{"id":9028,"date":"2020-05-13T10:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-05-13T15:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/?p=9028"},"modified":"2023-10-23T01:15:25","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T06:15:25","slug":"cat-litter-box-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/health\/conditions\/cat-litter-box-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Stress Contributes to Litter Box Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Would it surprise you to learn that your home\u2019s environment can have a direct effect on your cat\u2019s urinary tract health? The truth is, your cat\u2019s surroundings are home to several potential stress triggers, ranging from house guests or new members to conflict with other cats, lack of vertical space and not enough hiding places.<\/p>\n

Urinating outside the litter box can be one of the first signs of feline stress. Inappropriate urination is a common symptom of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)<\/a>, and veterinarians now know stress plays an important role in feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)<\/a>, the condition that accounts for two-thirds of FLUTD cases.<\/p>\n

Environmental stressors and cat urinary health<\/h3>\n

Some cats are easily stressed, and, as we discussed in a previous post<\/a>, cats with FIC have been found to have an exaggerated stress response as a result of having higher levels of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter and stress hormone) in their blood and bladder walls compared to normal cats. Cats with FIC may also have damage to the bladder lining that allows urine to contact the underlying tissue, causing irritation and\/or inflammation and pain. Reducing a cat\u2019s stress is now considered the most effective approach to managing FIC in cats.<\/p>\n

But what could cause a cat to feel stressed?<\/p>\n

It turns out that a wide variety of things can trigger stress, depending on the cat.<\/p>\n

Cats are sensitive creatures by nature. They\u2019re also creatures of habit and like routine \u2014 just like some people. As a result, any disruption or change \u2014 big or small \u2014 in daily routine can cause stress. Big changes in a cat\u2019s life, like moving to a different home or adding a new pet, could cause short-term stress. Most cats will adjust to the change within a reasonable time frame, but cats with FIC may remain stressed, which can lead to urinary problems.<\/p>\n

More challenging sources of stress are those long-term situations that don\u2019t have quick fixes. What\u2019s the most common long-term stressor for a cat? A 2004 study of cats<\/a> with and without FIC found the most common long-term stressor for cats was conflict with another cat in the home. While temporary stress and adjustment time is expected as part of introducing a new pet, conflict between two or more cats may be stressful enough to trigger an FIC episode.<\/p>\n

Another factor to consider is your own stress level. Cats, like dogs, are very good at sensing our emotions. When we get stressed, they may respond to that stress, too. And since cats tend to communicate with us through behaviors, you\u2019ll want to watch for any changes in how your cat behaves.<\/p>\n

Other factors that contribute to feline stress include litter box, food and water preferences. Litter boxes that are dirty, too small, hard to reach (e.g., located in the basement) or located in a high-traffic area may cause stress. The scented cat litter that smells pleasant to you may overwhelm your cat\u2019s sense of smell and prompt your cat to urinate someplace else.<\/p>\n

Creating a stress-free environment for your cat<\/h3>\n

Urinary issues in cats, including those triggered by stress, are often lifelong conditions that require lifelong care. Eliminating your cat\u2019s stress and anxiety may not always be possible, but there are things you can do that help.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

Enriching your cat\u2019s environment<\/em><\/strong> is one of the most beneficial steps you can take to reduce your cat\u2019s stress.<\/p>\n