Can product stop cat's bad behavior?

By Dr. John Koch

Question: I have a cat that has been urinating outside of her litter box. Susie is spayed; however, periodically she backs up to a wall, lifts her tail and squirts urine in a straight stream against it. I understand that there is a new product available that will prevent this. Could you give me a little information? Is it effective?

Answer: What you describe is called spraying or urine marking. The intact cat sprays to attract a mate. A small percentage of both males and females demonstrate this behavior even after being neutered or spayed. Spraying in the altered cat is almost due to a feeling of insecurity. This can be brought on by stress or feeling threatened. It is more common in multiple cat households.

Correcting inappropriate urination can be difficult. I suspect the product you speak of is called "Feliway." It has been out for several years and, although not perfect, it has been reasonably effective. "Feliway" comes in a spray bottle or a plug-in aerosol and has some of the properties of the feline facial pheromones. Pheromones are substances secreted by animals to confirm their territory and to communicate with others within their species. Cats will rub the side of their faces against objects to deposit these chemical substances. These deposits seem to be calming and comforting to cats. It is know that facial pheromones inhibit urine marking.

When a spot is marked with urine, it should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Caution should be exercised when cleaning with detergents, bleaches, or disinfectants. Many of these products contain smells or perfumed odors that can actually make urine marking worse. It may be best to clean with clear water. Once cleaning has occurred, "Feliway" should be sprayed on the area. It may be necessary to use "Feliway" on a weekly basis or even several times daily in certain circumstances.

It must be emphasized that "Feliway" cannot be guaranteed to work in every instance, however, at this time it appears to be one of the more effective treatments we have to deal with inappropriate urination.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau veterinarian.