Table 2 . Step-by-step guide and tips for cleaning up urine .
Steps
Decontaminate – mop up as much of the urine from the area as possible .
Wash and clean – using a solution of biological ( or enzymatic ) washing powder , thoroughly wash the area and mop up as much as possible afterwards .
Rinse – thoroughly rinse the area with clean , cold water and mop up again as much as possible ( repeat this step if necessary ).
Allow to air dry – protect the area to prevent the cat revisiting , but allow it to thoroughly dry ( e . g . cover with an upturned washing basket ).
Figure 1 . Cat demonstrating a squatting stance while urinating in an open litter tray .
Marking with faeces , referred to as middening , is a less commonly reported issue ; the APBC ( 2014 ) includes it within the same category as urination on a horizontal surface , so there are no clear data on its true frequency . The key consideration in determining middening versus defecation is the location and visibility of the faeces . In middening , faeces are deposited in an obvious location , often towards the edge of the territory , and the cat will not cover them . Not only does the combination of the commensals in normal faeces and anal gland secretions result in a strong olfactory message , but depositing faeces in such a way sends a strong visual signal .
Once we are satisfied that we are dealing with an elimination issue , rather than a case of marking behaviour , we must rule out possible medical causes before considering it a behaviour problem . For example , if there is some urinary tract pathology , such as a urinary tract infection or cystitis , the cat may not be willing or able to use the litter tray .
Generally , cases involving what appears to be marking behaviour require a more in-depth and time-consuming assessment than we can provide in-house . Although we may be able to determine the behaviour as being marking , the underlying causes can be more elusive , and a referral to an appropriate professional behaviourist may be required .
Initial management
Cleaning following an elimination incident , whether marking or inappropriate urination , must be done thoroughly and with care . As previously mentioned , the scent associated with a latrine encourages a cat to use it regularly . The different constituents of cat urine require different cleaning approaches for a thorough result ( Table 2 ).
Apply surgical spirit – use a fine spray and allow it to evaporate from the surface ( it will remove residual urine components which have not otherwise been broken down ).
Tips
Check the surrounding area thoroughly for any additional patches – UV light is good at detecting urine . Include non-absorbent surfaces such as skirting / walls as well .
Avoid using bleach or any ammonia-based product . As cat urine breaks down it releases ammonia , so using this can mean the cat ‘ smells ’ another cat and will continue to urinate in that area .
There are many commercially produced cleaners on the market that will clean the area effectively .
If the soiling has been taking place for a long period of time , it may be necessary to remove any absorbent floor coverings ( e . g . carpet ) as the odour will have penetrated through to any underlying materials .
Considering causation
Many factors contribute to inappropriate elimination so , as always , a full behavioural history should be obtained from the owner , via an in-depth interview .
Whatever the problem and cause , it is important to remind the owner that inappropriate elimination is not a deliberate act of defiance and is more likely to be the result of a medical condition or a response to changes in the living environment . The owner should also be encouraged not to punish the cat , however exasperated they feel , as this will only exacerbate the problem .
The following case examples ( from the author ’ s experience , with identifying details changed ) illustrate the differing aspects of inappropriate elimination .
Volume 37 ( 5 ) • November 2022
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