A Purr-y Pickle: Cat Urinating Outside the Litter Box
Uncontrollable Urination in Cats: An Examination by Emily Swiniarski, DVM, Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on 03/28/2025. Published on 03/22/2023. Shared on Facebook, Twitter, and emailed, or printed as needed.
When a feline friend decides to otherize the litter box, pawrents may find themselves fuming - nobody enjoys mopping up stinky cat pee! But why do they do it? And what in the nine lives of a cat qualifies as incontinence? Stick around, and we'll sort it all out.
First off, let's distinguish your ordinary, choosy cat from the poor soul that doesn't know it's doing its business. Incontinence, while rare, occurs when a cat leaks urine without knowledge or control. And yes, even senior felines can fall victim to this embarrassing issue. But don't forget, cats have a sixth sense when it comes to bathroom matters, so you may catch them squatting or spraying behind them, unlike those who are out of it.
Symptoms of incontinence vary, and it can be tricky to discern from your cat merely making a statement. Cats with incontinence may leak small amounts, often dribble, and may not always be wet. If your cat seems to be constantly wet down there and has skin irritation from urine, it's more likely incontinence. But keep an eye out for other symptoms such as increased drinking, walking funny, tail trouble, fecal incontinence, and urinary signs, like vocalizing in the litter box, bloody urine, and frequent licking of the genitals.
Causes of incontinence are numerous, with 40% of cases involving issues with the spinal cord, a back-breaker hit from trauma, inflammation, cancer, or a stroke. Other culprits include problems with the urethra, the tube that drains the bladder, or issues with the bladder itself.
It's not all doom and gloom, though. Incontinence in cats can be diagnosed through physical examination and a thorough history from you, the pawrent. Your vet will be all ears when it comes to questions about your cat's pee patterns, whether they pee while sleeping, and any changes in their behavior. They'll also run tests to rule out medical causes, such as urinary infections, kidney function, bladder inflammation, and the feline leukemia virus. X-rays, ultrasounds, contrast imaging, and even MRIs might be needed for a thorough exam.
The Treatment for feline incontinence depends on the cause. Some cases, such as urinary tract infections or bladder inflammation, can be cured with antibiotics or managed with medications. If the urinary system is the issue, alternatives can help manage partial blockages, or your cat might even pass the stones on its own. In cases of weak muscles or a faulty urethra, medications can strengthen the muscles. For those with anatomic issues, surgery is often recommended to improve continence.
Cats with neurological issues, however, may not regain continence. In these cases, it's all about damage control - managing accidents with diapers, waterproof covers, cat beds, and strategically placed litter boxes.
With proper care, most cats with incontinence can maintain some level of continence. So, keep those furballs clean and happy as aWhiskerMaximus!
Enrichment Data:
When kitty starts relieving itself outside the litter box, it's essential to understand whether it's due to incontinence or preference. Here's how veterinarians make that determination:
- Location of Urination: Cats that use the litter box choose locations based on scent and cleanliness, whereas incontinent cats may leak urine on various surfaces, including resting areas[1][2].
- Behavioral Changes: Cats with medical conditions may exhibit discomfort, such as straining to urinate, posturing, or frequent trips to the litter box[2].
- Observational and Behavioral Signs: Observe your cat's behavior for clues. Cats that urinate outside the litter box due to choice often do so on horizontal surfaces like floors or carpets. Urine spraying, typically seen in intact cats, involves vertical surfaces like walls and furniture[2].
- Medical History and Diagnostic Tests: A thorough medical history and diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, urine culture, imaging studies, and physical examination, help identify any underlying medical conditions that might result in incontinence[4].
- Response to Treatment: If the cat's behavior improves with medical treatment, it suggests that the issue was likely due to a medical condition rather than preference[1][3].
Cats exhibit unusual bathroom habits like urinating outside the litter box to assert their independence or due to underlying medical conditions. Incontinence, when a cat leaks urine without knowledge or control, can be diagnosed through symptoms such as constant wetness, skin irritation, and inconsistent litter box usage. The treatment for incontinence depends on the cause and can vary from medications to surgery. A thorough medical history, observation of behavior, and diagnostic tests are crucial in determining if a cat's bathroom behavior is due to preference or a health issue.
