Fluoxetine for Cats With Urination Anxiety

Cats are fastidiously clean, and will instinctively use the litter box. However, some cats may begin to urinate inappropriately outside the litter box. The first step in resolving inappropriate urination is to try to understand why the urination is occurring. Sometimes the solution will be quick and easy. Unfortunately, some inappropriate urination may be behavioral, and will take longer to resolve and will possibly require the use of anti-anxiety medication.

  1. Medical Reasons for Inappropriate Urination

    • The most common reasons for inappropriate urination are medical, including diabetes, urinary tract infection and kidney disease. Medical factors can be diagnosed or ruled out often with a simple urinalysis test at the veterinarian's office.

    Environmental Reasons for Inappropriate Urination

    • Once medical causes are ruled out, investigate environmental factors. Some cats are particular about the type and depth of litter, so trying different litters and boxes may resolve the issue. Occasionally, inappropriate urination is caused by the location or cleanliness of the box. If one of these factors is established as the reason for the inappropriate urination, the solution is generally easy to implement.

    Behavioral Reasons for Inappropriate Urination

    • After ruling out medical and environmental causes of inappropriate urination, a concerned owner must consider behavioral factors. The stresses of the addition or loss of other cats, household changes, furniture changes or other factors can cause a cat to stop using the litter box, sometimes completely.

    Fluoxetine to Treat Inappropriate Urination

    • Anti-anxiety medications originally developed for humans can also be used effectively in cats. Fluoxentine (known by the brand names Prozac and Reconcile) is a common choice among veterinarians, especially since the generic form of fluoxetine has become available. According to veterinarian Barbara Forney, fluoxetine may ease the stress in cats and help anxiety, especially for indoor cats

    Side Effects of Fluoxetine

    • One of the most common side effects of fluoxetine is anorexia, which is so common that owners should monitor a cat's weight and food intake when starting fluoxetine. In some cats, using fluoxetine may actually increase anxiety or aggression. A veterinarian should be consulted in these cases before you stop the medication.