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March 18, 2002
Treatment for Urine Spraying in Cats
Urine spraying is a cat's way of marking territory, and is unrelated
to normal urination. Most common in non-neutered males and multi-cat
households, the spraying of urine on vertical surfaces like drapes
and furniture is his way of identifying "his" property
or covering the scent of other cats. Prior to treatment, a veterinarian
will typically perform an exam to rule out any physical cause.
Administration of fluoxetine hydrochloride (the active ingredient
in Prozac®) for treatment of urine spraying in cats can be expected
to considerably reduce the rate of urine marking. Researchers recommend
that most cats should be treated more than eight weeks before treatment
is withdrawn. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical
trial studied 17 neutered cats more than 1 year old with objectionable
urine spraying behavior. The medication dosage for each cat was
individualized and fish-flavored by a compounding pharmacy. The
average number of spraying episodes per week in treated cats was
8.6 at the start of the study and decreased significantly to an
average of less than one episode per week after 8 weeks of fluoxetine
therapy. The mean weekly spraying rate of cats receiving placebo
did not decline. The main adverse reaction to the drug was a reduction
in food intake.
Copyright 2002, Storey Marketing - Veterinary Website
Updates. Reproduction prohibited without subscription from Storey
Marketing (814-337-3441). Questions regarding this article should
be directed to the compounding professionals at Martin Avenue Pharmacy,
Inc.
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