After my cat is spayed, is there a good chance she'll stop going outside the litter box?

Question

My cat was sick most of her life and now she's finally well and is ready to be spayed. She goes on Thursday.

I was going to take her a couple of months ago but the vet wanted to run some tests to rule out medical reasons for her not wanting to use the litter box. He thinks she might be marking her territory since it's always the same couple of spots.

After she gets home and heals, do you think she might behave better?

Answer 1

Yes - 100% better

Answer 2

Nope.

Vets are not behaviorists, unfortunately, and far too often I hear people say their vet says that their cat is "mad" or their cat is "marking" and then they end up at risk of being put to sleep or dropped off at a shelter.  In most cases, the cats had a medical condition that could be addressed or the owners were very poorly informed about litterboxes and such.

Marking by males is done by backing up to a wall, couch or similar item and then spraying a mist at the object.  They will typically mark the same objects repeatedly.  Females mark by streaming, not misting.  Does she do it on a bed? Couch? other soft item?  If so, she probably had a medical condition.

Also, the longer the problem was allowed to continue, the more of a habit the cat now has.  Spaying is ALWAYS a positive option and may help with some behaviors, but the cat may still need to be re-housebroken.  

The areas she potties have to be thoroughly cleaned with something to neutralize the odors.  Do not use Resolve, it has something in it that can actually encourage a cat to urinate on it, nasty stuff.  If you can place litterboxes in the spots all the better.  But the safest and least frustrating option is to confine kitty to a small room with all her supplies for a week or more and only slowly allow her out in the other areas of the home when she is trustworthy.

Answer 3

It really depends upon why she toilets outside the litter box in the first place.  If she is doing it to mark territory having her spayed will make her less inclined to do so.  It will also be good for her long term health as it will eliminate the risk of her developing certain cancers later on in life.  Where they toilet can often give clues to the cause.  Ordinary toileting is usually done in private or hidden areas such as behind furniture, in corners etc., whereas marking is always done out in the open (beds, sofas, next to doors etc.) because it's meant to be noticed.

The web site below has a check list of 18 reasons why cats stop using their litter box which may help you find the cause of her behaviour.  If it turns out that she is marking territory, there's also advice on how to deal with that.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

ya cause cats hate water lol try that  

Answer 5

I think she'll behave better.