Cat Rescue and Adoption - Sheffield

It is unrealistic to have a pet and not expect that there will be occasions when accidents happen. You would not expect a child to be 100% clean or not vomit on the carpet ever. You would not chastise a child and likewise your cat should not be punished under any circumstances. Cats usually spray or toilet in the wrong place due to stress. Cats are very sensitive to any changes in their environment and this can often trigger inappropriate behaviour. Unfortunately if you are unable to pinpoint what the trigger was then the chances are you will be unsuccessful in preventing the cat from spraying. Some cats can be very sensitive to litter and it may be appropriate to try different trays with different types of litter in to see if the cat has a preference. I would recommend a large covered tray, as cats feel most vulnerable when they are toileting. However cats differ and if you are experiencing problems then it is vital to offer a choice of covered or open trays - one per cat, plus one extra. These should be situated in a quiet area, away from where the cat eats.

Do not leave all the trays down in one straight row. In households where there is more than one cat. One of the cats may 'guard' the trays, blocking anyone else from using them. Initially please be patient and place trays around the house so that we can at least establish a routine of actually using a tray.

If he toilets in the wrong place, do not shout, rub his nose in it, or punish the animal by any means. This is totally meaningless to the animal and will only add to its stress. Test a small area first, and then clean with a solution of warm biological washing powder, which will get rid of the smell. Let it dry out and then - using a plant spray, put some surgical spirit into the plant spray, and spray over the area. Use this on the horizontal surfaces like the floor or kitchen work top, but then wipe the vertical surface with just a piece of kitchen towel and cold water. Then using the Feliway Spray - spray approximately nose height from the horizonal surface (approx 8 inches) and use one spray. You may need to mark the spot with a sticker - especially if the cat is doing it in several places. You will need to do this twice a day for at least month to break the habit. Hopefully the cat should come in - sniff the area - think he has already been there and leave it. Alternatively use a Feliway Diffuser in the room that the cat sprays in the most or if it is one particular spot, place a bowl of dry food there.

Because cats return to the same place to toilet it is important to remove the smell and prevent the cat from revisiting the area unit. I use a product called Urinator which I find gets rid of the urine smell very effectively from most surfaces.

NEVER shout at an animal toileting in the wrong place, if it is nervous you will make it worse, if you think the cat/kitten needs to go to the toilet, or it starts to scrape the carpet, gently lift it into the litter tray, close the kitchen door and leave it in peace to use the tray. If at all possible keep the animal away from the area - it may smell as if the odour has gone to us, but a cats sensitive nose will still be able to smell it and he will use the area again.

I cannot stress enough that any punishment is counter productive! In some cases do not be in too much of hurry to clean the tray out. Change the litter by all means, but just rinse the tray in warm water only - do not use strong smelling disinfectant and pine fragranced litter which the cat may find off putting. It may help to keep the cat confined for a while so there are less opportunities to toilet in the wrong area. Keep the cat amused with plenty of toys, newspaper, cardboard boxes. Interaction helps to form a bond between you and the cat. One cat will need two trays. Please see separate section on Litter & Trays.

LITTER

There are many different types of litter:

Clumping - easy to remove solid and liquid as liquid goes into a clump which is easily removed. Not recommended for long hair cats as it can get ‘stuck’ to their rear end. Some are very fine, like sand.

Gravel type - various types, usually quite cost effective.

Wood base - pellets go to sawdust upon urination, can be a bit messy and expensive.

Recycled Newspaper - pellet form, very light, but again get stuck on long hair cats and can often be ‘carried’ outside of the tray as its so light.

Flushable - there are now several cat litters on the market that are more environmentally friendly, some of which can be flushed down the toilet.

It may be that the cat is either unfamiliar with the type you are using or does not like the feel of it under his feet. Try putting in a very small amount so there is no ‘movement’ under his paws when he gets in the tray. Usually the finer the litter the better cats like it. Some find the large gritty particles get stuck in their feet. Cats like clean litter trays - you can guarantee the minute you clean the litter tray - someone will get in and use it - what more proof do you need!

If you are sure your cat is spraying you need to think hard about what has changed in his environment - new baby, new partner, new house, new furniture, visitors, could another cat have come in your house. Is there a bully outside making his life a misery? Have you smacked, shouted or otherwise been insensitive towards your cat? Cats are extremely sensitive to their surroundings - any slight change can upset a cat’s behaviour. Cats do not spray to annoy you; they sense you are angry with them but will not associate it with spraying - it is the only way he knows how to relieve the stress he is feeling. Reassurance, love and patience are what he requires - just like us after a stressful day!

A Feliway diffuser may help ease the situation although it may take up to a month for the product to work. One diffuser will last you one month. Refills are then available you do not need to purchase the diffuser unit again.