A behavioral diagnosis for elimination disorders may be made only after ruling out appropriate medical etiologies.

Even in cases with a confirmed behavioral diagnosis, approximately 20% of feline patients have concurrent

medical conditions that may be contributory to the elimination pattern. Concurrent medical disorders that are not

effectively addressed will interfere with behavioral management, resulting in frustration for both the client and

Once medical conditions have been ruled out, effective behavioral and environmental management is dependent

upon accurately assessing the cause for house soiling. A checklist, such as that in Figure 1, will ensure that you

have appropriately considered all likely causes.

MARKING AND SPRAYING

Marking can be done with urine and feces. When urine is deposited on a vertical surface it is generally referred to

as spraying. When urine is deposited on horizontal surfaces (generally small amounts), it can be marking as well.

Middening (marking with feces) is uncommon in household cats but has been observed in free-ranging situations.

In contrast to urination for elimination purposes, with spraying and marking, cats often sniff the target area

prior to marking, but do not smell the area after marking. Characteristically, a cat sniffs first then backs up, with

tail vertical and quivering, and emits a stream of urine, directed caudally, toward a vertical surface. Some cats

are observed to tread with their hind limbs. Spraying may also be done in a squatting position in which the cat is

observed to make treading movements with the hindquarters prior to spraying accompanied by tail quivering. As

noted previously, both males and females can perform spraying, although it is more common in males - 10% of

castrated males and 5% of spayed females are reported to spray. Spraying not only provides a effective means of

communication in the establishment and maintenance of complex social hierarchies and territories, but also may

serve to surround the cat with a familiar scent. This additional role may be related to why a cat may mark /

spray indoors when anxious or when their territory is challenged by other cats. Anxiety in cats may result from

changes in the social environment secondary to:
 

Checklist for Feline Elimination Problems