A judge has rejected WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's request to loosen new living requirements, including paying for his internet and cleaning up after his cat, that he says are meant to push him into leaving the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

Key points: Julian Assange takes up more than a third of the space in the small embassy

Julian Assange takes up more than a third of the space in the small embassy The new rules also require him to pay for his own medical and laundry services

The new rules also require him to pay for his own medical and laundry services Mr Assange's lawyer says he plans to appeal against the decision

Judge Karina Martinez decided stricter rules recently imposed by the South American nation's embassy do not violate his asylum rights because authorities have the right to decide what is and is not allowed inside the building.

Ecuadorian officials praised the ruling in the latest row between the Australian hacker and the government that has provided him refuge for six years.

Relations between Mr Assange and Ecuador have grown increasingly prickly as the years have dragged on with no solution in sight.

Mr Assange's lawyer, Carlos Poveda, vowed to appeal against the decision.

"The Ecuadorian state has an international responsibility to protect Mr Assange," Mr Poveda said.

Mr Assange argued the new measures, which also include requiring him to pay for his own medical bills and laundry services, are designed to coerce him into ending his asylum.

Julian Assange's cat sits on the balcony of Ecuador's embassy in London. ( Reuters: Peter Nicholls )

The rules also make clear that if Mr Assange does not properly feed and take care of his cat, the animal could be sent to the pound.

Ecuador's government contended the requirements are aimed at peaceful cohabitation in tight quarters in the small embassy, where Mr Assange takes up more than a third of the space.

Officials have complained that his soccer playing and skateboarding have damaged the building.

"It's clear this protocol was issued with strict respect for international law," Jose Valencia, Ecuador's foreign minister, said after the ruling.

Mr Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 as he tried to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced rape allegations.

He remains wanted in the United Kingdom for jumping bail, and he also fears a possible extradition to the United States for leaking classified State Department documents.

AP