Inappropriate Urination as a Sign of Cat Stress

Just like humans, cats can experience stress. One reaction cats have to stress is to stop using their litter box, and start going elsewhere. In fact, Dr. Karen Overall states in her Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals that problems with litter box use are "the most common behavior complaints of clients with cats." Unfortunately this stress response by cats generates a stress response in humans. Here is information to help resolve this common problem.

What Causes Stress in Cats?

Any change in the cat's routine or environment can cause stress. A move, a new baby, even a new sofa can cause a cat to react. Bringing new pets into the house, whether a kitten or a new dog, creates new inter-pet relationships that must be resolved. Changing seasons may also cause some stress to the cats' system and there are seasonal occurrences of bladder problems. Even boredom for a cat left alone all day without toys or enrichment activities can create chronic stress.

Rule Out Other Causes of Marking

The first step in resolving urinary problems in cats is to have your cat examined by a veterinarian. Confirm that the cat doesn't have a bladder infection, kidney problems, diabetes, or other hormonal issues that might cause inappropriate urination. Your veterinarian may also recommend behavior modification techniques, medications such as diazepam, or prescribe a pheromone spray such as Feliway to make your cat more comfortable and reduce his or her stress level. This makes pet accidents less likely.

A Clean Litter Box is Essential

Make the litter box more attractive to the cat so they will be more likely to use it. The most preferred litter type is unscented and scoopable. However, some cats may prefer wood chips, sand, newspaper based litter, or squares of fabric in the bottom of their box. Cats get stressed about dirty litter boxes, just as humans may hold it rather than use a dirty bathroom, so scoop frequently. Have at least one litter box for every cat in the house and one litter box on every floor of a multistory house. Experiment with lidded and open boxes, shallow and deep. Some cats like privacy and some cats like to have a good view.

No Smell Means No Stress for Anyone

Thoroughly clean the site of the accidents. An enzyme cleaner such as Simple Solution or Nature's Miracle is helpful at removing the smell of cat urine, and reduces the likelihood of the cat returning. The area can be covered in plastic wrap or strips of aluminum foil to make it less attractive to the cat and block the scent. Never use ammonia or vinegar to clean cat urine. These have a similar smell to urine and increase the likelihood of a return visit by the cat.

TLC Important for Reducing Stress

Finally, spend a little extra time with your cat. Do what you can to reduce your cat's stress load. Whether it's a new baby, a new pet, a change in seasons or a move that's causing your cat stress, a bit of extra attention and love may be helpful in allowing them to relax and feel more comfortable in their changed environment. A comfortable cat will be more likely to use their litter box and have fewer accidents.

Karen Overall, VMD, DASVP, Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals (Mosby, 1997)