying (cat wants to talk) Horizontal or vertical surfaceVertical surface only With fecesUrine only Prefers one type of substrateDoesn’t care what type of substrate “Bad” litter box available“Good” litter box available

WHY? Why toileting? Other cats in the house? Is one cat a bully and preventing litter box use? Are there enough boxes? Should be 1.5 boxes per cat What type of litter? Cats love clay clumping litter Why marking/spraying? Disruption in routine? Cat is frustrated and trying to communicate needs Inside cat trying to communicate with outside cat? Is the cat intact? Cat is stressed?

Recommendations you can tell adopters for prevention of behavioral issues… Toileting Provide “GOOD” box Location – not in a dark, noisy, dead end spot and keep in mind old cat who can’t climb upstairs to use the box anymore Number of boxes – need 1.5 boxes per cat (cat’s don’t like to wait in line) Size – larger boxes preferred (no difference between covered vs. uncovered boxes) Litter – clay clumping litter, avoid scented litter Marking Reduce the need to communicate Feliway – natural pheramone Neuter – 90% of intact males show a significant decrease in marking behavior after castration Lots of enrichment – toys, interaction, scratching posts Behavior drugs – Fluoxetine, Clomipramine

Conclusion Remember… the majority of urinary issues in cats is BEHAVIOR related and the most common reason for feline relinquishment!! We’re not usually going to be prescribing antibiotics You can help by educating new adopters!! Reduce stress Provide good litter boxes Importance of not overfeeding Thank you for volunteering and for having me today!! Questions??