As cats are domestic pets we expect certain things from them when it comes to going to the toilet.
Traditionally cats would be kept outside. Sand, dirt, or ash would be used in a tray if it was necessary for them to be indoors. Kitty litter was invented in the late 40’s and since then it has become a multi-million-dollar industry. At Ten Lives we recommend cats be kept contained which means providing a litter tray of some variety filled with a kitty litter substrate for the cat to toilet in. Generally, kittens learn to use a tray from observing their mother’s behaviour or often in our case by the patient guidance of a foster carer. Sometimes issues arise and the cat or kitten may use some other area of the house as a toilet. Unpacking why this may be and finding a solution can be difficult, so here are our top ten toileting tips for pet cats:
VET ADVICE
1. Substrate choice!
Some cats can be fussy when it comes to what they like in their tray, it can come down to individual preference or previous experience. Try to be consistent with what is used and if wanting to change then transition slowly over a few days to avoid aversion. If a cat is new to toileting indoors dirt can be used initially as this is what they would have used outside.
2. Numbers of trays!
Cats generally prefer one area to urinate and one to defecate and can be reluctant to share trays with other cats. As a rule of thumb, we recommend one tray per cat plus one extra within a household.
3. Make the litter tray as attractive as possible!
If a cat is going to the toilet outside the tray then the tray is not to their liking. Make sure the tray is clean and odour free. Trays should be cleaned once or twice daily. When washing trays don’t use harsh or strong-smelling chemicals as cats sensitive noses may take offence. Trial different types of trays (hooded, larger, more trays), different tray locations (quieter, more private, less exposed, further from food and water), different substrates (sand, paper, dirt, wood shavings, crystals, wood or paper pellets etc.), and different depths of substrate (use at least 3cms in the bottom of the tray but some may prefer it thicker). If a cat or kitten has learned to toilet on tiles, towels or carpet, you can experiment with placing some of the preferred material with their urine scent on it in the litter tray.
4. Make other preferred spaces as unattractive as possible!
If a cat has decided to use a certain area to toilet that is deemed inappropriate it is important to thoroughly clean the space so the cat can no longer tell where they have been. This makes them less likely to go back. An enzymatic cleaner is best such as Biozet (from supermarkets) or Urineoff (available from Ten Lives or vet clinics). Blocking access to inappropriate toileting areas or placing an ornament or a bowl of food on the spot may also help. You could also try placing bubble wrap or aluminium foil over the area.
5. Social signals!
Cats may also deposit urine around the house as a means of communication. Generally, this is done onto vertical surfaces. Desexing greatly reduces this behaviour as desexed cats are less territorial but if a cat is feeling anxious about its environment then it may revert to urine marking to tell you so. This anxiety can be caused by any change in the environment whether it be
of a new cat in the household, a new baby, a new cat in the neighbourhood, or a change of the household routine. Trying to pin down what is causing marking can be frustrating. Feliway is a pheromone product that is sprayed in areas that cats are marking in order to reduce feelings of anxiety. We use it throughout the centre but it can also be used in the home environment.
6. Stress affects toileting behaviour and bladder health!
As well as marking behaviour, if a cat is feeling stressed then the bladder health can be negatively affected. The bladder wall can become inflamed leading to painful, frequent urination and blood in the urine. This can lead to accidents around the house. Hills produces a food specifically for bladder health and stress reduction, aptly named Hills C/D Stress. We prescribe this to cats in the shelter that have a history of Cystitis or toileting issues related to stress.
7. Retraining learned behaviours!
If cats have had a bad experience with the tray or have learned to prefer a different location then they may need to be reacquainted with the tray in a positive environment with limited other options. A small area with just a bed, food and water bowls, toys and a tray can be used to isolate the cat so they can relearn to use the tray.
8. Outdoor trays in outdoor runs!
Not only is having an outdoor run great for a cat’s mental health by providing fresh air, exercise, and mental stimulation; it also gives owners the option of having an outdoor litter tray.
9. When to see a vet!
If your cat is showing signs of pain when going to the toilet, visiting the tray more frequently than usual, or if the urine or faeces looks different to usual, then a health check by a vet is required. If a cat or kitten is straining and not passing anything then urgent veterinary attention is required.
10. Consider the environment!
This could be a whole article on its own but thinking about which substrate to use and how it is disposed of in regards to the environment is also an important consideration. Sourcing a locally produced waste product to use as litter is ideal, eg. the Catmate litter used by the centre is made in Australia from recycled wood and makes great mulch once faecal matter is removed.
There are also worm farm options to deal with faecal matter and the remaining litter can be composted or used as mulch depending on the substrate.
TEN LIVES VETERINARIAN
Dr Tess Vitesnik BVSc(Hons)