Which drug is used to treat elimination disorders in cats?

• A. Diazepam
• B. Buspirone
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Gabapentin

Answer: (B)

Managing elimination disorders in cats hinges on addressing anxiety that drives the behavior, so pharmacologic treatment focuses on anxiolytics with good safety for chronic use. Buspirone fits best because it reduces fear- and stress-related responses without causing heavy sedation or liver toxicity, and it is commonly used to treat urine marking and other stress-related eliminative behaviors in cats. Diazepam can be considered in some cases, but in cats it carries risks of tolerance, sedation or paradoxical excitement, and potential liver concerns with longer use, making it less ideal as a first choice. Fluoxetine can help in some situations as an SSRI, but buspirone’s safety profile and specific applicability to anxiety-driven elimination often make it the preferred option. Gabapentin is not a standard primary treatment for elimination disorders, though it may have other uses in feline care.