27 - Feline LUTD III

Toileting

Will toileting or marking in areas outside the normal place (litter box) be more abnormal?

Toileting

Will toileting or marking involve elimination behavior (squat, dig, scratch), can be either sex and in neutered animals, is on horizontal surfaces only, is in larger volumes, involves decreased litterbox useage, and can involve LUTD signs and pain?

Marking

Will marking or toileting involve sniffing, tail up, treading feet, is more common in intact animals and males, can be on vertical or horizontal surfaces, is in small volumes, continues litterbox useage, and does not have signs of LUTD or pain? It is normal behavior, is done on socially significant objects in response to social conflict or stress, and can be impacted by pheromones and hormones. Neutering the animal, decreasing cues, optimizing the environment, and giving psychotropic medication can all help to alleviate this behavior.

Cat

Providing a safe place, providing key environmental resources (water, food, toileting area, scratching area, play area, sleep/rest area), providing an opportunity for play/predatory behavior, providing positive/consistent/predictable human interaction, and providing an environment respecting the animal’s sense of smell are the five pillars of a healthy environment for what animal?

No

Anxiety medications can be used to aid in reducing urine marking behavior. Should they be used in isolation to environmental optimization and eliminating primary triggers?