Cat Litter Box Problems

Cat litter box problems are some of the most commonly seen complaints in a feline specialty practice. The dividing line for diagnosis comes with the first question: Is it horizontal or vertical? Meaning is the cat urinating on the floors or on the walls. As a first level impression, the behavioral problems tend to be vertical. The horizontal tend to be physiological.
Probably ninety eight percent of litter box problems are physiological. In short, the cat is usually trying to avoid pain that it is receiving while in the litterbox. The pain can come from urinary tract infection, stones in the bladder, interstitial cystitis, or blocked anal glands, infected anal glands, or pain originating in the rectum or lower back of the cat. What ever is the cause of the pain, the cat will avoid the litter box and go on other surfaces that it thinks will be pain-free and comfortable. Places like the bed, a pillow, the laundry basket, or different areas around on the carpet are typical signs that a cat is avoiding the litterbox and is trying to find a place that doesn't hurt when it eliminates.
The diagnostic database must include: The history, a thorough physical exam, a urinalysis, an anal gland expression, a fecal parasite test, and sometimes xrays and blood work to rule out other diseases. This is a general review of the issue, but I will post more information on the topic as poeple inquire about various associated issues.
Lastly, your cat is not urinating on the bed to make you mad or get even with you. It is trying to avoid pain when it eliminates. And if the tests all confirm the problem is behavioral, then your cat may have to be put on some type of behavior modifying medication like valium, prozac, or buspirone to control it's anxieties and emotional need to mark the house with urine.
Dr. Doug Ikeler www.drdougikeler.com