Feline Housesoiling Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Feline housesoiling is the most common behavioral complaint among cat owners and a leading cause of feline relinquishment, abandonment, and euthanasia. It accounts for approximately 33-59% of feline behavioral referrals to veterinary behaviorists. According to the 2014 AAFP/ISFM Guidelines, the preferred term is "house-soiling" rather than "inappropriate elimination" because it implies no misconduct by the cat and encourages better owner compliance with treatment recommendations.
House-soiling encompasses two distinct categories: toileting problems (inappropriate urination and/or defecation outside the litter box) and marking behavior (urine spraying and middening). Distinguishing between these categories is essential for successful treatment, as the underlying motivations and therapeutic approaches differ significantly.
Classification of Feline House-Soiling
House-soiling is classified into four main diagnostic categories per the 2014 AAFP/ISFM Guidelines:
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