Common feline problem behaviours: Unacceptable indoor elimination

Abstract

Practical relevance: One of the reasons why cats enjoy such a high level of popularity as domestic pets is the fact that they are clean. When there is a breakdown in this fastidious behaviour and elimination occurs outside of the litter box or tray, the strain on the cat-owner bond and on human relationships within the household can be considerable.

Evidence base: Indoor elimination behaviour is one of the most common reasons for cat owners to seek professional advice and there is a wide range of articles, book chapters and research papers that reference it. In many cases the topic of urination and defecation in unacceptable indoor locations is considered in combination with the deposition of urine or faeces as a marker, but this review focuses purely on problematic elimination. An accompanying article in this special issue discusses urine spraying.

Clinical challenges: Indoor elimination problems necessitate a clinical approach combining knowledge from the fields of physical and emotional health and an understanding of normal feline behaviour. They also require comprehensive history-taking skills as well as effective communication skills and a degree of empathy for owners who are often finding their pet's behaviour very distressing.

Global importance: Early diagnosis of physical health disorders that are associated with indoor elimination is extremely important in terms of safeguarding feline welfare. As we become more aware of the interplay between physical and emotional health, the significance of identifying suboptimal social and physical environments in terms of optimising the welfare of domestic cats is also being recognised. The potential for indoor elimination problems to cause considerable human distress highlights the importance of the concepts of One Health and One Welfare.

Keywords: Unacceptable indoor elimination; defecation; environmental needs; optimised litter facilities; urination.

Figure 1

For normal feline elimination cats look for a quiet location, and a substrate that is conducive to creating an indentation in which to eliminate and allows raking to cover the deposit. Image ©Shutterstock/VeronArt16

Figure 2

Living in a multi-cat household and having no access to the outdoors have been associated with an increased risk of unacceptable elimination, but this correlation warrants more investigation. Image ©Shutterstock/bellena

Figure 3

History taking enables potential triggers for indoor elimination, such as the arrival of a new cat in the neighbourhood, to be identified. These can then be marked onto a timeline (see page 203) and their significance investigated further. Image ©Shutterstock/Svetlana Mihailova

Figure 4

(a,b) Social tension in the vicinity of the litter facilities is likely to increase the risk of unacceptable indoor elimination. Image (a) courtesy of Nadine Gourkow; image (b) courtesy of Sarah Ellis

Figure 5

(a) Poor litter facilities: litter boxes should be positioned away from food and water, and polythene liners should not be used. (b) This tray is in a secluded location and provides this cat with adequate space to defecate comfortably. A bigger tray may be required as the cat grows. Image (a) sourced by Vicky Halls; image (b) ©iStock/npdesignde