Third Street
Veterinary Hospital, PC
McMinnville, Oregon 97128
Office phone: (503) 472-9418
Buspirone
for Feline Elimination Behavior Problems
Buspirone
(trade name BuSpar) is a drug used by physicians to treat anxiety disorders in
humans. Clinical trials with the drug
have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating cats with elimination behavior
problems (urine spraying). Although its
success rate is not 100%, it has been shown to be useful in a large number of
cats. One study showed about a 75%
reduction in urine spraying in half of the cats studied.
It
is not labeled as a veterinary-approved product. Although tested in a large number of cats, it is not approved by
the FDA for this purpose. Significant
side effects have not been observed, but are always possible. Any abnormal behavior in a cat taking the
drug should be reported to the veterinarian.
Buspirone
is one of the most effective drugs available for management of urine spraying
in cats. However, it is important that
it be used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques. These should be directed at making the
litter box more attractive to the cat (Attraction Therapy) and making the
inappropriate locations of urination and/or defecation undesirable (Aversion
Therapy). These efforts should be
accompanied by an attempt to identify and remove stress factors (if possible)
and neutralize the odor where your cat has been urinating.
Medication Protocol
The
following outline should be followed. If
the sequence is not clear, please call for further instructions.
1.
Give 5 mg (1 tablet) twice daily for 1 week
a. If there is no response, give 7.5 mg (1
1/2 tablets) twice daily for one week
1) If there is no response,
discontinue buspirone.
2) If there is good response, give 5
mg twice daily for 8 weeks.
b. If there is good response, give 5 mg
twice daily for 8 weeks.
2.
If a relapse occurs after successful therapy, resume buspirone at a dose of 5 -
7.5 mg twice daily and continue for 6-12 months.
Behavior Modification
Techniques
The
purpose of Aversion Therapy is to make the area of inappropriate urination or
defecation undesirable for the cat.
These steps are necessary to maximize success.
1.
A product to neutralize the odor of urine or stool should be used in the places
where inappropriate urination or defecation has occurred.
2.
Cover the area(s) with aluminum foil and secure it to the carpet or furniture
with masking tape. Aluminum foil is a
surface that most cats will not walk on.
3.
If the soil in potted plants is being used, place a lemon-scented air freshener
at the base of the plant. This will
usually repel the cat.
Attraction
Therapy
The
purpose of Attraction Therapy is to make the litter box more desirable than the
inappropriate site.
1.
Use a new or very well cleaned litter box.
It is important not to use a litter box with a hood. Although we like our privacy, most cats find
a hooded litter boxes undesirable presumably because it traps odors inside.
2.
Use a non-scented clumping litter. If a
cat has not been using this type of litter, it will usually find it more
desirable than the clay types. That
increases the chances that the new litter box will be used. One study showed that cats tend to dislike
heavily perfumed litters.
3.
Place this litter box near the area of inappropriate urination until it is used
for several days, then move it 2-3 feet per day back to the desired location.
4.
Keep the existing litter box in the normal location in case the aversion
therapy causes your cat to return to it.
Alternative Medications
Although
buspirone is a good first choice, some cats are more responsive to other
medications. Other drugs, which have
been used to manage inappropriate urination, include Elavil and Valium.