Amaya Espíndola Felvet She is a veterinarian with whom we collaborate because we share her approach to animal health. This is a holistic approach, which places great importance on emotions and behavior in the diagnosis and treatment of feline diseases. We also share with her the great importance of a natural diet and integrating therapeutic tools such as Phytotherapy, zoopharmacognosis and flower therapy. Amaya is a great expert on cats, in fact, she has collaborated for many years with Abriga, the association that manages the pioneering cafe with rescued cats La Gatoteca. We have asked you to write an article about a topic that you often ask us about: why does your cat suddenly pee or poop outside its litter box?
Amaya Espíndola. The office is full of cases in which the cat pees or poops outside its litter box. Many times, out of resignation, we allow this situation to remain over time. I hope that by reading this article you can shed some light on a possible solution.
What do cats' pee and poop tell us?
We are aware that Cats use their pee and poop as a form of communication and this is normally associated with territory. or to set limits if they believe they are being invaded. Also Other possible causes may be lack of adaptation to a shared environment, stress, a debilitating illness, etc.
When we have a cat peeing or pooping outside, we think that there is a purpose, that it wants to bother or provoke us. The truth is that it is a message for whoever receives it. Sometimes it is very clearly intended for responsible humans and sometimes for other cats, dogs, etc.
If our reaction to this message is a punishment or a scolding, the message has reached its destination, but we are not responding correctly. And if we don't, our cat will not stop peeing or pooping outside its litter box until we get the appropriate response.
In search of the solution…
The readings of the pee and poop outside the sandbox are varied. The first thing is to know if there is a physical problem. A urine test is enough to detect many health problems. It is a simple and inexpensive analysis that should always be done and even more so in cases of inappropriate urination. Also if there is poop outside the litter box, it is good to rule out the presence of parasites.
Once the health issues have been ruled out, we will move on to review the behavioral issues. If we discover that there are cats outside the home and they relieve themselves in the vicinity of the house, the general rule is that the cat pees on the windows, walls or doors that lead outside. In this case, in addition to treating stress, we have to be patient because the cat is responding to its natural instinct. He marks his territory so that he is not invaded.
On the other hand, if the feet do not comply with this territorial norm, they are related to our daily activities and we clearly have a message with a recipient. The interpretation of this message has its tricks and although they may always seem the same, experience has shown me that they are not the same. Each cat is a world, with its specific human and situation.
So what can I do?
My recommendation would be to have the dates and marking sites written down. Relate them, if applicable, to the time of day and our activity at the moment. Look during that period in which the peeing or pooping outside begins, if the cat has changed something in its routine, in its relationship with other cats or if something in our circle is going through a difficult situation. We should not dismiss anything because each person reacts to situations differently and our cat is the first to capture this energy.
Once the investigation is done, we have, as always, to review the cat's entire routine and its relationship with humans. Observe other points of anxiety, such as eating quickly, asking for things like opening the tap or the door to the terrace, waking up in the morning, etc.
If expressions like these exist, it is necessary to treat that anxiety and balance the cat. You can rely on pheromones in cases of territory, but this will only plug the cause that produces this behavior. Repellents do not provide a solution either.
I prefer the use of Facilities which, in addition to giving us clues about present emotions, serve as treatment. The cat chooses what it needs and we observe and act accordingly.
While you find the solution or get help, cover anything that could be damaged. That frustration generated by the smell of pee or the destruction of wooden floors is an important factor to consider in solving the problem. If we are not well, it will not be easy to apply the guidelines that help us solve it.
Remember that deep down your cat is asking you for help.. The longer it takes for help to arrive, the more difficult it will be to solve the problem. However, there is always a solution.
