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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Treatments for Urine Spraying

Mills DS, Redgate SE, Landsberg GM. A meta-analysis of studies of treatments for feline urine spraying. PLoS ONE 2011;6:18448.

Urine spraying by cats is a common behavioral problem reported by cat owners. Currently, there is no consensus among professionals for treatment of this problem. This study attempted to analyze current data to identify the most appropriate treatment. Ten studies evaluating either medications or pheromones as tools for correcting this behavior were included. Cessation or reduction of urine spraying was observed in 90% of cats receiving intervention regardless of method compared to a placebo. The sustained use of fluoxetine had the largest reported effect. The authors noted that the sample size was small in these studies, and that validation through larger studies is needed. Pheromones were also found to reduce the incidence of spraying. The authors concluded that there is good evidence that medications and pheromones provide added value for the reduction of urine spraying in cats. [MK]

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Related articles:
Landsberg GM, Wilson AL. Effects of clomipramine on cats presented for urine marking. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2005; 41:3-11.


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