News & Analysis

Abstract

Inappropriate elimination accounted for 33% of the feline behavioral problems treated over an 18-month period at the Companion Animal Practice, The University of Queensland, Australia. Problems include spraying (35%), urinating (19%), defecating (31%), or a combination of these (16%). There were 7 entire males in the sample but they featured most often in the elimination problems (15 cases), 7 castrated males (7 cases), 7 entire females (7 cases), and 5 spayed (ovariohysterectomized) females (10 cases). Inappropriate elimination in specific locations can be managed using behavioral modification (sometimes aversion techniques), a change in routine, or synthetic progestins. The owners of the entire males refused castration for them for spraying although it was suggested there was about a 90% chance of success. Random elimination can be more difficult to treat and requires careful management. Spending more scheduled time actively playing with the cat proved to be a very important element of owner behavior modification.