Houseoiling is an umbrella term that refers to indoor cats eliminating outside of their litterbox, or other owner preferred toileting location. It is the #1 reason for cat relinquishment to shelters and rescue and, therefore, likely the most common cause of death in the United States. Like any other condition, housesoiling is best prevented rather than waiting for problems to develop. In this article, we’ll explore normal toileting behaviors of domestic cats as well as some common issues that may need troubleshooting.
Like many species, cats have a fixed action pattern associated with toileting behavior. This means they have a common sequence of behaviors.
Sniff --> Dig --> Posture --> Eliminate --> Circle --> Sniff --> Bury --> Walk Away
Video of normal litterbox behavior
Litterbox Selection
Most cats will prefer litterboxes that are uncovered, since elimination is a very vulnerable behavior. This allows the cat to see their surroundings and always ensure their safety. This also prevents any “bully” cats from blocking their escape route. This is not true for all cats, so consider providing at least one covered box and one uncovered box within the home until their preferences have been identified. Some covered boxes will have a swinging “door” that a cat may need assistance in learning how to use.
As will be explored in the next section, cats like to dig in their litter before eliminating. Many will dramatically stretch and fling litter. To fully provide for their toileting needs, the box should be 2-3 times the length of the cat. This is much larger than many of the commercially available boxes. It may, however, reduce the number of boxes your home needs given the increase in surface area of toileting space. If you have a large breed cat, such as a Maine Coon, it may be easiest to build your own box using underbed sweater boxes rather than attempting to find one in a store.
Litter Selection
Cats prefer to dig and hide their excrement. The surface in which they dig is called the substrate. Cats develop substrate preferences as kittens. These tend to be very stable and difficult to change after the first 4-6 months of age. Given the option, most cats prefer unscented, clumping, clay litter. There are other options such as paper- or pine pellets, ground corn, silica (sand) cat litter, etc.
Maintenance
Some cats are very fastidious and require a completely clean box for every elimination, others are less discerning. Below is the most recommended box maintenance schedule:
Scoop all boxes 1-2 times per day.
Completely change litter once weekly.
Wash the boxes with mild detergents once monthly.
Replace boxes every 6 months.
Cats have an extreme sensitive sense of smell, so be sure to avoid strongly scented cleaners and anti-bacterial sprays, including bleach.
Litterbox Location
Litterboxes should be easily accessible to all cats in the household. Common guidelines include:
One box per cat, plus one
One box per floor
While this is a helpful starting point, there are more factors to consider. Territory, for example, is very important to cats. In a multicat household, try to identify where each cat spends most of their time. If cats get along well, those territories may overlap. Those who have conflicts will often select locations away from each other. Make sure each cat’s territory contains a litterbox, that is easily accessible, and involves characteristics known to be preferred by that cat. Avoid placing boxes near loud objects in the home, such as the washer/dry, HVAC, etc.
Subtle Abnormal Behaviors
Cats may demonstrate their discontent for their toileting area through subtle changes in behavior. Addressing these behaviors early can help prevent the progression to a full housesoiling problem and can even identify disease processes early in their development.
Digging next to the box or on the walls of the box
Possible cause: The box is too small; they dislike the substrate.
Sprinting out of the box after eliminating
Possible cause: Pain associated with elimination; previous trauma or bullying during elimination.
Not covering stool or urine
Possible cause: dislike of the substrate
Development of Housesoiling
True housesoiling typically starts when the cat finds something about their current litterbox, or the area around it, that is not to their liking. If their bathroom is unsatisfactory frequently enough, they will go in search of more comfortable and desirable locations or substrates. Once they find something they prefer, they may continue to use it, even if the original problem in the litterbox was fixed. In the end, many cats will have a combination of the follow:
Substrate aversion
They dislike their litter. It could be dirty, smell funny, have a strange texture, etc.
They dislike the box. It could be covered when they prefer uncovered, it could be too small, be an odd shape, etc.
Location aversion
They dislike where the box is located. It could be far away from their territory, in the middle of the bully cat’s territory, next to something scary, or even the location of a traumatic experience.
Substrate preference
They prefer a specific texture on which to eliminate. The most common textures are ceramic (bath tubs, sinks) or fabric (laundry, bedding).
Location preference
The place they eliminate is within their own territory, easy to access, safe, etc.
When addressing housesoiling, we start by identifying which of the following characteristics the cat is displaying. Then, go through the following:
Proper litter, box, and location set up?
Proper cleaning schedule?
Any conflict between cats?
Any underlying medical condition?
Your provider will help go through these challenges and develop a therapy plan address the individual.
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