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Behavioral Modification
for Cats that Urinate Inappropriately
Courtesy of Veterinary Medical Diets
- Try and determine if the cat has recently
experienced a recent stress in its life. “Stressors” could include
changes in the weather, the cat’s environment (a recent move, addition
of a new pet or family member), change in diet or feeding schedule,
change of litter type, etc.
- Provide at least one more litter box than cats
in the household.
- Keep the litter boxes in “quiet” areas of the
home (avoid “high-noise” or “high-traffic” areas). Try placing one
litter box in a spare room for the affected cat (a room that other
cats/pets in the household do not have access too).
- Do not use covered litterboxes.
- Use unscented, fine-grained type litters
(different cats like different litter types).
- Change the litter frequently.
- Keep food and water bowls in a quiet area of
the home, away from windows, heat vents, exhaust fans, etc. Keep the
food and water bowls away from the litter box location.
- Allow the problematic cat more space and a
chance to be a “cat”. Don’t forget; cats are independent creatures that
like to be in control. It would be great if the cat could have its own
room complete with scratch post, food and water bowls, and litter box.
Provide toys that allow the cat to chase and catch, and adequate
surfaces for scratching behaviour.
- Make any changes in the cat’s routine,
including diet changes, very slowly.
- There are sprays that your veterinarian may
recommend in an attempt to decrease “environmental anxiety”. Such
sprays can be used in the environment close to the litter box, close to
food and water bowls, in areas where the cat likes to “hang-out”.
- Your veterinarian may recommend drugs in highly
stressed cats.
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