Cats Urination Issues: Causes & Symptoms Explained

While numerous medical reasons can lead to such issues in cats, it is typically a behavioral problem. Identifying and swiftly addressing this issue is crucial for minimizing and eliminating further occurrences. In this article, we will first delve into the medical causes of inappropriate urination in cats and the veterinary diagnostic process.

As a guardian of a multicat household, your first step in troubleshooting this issue is to pinpoint which cat is responsible for the mishap. To identify the culprit, you may need to isolate the cats to different areas and monitor their urination habits. Setting up a camera to keep an eye on multiple cats can also be quite helpful. For cats that require additional assistance, your veterinarian can administer a nontoxic dye to isolate the offender. This dye is usually provided by your vet.

Once the offender is identified, your next step should be to rule out any medical conditions. Inappropriate urination caused by medical reasons requires prompt veterinary care to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan for the underlying disease.

Medical issues that can lead to inappropriate urination include:

1. Diabetes. This condition can cause an increase in a cat's drinking and urination frequency. Additionally, cats with untreated diabetes may struggle to enter the litter box fully.

2. Kidney Disease. Kidney issues can also lead to an increase in a cat's drinking and urination frequency.

3. Urinary Tract Infections. These infections can affect urination frequency and urgency, causing cats to urinate in inappropriate places due to sudden, intense urges. Urinary tract infections are more common in older cats, particularly females.

4. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). This condition primarily affects young, indoor male cats. It is a nonbacterial cystitis (bladder inflammation) that causes cats to have frequent urination urges and discomfort. Affected male cats often urinate in inappropriate places, such as bathtubs or tile floors.

5. Arthritis. Cats with arthritis or mobility issues may struggle to reach the litter box or have difficulty entering and exiting it.

6. Aging. Older cats with cognitive issues may exhibit inappropriate urination due to impaired neurological function.

Your veterinarian will recommend blood tests for any cat showing signs of inappropriate urination to rule out potential medical issues. They will also analyze urine samples for bacteria, crystals, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Xrays may be necessary to search for bladder stones.

In some cases, further diagnostics are essential, such as abdominal ultrasounds or additional endocrine (hormonal) tests. Your vet will tailor treatment based on the diagnostic results. If the underlying medical cause of the inappropriate urination is ruled out, it's time to investigate the behavioral reasons behind the problem.