Use this quiz to help determine whether a cat is marking or eliminating.
Answer key
1. These cats stand and squirt urine on vertical surfaces; their tail is held straight up and may quiver while they’re doing this. They often tread—move their feet up and down in a gentle stomping motion, similar to kneading—with their front or back paws.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Urine marking cats
2. These cats squat and urinate on horizontal surfaces.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Eliminating cats
3. These cats will often make scraping motions with their feet, as if attempting to cover their waste.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Eliminating cats
4. These cats are highly unlikely to make scraping motion with their front feet, as if trying to cover their waste. They have just left a message—they wouldn’t want to cover it up.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Urine marking cats
5. These cats will usually look for quiet, out-of-the-way locations to eliminate, especially if they’ve ever been caught in the act and yelled at.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Eliminating cats
6. These cats often choose soft, absorbable surfaces. For example, upholstery, bedding, clothing that’s on the floor or furniture, area rugs, or carpeting.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Eliminating cats
7. These cats often target walls, drapes, furniture legs, doorways, appliances, and even stereo speakers.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Urine marking cats
8. These cats’ messes are more likely to be in highly trafficked areas. The locations are socially significant to the cat, and the surfaces may be varied.
a. Urine marking cats
b. Eliminating cats
Answer: Urine marking cats
AVMA presents 2 service awards at Global Health reception
June 25th 2024Cathy King, DVM, PhD, MS, the founder and CEO of World Vets; and Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, retired state public health veterinarian with the Minnesota Department of Health, were presented with trophies during the 2024 AVMA Convention event.
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