Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Older Cat toileting

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Expert: Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician - 10/25/2010


Question
We have a male cat who is about 14 years old. He usually uses the litter box or goes outside, but recently he has started using the rug in the bathroom to urinate and defecate on. What can cause this behavior shift and what can we do about it? We understand that he has a wound, but it is on his ear.

Answer
An older cat can have things medically start going on. I would first have him checked by a vet and rule that out.

Is his litter box in the bathroom? I would get rid of the rug for one thing, now that his scent is there he's going to continue using it. Cats will urinated on other things as a way of telling you that something is wrong and they don't know how to tell you.

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician

Expertise

I have experience dealing with different cat behavior signs, including separation anxiety, possible aggression and the difference between fear aggression and actual aggression, this would include possible feral cats. I also am familiar with the several different approaches to introducing a new cat to the environment as well as how each cat or cat and dog and live comfortable and dealing with litter box issues and help you decide if the problem is medical or behavioral.

Experience

I recently graduated with an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology with an emphasis in behavior and training. I also spent 5 years working with animal shelters and worked with socializing cats and kittens, including feral cats.

Education/Credentials
I graduated in August of 2009 from Des Moines Area Community College in the Veterinary Technology Program.

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