Inappropriate Elimination in Cats
The Dog's View of Housetraining
Housetraining Accidents

Urinating or defecating in the house is not an uncommon problem with either dogs or cats. Many diseases of the intestinal or urinary tracts can cause cramping or urgency resulting in accidents in the house. Pets who are angry, anxious or stressed often deliberately eliminate in the house.

It is often difficult to differentiate medical from behavioral causes. For example, urinating on the floor may be a deliberate choice or it may be the result of a urinary infection, bladder stones or neurological incontinence. Treating the medical causes involves accurate diagnosis of the problem. Most behavioral causes can be resolved with medication and behavioral modification techniques.