Inappropriate elimination is the most common reason cats are surrendered to shelters, but is usually treatable when underlying causes are identified.
Cats eliminating inappropriately are often expressing distress through the only means available to them. Medical causes including painful urinary conditions cause cats to associate the litter box with pain. Behavioral causes often reflect inadequate litter box provision, inappropriate litter types, or social stress. Addressing the cause rather than punishing the behavior prevents the cycle of stress that leads to surrender and euthanasia.