Relationship between management practices, gut microbiome, and inappropriate elimination behaviour in domestic cats (Felis catus)

Inappropriate elimination of faeces and urine by domestic cats (Felis catus) is a common behavioural issue frequently reported by cat owners, leading to consequences such as abandonment and euthanasia. Studies have highlighted that the causes of inappropriate elimination can be multifactorial, including environmental, physical and emotional issues, yet , the gut microbiome's influence on this behaviour has not been investigated. This study aims to investigate the correlations between elimination behaviour in domestic cats and various factors, such as management practices, social interactions, the presence of abnormal or compulsive behaviours, and the potential influence of the gut microbiome on the occurrence of the behaviour.