Whoops! Is your cat doing ānastiesā everywhere in the house except in its litter tray? House-soiling behaviour, or inappropriate elimination, can have many causes. Thankfully, there are solutions to this wee problem.
Could there be medical reasons for elimination problems?
Many medical diseases can cause a cat to lose its normal fastidious toileting habits, so a veterinary exam is required to differentiate these problems from behavioural problems.
This involves a physical examination, often urine or faeces tests, and sometimesĀ diagnostics like blood tests and x-rays. For example, it is common for cats with cystitis to urinate small amounts in many different areas of the house, also diseases that make cats drink more will mean they need to urinate more, and if the littertray is already soiled, will seek other areas to urinate. Sometimes older cats with arthritis may find it difficult to get in and out of a tray with high sides, or to negotiate stairs to the littertray.Ā Ā View all
