Uncleanness in cats

Uncleanliness is a common behavioral problem in cats. The cat does not need her in the litterbox, but in a different place in the house. It can be only the puddles, only the excrement or both.

Most pee outside the tank. Spraying urine, on the other hand, is not unclean, but a form of communication.

Yet cats are by nature very house-trained animals. Even kittens spontaneously learn to use the litter box. So, if a cat no longer goes to the box, there is always a good reason for that. Cats never do this out of anger, jealousy or to bully.

The causes of uncleanliness

There are three main causes for uncleanness:

1. There is a medical problem. This is the most common cause.

2. There is a behavioral problem. This is often related to a medical problem.

3. There is a problem with the litter box.

Medical problems

Medical problems are the most common cause of uncleanliness. Cats are very sensitive to bladder problems such as bladder stones and inflammation. Other conditions can also cause uncleanness, for example kidney problems, diabetes, toothache, parasites…. A thorough examination at the vet - including urine and blood tests - is therefore always necessary if your cat is unclean. Sometimes an examination of the stool is also recommended.

For the urinalysis you can collect urine yourself according to the instructions of the vet. It is even better to have the vet draw urine straight out of the bladder with a very thin needle. Most cats have this done without any problems without anesthesia. The vet can also check the urine for infections and not just bladder stones.

For the blood test, your cat must be sober. Ask your vet how long before the examination you should not feed the cat.

Behavioral problems

Behavioral causes of uncleanliness are often related to a medical problem. Stress reduces the resistance and makes the cat more susceptible to illness. Stress-related bladder infections are also common in cats.

Cats can avoid the litter box because something unpleasant has happened. For example, because they were attacked while on the box, were very shocked by something or had pain on the box. Putting a new box elsewhere in the house can help, because the cat has no negative experience with that.

Fear can also play a major role. Frightened cats sometimes feel safe enough to do their business when their owner is around. Things that smell like the owner also feel safer for the cat and are therefore sometimes used as an alternative to the litter box.

Problems with the litter box.

 Cats need clean, comfortable litter boxes in the right place in the house. If the toilet facilities do not meet the requirements, uncleanliness problems can arise. Use the list below to check that the litter boxes are ok.

What better not to do?

Cats are only unclean if there is a good reason for this, for example illness. There is therefore no point in punishing or frightening your cat. This only adds to the stress and can make the problem worse.

It is sometimes recommended to lock the cat in a small space or pen with a litter box. The cat would learn to use the box again. This is very cruelty-free and will not solve the problem. After all, the cat has not forgotten how to use the box, but is sick or has another problem.

Never give drugs that affect behavior (for example, antidepressants and separation anxiety products) without knowing the source of the problem. Only give them in consultation with a veterinarian who specializes in behavior. These medications can have dangerous side effects and make your cat drowsy. If your cat is on this type of medicine, regular blood tests should be done to monitor your cat's health.