Feline Inappropriate Elimination (Part 2)

Feline Inappropriate Elimination (Part 2)

27 May 2010 Pet Advice & Ideas (6)

 

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common lower urinary tract disorder diagnosed in cats. Symptoms can include painful urination, urination outside the litter box and blood in the urine. Stress is a significant factor in the incidence of FIC. Veterinary researchers have determined that cats with highly sensitized nervous and endocrine systems are more prone to FIC. Research indicates that felines suffering from FIC may experience high levels of stress without exhibiting any noticeable symptoms. Fortunately, there are specific alterations to your home and changes you can make in your cat’s daily routine that can help to prevent mental and physical stress.

The first thing to consider for possible modification is your cat’s diet. Cats suffering from FIC typically have highly concentrated urine and are fed mostly dry food. Your veterinarian may suggest transitioning to a canned food, or adding water to dry food, but this may not always be the best option. Some cats simply prefer dry foods and may experience increased stress if forced to transition to a canned food. Luckily, the solution is simple - just offer canned food next to his typical dry food, in hopes of a gradual transition.

If after watching this video you believe your cat has FIC, please visit your veterinarian to rule out any other causes of urinary tract problems, such as an infection or bladder stones.

If your cat has previously been diagnosed with FIC, now is the time to take steps to minimize the chances of the disease reoccurring. In the second of this two-part series, Dr. Sarah discusses how to view your home from your cat’s perspective and how to reduce your kitty’s stress by making their environment more kitty-friendly.

Feline Inappropriate Elimination (Part 2)

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common lower urinary tract disorder diagnosed in cats. Symptoms can include painful urination, urination outside the litter box and blood in the urine. Stress is a significant factor in the incidence of FIC. Veterinary researchers have determined that cats with highly sensitized nervous and endocrine systems are more prone to FIC. Research indicates that felines suffering from FIC may experience high levels of stress without exhibiting any noticeable symptoms. Fortunately, there are specific alterations to your home and changes you can make in your cat’s daily routine that can help to prevent mental and physical stress.

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Comments (6) -

  • Sheryl Dupont

    5/28/2010 3:22:38 AM |

    I have a cat who is @ 8 years old -- he found us and we have had a problem with him still spraying even though he fixed (he was fixed when he appeared.)  Does the spraying have something to do with a urinary problem or is it a territory defense? I've tried everything and Feliway kind of works, but it is so expensie, I can't afford to use it constantly.  Help! I love Tony and am trying to correct his problem. he is healthy otherwise.

  • Ragnhild Bundesmann

    6/2/2010 11:48:38 AM |

    I took in a stray Siames cat.  She was very starved, but knew a litter box when I showed to her.  She cried w pain when she used it the first time and there was blood in the urine.  My vet said she had crystals in the urine but no infection.  
    With a regular diet (both dry food and canned cat food and our leftover meats) she has not had any symptoms any more.

  • Karen L. McLachlan

    8/21/2010 11:27:24 AM |

    I purchased a 5 month old beautiful all black spayed cat from the local ASPCA 3 months ago. She is my only cat. At first she used the litter box fine but know she has stopped using it completely and sleeps in it instead. Needless to say, she is using my carpet to do her business! I have tried changing her litter and even a different litter box but nothing has worked.
    I do not want to send her back to the ASPCA as I love her very much but this can not go on. Please help me!

  • Margaret

    8/24/2010 4:43:41 PM |

    Hi Karen,

    Well, litter box issues aren't easy...have you moved recently? Any household changes? Stress? Did anything happen right about when she stopped using the box?

    If none of these apply and she has been checked out by a vet, try putting her in a large dog crate with her litter box, supplies and a bed for a while and see if she will use the litter box then. Sometimes when they are kept very close to it, they get the "hint". Use an enzymatic cleaner on your rug to try to eliminate the odor of her previous accidents.

    Sometimes cats are MORE inclined to use a litter box that has their own scent in it. If the litter is too new, maybe she isn't getting "the hint" anymore.

    What kinds of litter have you tried?

    Sorry for all the questions, but maybe something here will click....

  • Barbara

    3/27/2011 8:49:51 PM |

    I have a 7 year spayed female who was living outside of building and decided to move in with me. She has a kitty door and was always doing her business outside.  I have a litter box in the house by the kitty door, where she would urinate.  But, I cannot get her to poop in it, so she goes on the carpet and will even go there at night even if her cat door is open. She won't open the cat door herself either.  I have to tie it open for her, as she is afraid of it. I tried leaving it untied for a week and she never tried to use it once, even though I showed her how it opens.  Also, the neighbor cat feels free to come inside, eat her food and make himself at home in my bedroom and even marks places all over my apartment.  I am so fed up with it all. I won't consider getting rid of my cat, as I love her to pieces.  Please help!!  Oh, and now she is even peeing on the carpet at times - stills uses the box, too, though.

  • Leann

    3/28/2011 11:56:12 AM |

    I have a kitty that is approximately 5 years old.  She has always been a clean kitty but the past couple months she has taken to peeing in my houseplants and depositing waste in the middle of my living room on the carpet.  I changed all the soil in my houseplants and covered the top of the post with aluminum foil.  She now pulls the aluminum foil away and gets into the pot anyway.  Now we have two other cats and there are FOUR litter boxes in my basement - which my husband and.or I clean daily.  No changes to the litter, food or anything else.  I am stumped by this behavior and getting more than irritated at this cat.  What else can I do????

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