FELINE HOUSESOILING Lore I. Haug, DVM, MS, DACVB Feline housesoiling still represents one of the most common reasons cat owners seek behavioral advice from veterinarians and behaviorists. Housesoiling can be seen in all ages and breeds of cats and can often be frustrating to resolve. The causes are multiple and often complex. Many litterbox problems can be prevented by establishing good litterbox habits when the cat is young and also by educating the owner on good litterbox management. Kittens should be confined in small areas (cage, bathroom, bedroom, etc.) while they are learning to find and use the litterbox. Close proximity of the box will encourage usage. If young kittens stray too far from the box, they may be unable to find the box or reach it quickly enough once the urge to eliminate occurs. Kittens gradually can be given more freedom as they grow and learn the layout of the house. Litterboxes for kittens should be large enough to allow the animal to maneuver inside the box, yet shallow enough for the kitten to easily jump inside. The owner may need to purchase subsequently larger boxes as the kitten grows.
Litterbox Management Size, location, litter choice and hygiene are important aspects of good litterbox management. Boxes need to be large enough to allow the cat to comfortably enter and maneuver inside. Commercial
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litterboxes are often too small for many cats, especially some of the larger designer breeds such as Savannahs. Large plastic storage boxes make excellent alternatives for cats. They are economical and can be purchased in a variety of sizes. The boxes can remain covered or the owner can use a tall-sided box with an open top. Additionally, a door can be cut into the box to suit each individual family’s need. The litterbox should be located in a relatively private area that is easily accessible to the cat and blocked away from dogs or children. Litter should be chosen to appeal to the cat, not the owner. Most cats prefer fine grain type clumping litters. Cats have individual preferences for litter odor. Ideally owners should provide the cat initially with some litter choices to allow the cat to indicate its preferred litter. Any change in litter type should be done gradually over a span of one to two weeks. Multiple litterboxes should be available in multi-cat households. In general, there should be one litterbox per cat plus at least one extra. The more cats that are in the household, the more extra boxes that should be present. These boxes should be distributed in multiple locations and not situated close together or in the same room. In multistory homes, there should be a litterbox located on each floor even if only one cat resides in the house.
