There are many diseases that cause cats to drink and urinate much more than normal, so they may not make it to the litter box in time. If treatment is not initiated promptly, pressure and toxins from the trapped urine can also create permanent damage in the kidneys.Ĭhronic urinary disease often requires frequent monitoring, and could even require surgery (perineal urethrostomy) to redirect the urethra and prevent blockage. This condition can kill a cat if not corrected immediately. This happens when crystals, stones, or pus block up the end of the urethra, and urine is trapped in the bladder. If you see your cat straining to urinate, frequently going to the box with no urine coming out, or crying when they urinate, this is an EMERGENCY! Urinary blockage is a life-threatening problem that can result from a urinary tract infection. Other causes of urinary tract inflammation include infection, stones, and crystals. Most cases of inflammation in younger cats are Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), which means the specific cause is unknown, although stress can be involved. You will generally not see blood in the urine until the problem is extremely advanced. Urinating outside the box may be the only way that your cat has to tell you something is wrong. If they try to urinate in their box and it hurts, they associate that box with causing their pain and stop using it. Urinary tract inflammation is the #1 reason (by far) that cats urinate (or defecate) outside their litter box. Behaviorally, if a cat decides they don't want to use their litter box, and likes the carpet instead, this can be next to impossible to correct if we don't address it quickly. Urinary tract inflammation in cats can lead to urinary blockage, which can kill a cat quickly. Medically, not using the litter box is generally the first sign of urinary tract inflammation. However, if your housetrained cat stops using their litter box, that can be an emergency situation - both medically and behaviorally. Cats like to dig to bury their feces or urine, and cat litter provides an excellent way to do so. Putting them in a room without rugs or carpet with a litter box for a day or so is usually enough to get them to use their box. They could also benefit from play at a regular time, or a very consistent feeding schedule.Cats are generally very easy to housetrain. If you can’t do anything to change the situation, make sure to give your cat lots of love, affection, and cuddles. If there is a change, or a stressor you could address (like closing the blinds so they can’t see the stray cat, do so. Ex: is there a neighborhood cat they can now see through the blinds, and they feel threatened by?.Have there been any new stimulation / situations arise?.Unfathomable, because of course their love is enough, but did you bring another pet into the home?.Have you had a lot of unfamiliar visitors?.Has there been a major change in schedule?.It is hard to believe that our animals experience stress (being loved so much by their owners is so hard…), but they do, just like humans! It could be caused by many things.Recent Changes in the Home, or Increased Stress Sometimes like humans, cats don’t like to share a bathroom with their siblings!.It is best to have one extra litterbox than you have cats, so if you have two cats, we would recommend having at least 3 litterboxes in the house!.Is it too high where it is hard to get into?.Are there any objects blocking the entrance?.Is it in a room they can get to easily?.Is the litterbox clean enough? Maybe their standards are a little higher than yours!.If your kitty doesn’t like their litterbox, it could be leading them to pee in other places.Especially if you’ve noticed any other changes in behavior, it is important to rule out any sort of medical issue! If your cat seems to be making a mess accidentally, or if this is a sudden change in their behavior, it is important to check with your vet to make sure they haven’t developed some sort of health condition.Why is my cat peeing outside of the litter box?īy nature, cats are clean and careful creatures, so if your cat has started to pee outside of the litter box, they could be trying to communicate something to you! Understanding the cause of why they’ve started spraying is an important step in eliminating it! Below is a list of common causes that could be causing the stress that is leading your cat to this unwanted behavior. Now you know how to prevent your cat from spraying, but if you are wondering why they’ve started in the first place, read on! Confine them to a small space with the litter box.Scold your cat, and then carry him/her to the litter box.Rub their nose in their urine, or in the sprayed area.Why do Cats Pee Outside the Litter Box? Additional Helpful Hints
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