Urine elimination problem

Question 1

What are the four important differential diagnoses to consider in house-soiling

Answer 1

Feline idiopathic cystitis

A medical etiology (other than FIC)

Marking (using urine and/or feces as a communication tool)
- most commonly urine spraying

Elimination (physiological deposition of urine and/or feces)
- related to primary environmental and social factors

Question 2

What is the first thing to do when a cat is presented for elimination problem

Answer 2

Rule out any underlying medical issue

Question 3

Can you explain the 5 pillars framework helping create an optimum feline environment

Answer 3

Pillar 1: provide a safe place
- a safe place is a private and secure area where a cat can retreat to in threatening situations
- this place can be at ground level or in a raised location
- a safe place can also function as a resting or sleeping area
- it is important to provide multiple safe places in different locations to avoid competition for these resources

Pillar 2: provide multiple and separated key environmental resources
- food and water should be separated from each other
- in multi-cat households prefer to feed from separate bowls placed out of sight of each other
- a variety of resting areas should be offered, some secluded and others in elevateed positions where the cat has views of the internal environment and/or outdoors

Pillar 3: provide opportunity for play and predatory behaviour
- stimulate mental and physical activity
- the opportunity to engage in these behaviours can be faciliated by thevprovision of toys and feeding devices, as well as social play interaction with owners and other cats

Pillar 4: provide positive, consistent and predictable human-cat interactions
- sociability is very variable in cats, dependent on factors such as genetics as well as early experiences as a kitten
- many would rather initiate contact and prefer low intensity but high frequency interaction

Pillar 5: provide an environment that respects the importance of the cat’s sense of smell
- avoiding strong-smelling air fresheners and perfumes
- removing outdoor footwear before entering the home

Question 4

What are the key environmental resources for cat and what should be their number

Answer 4

Key environmental resources are areas where a cat can:
- feed
- drink
- toilet
- scratch
- play
- rest and sleep

The optimum number of resources is one per cat plus one extra located out of sight of each other

Question 5

Explain the concept of social group in cats

Answer 5

Cats reach social maturity between the ages of 2 and 4 years

They can either continue to be part of or form a social group, or behave as a solitary cat, within the multi-cat setting
- it is not unsual for several distinct social groups to coexist in one household

Question 6

Give some examples of non-food related play (pillar 3)

Answer 6

Self play (solitary)
- locomotor

Self play (object)
- toys

Interactive play (cat-cat)
- chasing
- play fighting

Interactive play (cat-human)
- wand toys
- fetch games

Explore, search and forage play
- cardboard boxes, bags
- cat activity centers
- cupboards, wardrobes