Understanding Cat Soiling Indoors

Author: Vejay Anand

Cats are known for their cleanliness when it comes to toileting. They use a litter tray indoors or loose earth or sand in the garden. However, discovering urine or feces in your home can be pretty distressing. While the occasional accident may occur due to illness, confinement, or sudden fright, persistent inappropriate urination or defecation requires investigation for the cat's well-being.

It's essential to note that punishment is not a solution, as it only increases the cat's fear and exacerbates the problem. Deterrents like tin foil, pepper, citrus peel, or water pistols often fail to address the underlying issue and can lead to more anxiety.

Even though dealing with this issue may be unpleasant, it's crucial to remember that the cat is not engaging in a dirty protest. Cats do not soil indoors to seek revenge or make a point; something has disrupted their world, and careful detective work is necessary to identify the root cause.

Is it Urine Spraying or Inappropriate Urination?

Understanding whether your cat is engaging in urine spraying or urinating improperly is vital because the solutions differ. Urinating to relieve a full bladder involves squatting and depositing urine on a horizontal surface. Sometimes, the cat may scratch around the urine, but not always. Inappropriate urination often occurs on carpets, sofas, duvets, baths, or sinks.

On the other hand, urine spraying involves the cat standing up, quivering its tail, and spraying a small amount of urine backward onto a vertical surface. This behavior leaves a noticeable scent mark on walls, doors, windows, curtains, or electrical equipment. Identifying whether your cat is spraying or urinating inappropriately is the first step in addressing the issue.

How to Clean the Soiled Area

Whether your cat's actions were accidental or deliberate, their keen sense of smell will lead them back to the same spot. To break this habit, prevent access to the area, eliminate any lingering odors, and potentially rearrange the surroundings to deter future soiling.

The cleaning process involves:

• A 10% solution of biological or enzymatic washing powder is used to wash the soiled area.
• Rinsing with cold water.
• Thorough drying.

Surgical spirit can be lightly sprayed using a plant mister, gently scrubbed, and left to evaporate once the area is dry. For delicate fabrics, it's advisable to test a small area first.

Commercial enzymatic cleaners are also available for removing cat urine and feces stains and odors. If the area is significantly soiled over an extended period, you may need to remove the section of the carpet and underlay and treat the underlying concrete or floorboards before replacing them.

Why Does My Cat Soil Indoors?

Several factors can contribute to cats soiling indoors, and understanding the underlying cause is essential for finding a solution. Some common reasons include:

• Dirty Litter Trays: Cats may avoid using a litter tray if it's soiled. Regular cleaning is necessary, with complete changes of litter at least weekly and daily top-ups.
• Odor from Litter: Scented litter, deodorants, or strong disinfectants can discourage scent-sensitive cats from using the tray. Use mild detergent and hot water for cleaning, rinsing thoroughly before use.
• Polythene Litter Liners: These can sometimes cause litter to spray upwards if they catch in a cat's claws.
• Wrong Type of Litter: Changing the type or consistency of litter can deter the cat. Cats generally prefer fine-grain, unscented litter.
• Litter Tray Placement: The cat may feel too vulnerable to use the tray if it's located in an open area where other pets or people disrupt it. Place the tray in a quiet corner.
• Type of Litter Tray: Some cats prefer covered trays for privacy, while others prefer open trays for more escape options.
• Bad Associations: Unpleasant experiences on the litter tray, such as medication or sudden touching, can deter a cat.
• Early Training: Kittens may soil in the house if they have immediate access to large areas. It's crucial to confine them initially.
• Illness: Urinary tract issues or diarrhea can cause soiling, especially if the cat is uncomfortable.
• Old Age: Elderly cats may not want to go outside, especially in bad weather. Indoor litter trays can provide a solution.
• Fear or Anxiety: Cats may avoid using the litter tray if they feel threatened, especially when urinating or defecating outside.
• Removal of Usual Latrine Site: Changes in the garden can affect a cat's behavior.
• Presence of Strangers: If strangers are in the house, cats may sit indoors to avoid passing through the same room.

Consulting a veterinarian or a cat behaviorist may be necessary to address and resolve soiling issues effectively.