"Webinar" Series For Cats: Inappropriate Elimination

One of the most common causes for cats surrendered to shelters is house soiling. This is often referred to as, "inappropriate elimination ."It is one of the most frustrating feline behaviors, which even the most fastidious cat may all of a sudden begin without any obvious reason. While "spraying", (urinating on vertical surfaces) usually signifies a cat's need to mark a territory or to advertise for a mate, urinating on top of surfaces around the home is generally prompted by a wide variety other feline problems.

While intact felines are more prone to "spraying ," neutered males and spayed female cats often will indulge in this behavior. Horizontally directed urination on soft surfaces such as beds, couches or carpets or even on hard surfaces such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or bathtubs is very different in most cases for the motivation for spraying.

My cat Lucyfur checking out her litterbox

There are many causes for both behaviors. Often it can simply be the result of an untidy litter box. However, underlying medical or emotional upset can drive a cat to cease their normal toilet habits. While intact felines are frequently motivated to spray to mark territories, or to initiate sexual overtures, when their neutered/spayed cousins start behaving in this manner, we need to quickly find the underlying cause of the problem and take prompt action to remedy them. Seeking prompt veterinary intervention is the first line of defense in rendering appropriate care. Then there are times when the reasons for the behavior are not that apparent. Urine and blood tests often turn up negative results, leaving the cat owner scratching their heads in bewilderment and frustration.

I was excited to learn about a series of free "Webinars" (Internet Seminars) that are accessible and available for pet lovers. You know that I will be attending one!

PetsMart Charities is offering these Webinars for folks experiencing these concerns. In this session, they will present the various causes of inappropriate elimination and urine spraying and how we can identify them accurately. This will be a boon for both shelter volunteers and for those who keep cats in private homes. While treatment of these problems are often rewarding, at the same time they can be quite frustrating. This webinar, designed to give suggestions, isolate issues and how to best deal with this very frustrating problem should be interesting.

Dr. Sheila Segurson, DACVB, US Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, is presenting feline Inappropriate Elimination and Urine Spraying Webinars

Wednesday, July 9: 9-10:30 a.m. pacific; 10-11:30 a.m. Mountain; 11-12:30 p.m. central; 12-1:30 p.m. eastern Thursday, July 10: 1-2:30 p.m. pacific; 2-3:30 p.m. Mountain; 3-4:30 p.m. central; 4-5:30 p.m. eastern Monday, July 14: 10-11:30 a.m. pacific; 11-12:30 p.m. Mountain; 12-1:30 p.m. central; 1-2:30 p.m. eastern

For further information, visit: http://petsmartcharities.webex.com. If you need assistance setting your computer up to take part in the sessions, contact Suzy Hayton with any questions, by emailing her at: shayton@petsmartcharities.org

I think this is going to be a very useful program, which can answer many of our questions about inappropriate elimination and for those of us who are dealing with it, to get some support.

Register soon please!