Creature Feature
A Common Problem for Cats
By Stephanie Karpf, DVM
A very common problem that I am asked about frequently in my practice, is what to do about a cat that is urinating or defecating outside of the litter box. This happens more commonly in homes that have multiple cats. This can sometimes be challenging to correct, but in most cases it can be rectified by a simple step.
In any case where a cat starts to urinate or defecate outside of the litter box, the absolute first thing that must be done is to have the kitty examined by a veterinarian. There are many medical conditions that can cause this type of behavior, and they need to be ruled out with a physical examination and often some blood and urine laboratory tests. Once this has been completed, and we know that the cat is otherwise healthy, we can treat this as a purely behavioral problem.
The main key to bathroom harmony in a multi-cat household, is having the correct number of litter boxes. The general rule is, that you have one more litter box than you have cats. So, if you have 2 cats, you should offer 3 litter boxes. The reason for all of these boxes is that as is true for their wild cousins (lions, tigers, etc.), many domestic cats do not like to urinate and defecate in the same place. They also often like their own bathrooms that are not shared with their housemates. This rule applies up to a certain point, however. You should never really need more than 7 boxes. If you have 10 cats in your house, then the maximum number of boxes necessary is 7.
It is also important that the boxes be in separate locations. There is no use in having three litter boxes, and then lining them all up next to each other in the laundry room. Three boxes, means that there are three separate locations to go to the bathroom in the house. Another important factor, is that there should be at least one box on every level of the home that the cats have access to. Many older cats will decide not to use a litter box, if it means that they will need to ascend or descend stairs to do so. By making a box available on every floor, this problem is avoided.
There certainly are cases of inappropriate elimination in which this litter box number and location solution is not enough. However, in my experience, most cases are corrected by these simple, easy changes.
Stephanie Karpf, DVM, is co-owner of The Visiting Vet, a house call veterinary service for dogs and cats serving Palm Beach County. For an appointment, call (561) 252-8874.