Inappropriate Urination in Cats

Litter Box Woes- Is your cat urinating outside of the literbox? 

Inappropriate urination (IAU) is a very frustrating issue for cat owners and one of the most common reasons people put their cats up for adoption. While IAU can make you want to pull your hair out, there are several solutions to try before saying so long to your feline friend.

The first thing I would recommend is scheduling a check-up with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues. Cats suffering from a urinary tract infection will often experience discomfort while trying to urinate and may start to associate the litter box with pain. Felines could also be suffering from diabetes, kidney, or thyroid disease, all of which would make him want to drink more and therefore have to urinate more frequently.

If your cat is otherwise healthy, they may feel unsafe using the litter box. Litter boxes should be placed in quiet, open, warm areas of the home. Avoid placing the box at the end of a narrow hall where a cat’s path to his bathroom could be blocked. Also make sure you have one more litter box than there are cats. For example, if you have two cats, you should have at least three litter boxes in different areas of the home.

Stress or anxiety could also be contributing to IAU.  Have you recently moved, gotten new pets, or had a baby? If so, your kitty might need a little time to adjust to their new environment. You can talk with your vet about calming supplements and anti-depressant medications to help him get through the transition.