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Review article| Volume 33, ISSUE 2, P287-301, March 2003

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Feline house soiling: elimination and marking behaviors

      Deposition of urine and/or feces in inappropriate locations in the home continues to be the most common behavioral problem for which cat owners seek professional counsel [
      • Beaver B.V.
      Housesoiling by cats: a retrospective study of 120 cases.
      ,
      • Borchelt P.L.
      • Voith V.L.
      Elimination behavior problems in cats.
      ,
      • Olm D.D.
      • Houpt K.A.
      Feline house-soiling problems.
      ]. House-soiling is also the primary behavioral reason given for relinquishment of cats to shelters [
      • Salman M.D.
      • Hutchison J.
      • Ruch-Gallie R.
      • et al.
      Behavioral reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to 12 shelters.
      ]. This is not surprising considering the facts that the consequences of this behavior can be quite unpleasant to human beings dwelling in the home and cleaning bills or replacement of soiled objects can quickly escalate into a significant expense. This article reviews appropriate diagnosis and treatments for elimination in inappropriate locations.
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