Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box and how to fix it
By Dantas, Leticia Mattos de Souza·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2018·University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Vertical or Horizontal? Diagnosing and Treating Cats Who Urinate Outside the Box.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat that has been urinating outside the litter box may be experiencing a combination of medical issues, behavioral problems, or stress. It's important for pet owners to work with their veterinarian to identify the underlying cause, as treatment can vary widely. Most cases benefit from improving litter box management, addressing environmental needs, reducing stress, and using behavior therapy techniques. In some situations, medication may be needed to help manage anxiety or fear. With the right approach, many cats can return to using their litter box consistently.
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Abstract
Feline elimination problems are commonly presented to general practitioners and behavioral medicine specialists. The correct diagnosis is often missed by veterinarians owing to individual variation and multifactorial cases. Three diagnostic umbrellas need to be considered: medical problems, toileting behavior outside of the litter box, and urine marking. The treatment plan for most cases, regardless of etiology, involves optimum litter box management, fulfilling cats' environmental needs, stress reduction, behavior therapy techniques, and trigger removal. Medical management with psychoactive medication might be necessary in cases where chronic stress, fear, and anxiety play a role in the feline patient's symptomatology.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29398100/