Inappropriate urination In problems relating to simple urination (as opposed to spraying), the cat squats to urinate outside the litter box. This may be close to the box or in a few consistent areas.
The aim of behaviour modification in these cases is to make the litter tray as attractive and accessible as possible while making other areas less attractive and unsuitable for urination.

• Clean the soiled area to eliminate smells of previous urination. Do not use ammonia based products as they may not mask the urine smell appropriately. Ideally scented cleaners should not be used as this may reinforce the cats desire to leave his marking over the area. Cleaning is best achieved by using a warm 10% solution of an enzymatic or biological washing liquid. Then the area should be rinsed in cold water and wiped dry. When possible clean the area with 90% alcohol (such as surgical spirit) prior to applying any Odour neutralising sprays. This will dislodge any fatty residues that the washing liquid couldn't dissolve. After cleaning the area must be allowed to dry thoroughly before allowing the cat back near his old spray spot.
  
• Use deterrents at the site of inappropriate elimination. This may be aluminium foil or plastic sheeting or items such as food or toys. Lemon scented soap or citrus sprays are also good deterrents.
  
• Provide at least one litter box per cat and an extra one in another area. Be sure the boxes are not located in a high traffic or high noise area, or near where feeding usually takes place.
  
• Vary the type of litter or add an empty litter tray. If the litter box is covered provide an alternative uncovered box. Different cats have different substrate and/or privacy preferences.
  
• Clean the tray at least once daily and preferably every time it is used.
  
• Spend 10-15min/day at a set time playing, grooming and otherwise interacting with the cat on its own.
  
• For problems of long duration it may be necessary to confine the offending cat in a small area remote from sites of elimination. A litter tray, food and toys should be provided. When regular litter box use has been achieved or when well supervised the cat can be let out for increasing periods.

It is helpful to reward the cat for use of the box with a favoured treat. Punishment associated with the owner will condition the cat to avoid the owner and so is unlikely to help the problem. Feeding or playing with the cat at unwanted urination sites is a good way of counter conditioning.

Urine spraying is a marking behaviour which occurs most commonly in intact or castrated males although females will also spray. It is associated with the presence of other cats inside or outside the home, or of other stresses. Reward or punishment from the owner is not usually effective and may make the problem worse.
For environmental management it is helpful to follow the guidelines above. In addition reducing cat numbers if at all possible or allowing outside access (for indoor cats) will be helpful in reducing territory related stress.
Castration is highly effective at reducing urine spraying by males.

Inappropriate defecation

Cleanliness, litter type and depth are important factors in litter tray usage for some cats. It is common for some cats to prefer to urinate in one litter box and defecate in another particularly if the first box is soiled. Interference by another cat may prevent completion of the routine.
Environmental modification is as for inappropriate urination. In addition increasing the depth of litter or even adding a layer of topsoil on the litter may be helpful.
Positive reinforcement is carried out by feeding the cat twice a day to determine the daily time of defecation. At that time the cat should be taken to the litter tray and reward it after it performs in the tray.

Overgrooming and inappropriate vocalisation

This is often a sign of anxiety
· Limit situations leading to anxiety.
· Do not pat or talk softly to the cat when it exhibits the behaviour as it reinforces the fearful response rather than reassuring the cat
· Spend 10 to 15 minutes daily at a set time playing, grooming and otherwise interacting with the cat on its own.
· Grow an indoor garden of safe plants such as catnip or cat mint for the cat to use.
· Provide a variety of toys and alternate or change them weekly.

Although there are some drugs available that may help decrease the cats anxiety and make it more amenable to behaviour modification they are not a replacement for behaviour therapy and should always be used in together with the modifications described above.

The is a spray called FELIWAY which reproduces some of the natural scents called pheromones which cats deposit onto furniture and other objects when they rub against them with their faces. By applying this around the favoured areas for inappropriate urination this spray is meant to reassure the cat and make it feel more secure in its environment reducing inappropriate behaviour. If you feel this may be helpful for your cat please ask your vet for more information. A FELIWAY "PLUG-IN" diffuser is newly available and one diffuser provides enough pheremone for one floor level of the average house. A diffuser will last, on average, one month and refills are available.

INFORMATION COMPILED BY MRS PATRICIA MacFADYEN FOR BLACKNESS VETERINARY SURGERY