Elimination Behavior in Cats

Question 1

describe how to differentiate common risk factors for house-soiling in cats

Answer 1

1. one or more cats
2. neutered females: 40% present for inappropriate urination only
3. neutered males: 26% present for marking only
4. can be dominance related: threat or part of ongoing signaling between cats in conflict (spraying or marking)

Question 2

describe gender differences

Answer 2

Neutered females:
40% urination only
22% urination and defecation
16% defecation
12% marking only

Neutered males:
26% marking only
21% urination and defecation
17% urination only
12% defecation

Question 3

describe normal elimination behavior

Answer 3

1. before eliminating, cats will dig hole in substrate
2. after elimination, cat usually sniffs excrement and then covers it
3. need approx 35x35 to provide enough space for normal behavior!
4. spraying and urine marking: intraspecies signaling mechanism (longevity, communications boundaries, where hunted, estrus)

Question 4

describe the diagnostic process

Answer 4

1. ID and treat causative or contributing medical conditions
2. take detailed behavior history
3. determine frequency of problem so progress can be assessed (an actual number, not “all the time”)

Question 5

describe the principles of classical conditioning

Answer 5

Unconditioned stimulus: stimulus that elicits particular response without prior training

Unconditioned response: behavior response that occurs to stimulus without prior training

Conditioned stimulus: stimulus that does not elicit a response initially but will after pairing with unconditioned stimulus

Conditioned response: response to conditioned stimulus as a result of classical conditioning

Question 6

apply classical conditioning to addressing inappropriate elimination

Answer 6

change litter box type, substrate, etc. to try to uncouple association between bad experiences/pain and litter box!

Question 7

what environmental factors can contribute to/are risk factors for house soiling?

Answer 7

litter box: size, age, liner, cover
-most important factors are: bigger box, substrate (clumping clay preferred!)
-replace when heavily soiled/more than a year old
-not covered! free living cats do not seek out covered areas for elimination, subordinates can be trapped, hoods trap odor and make it easier for owner to ignore hygiene (remove hood and see if problem improves, cut second opening in hood, if spraying, add second box vertical right angle)

substrate: cleaning, particle size, composition
-poor hygiene: not cleaned or changed frequently enough
-substrate aversion, preference
–avoids touching litter, shakes paws, stands on edge of box, fails to cover

-litter additives: only baking soda and carbon okay

location of boxes: access, convenience

soiled areas: preference

usually multifactorial!

Question 8

how do learned aversions occur?

Answer 8

classical conditioning

onset associated with:
-illness
-surgery
-aggression near box
-aversive stimuli

Question 9

how do you treat substrate preference?

Answer 9

want to make litter box most attractive option and make other sites unavailable

1. isolate from inappropriate substrate or prevent access to substrate
2. allow on inap substrate only under supervision
3. gradually allow out with decreasing amounts of supervision if inap behavior does not resume

most cats prefer fine textured clumping litter!
-offer multiple litter types in same location simultaneously and keep log of usage

Question 10

Know which classes of medications have been shown to be successful in the treatment of house soiling in cats & their side effects
-very little data!

Answer 10

1. Buspirone: direct acting 5-HT1a receptor agonist
   -dopamine (D2) receptor antagonist
   -side effects: increased assertiveness or friendliness, sedation, GI upset
   -fairly safe, side effects rel. uncommon
   -only helps markers if in multi cat households and feeling intimidated
   –don’t reach for immediately for marking but good for anxious periuruic!
2. Sertraline: Siebert likes it!
   -adverse events: GI (constipation, inapp), behavioral (sedation, agitation)
   -really well tolerated in cats
3. Paroxetine, venlafaxine
4. Gabapentin, pregabalin
5. fluoxetine for spraying: somewhat successful
   -clomipramine (TCA) could also be effective

continue meds 2 months past complete resolution!

-concerns about adding chronic meds with older cats esp!