The Cat Clinic

Full service feline only veterinary hospital

Litter Box Care

Urinary Tract Disease in Cats

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urinary tract disease cats
Cosmo at the animal hospital

Urinary Tract Disease in Cats-Why Won’t My Cat Use the Litter Box

Urinary tract disease in cats can cause inappropriate eliminations or going outside of the litter box. Many cat parents assume that this problem is caused because of spite thinking that their cat is trying to get back at them for something. Luckily, cats don’t share this very human emotion of spite and revenge. Going outside of the litter box is always caused by some very real medical or psychological problem.

The first avenue to explore is ruling out a medical condition causing discomfort to the cat. I laugh with my clients that when there cat is elimination outside of their litter box that is their way of saying TAKE ME TO THE VETERINARIAN! In fact, one client described her cat eliminating outside of the litter box for several weeks before finally climbing up on the kitchen counter and urinating on her sandwich! I think that is a clear cry for help.

Young cats usually don’t get urinary tract infections but can suffer from concentrated urine that produces stones or crystals that can wreak havoc inside their bladders. These stones or crystals have some genetic predisposition but can be prevented by feeding an appropriate diet.

The Cat Clinic of Plymouth always recommends a canned food diet that can reduce the incidence of formation of these issues by allowing the urine to have the appropriate pH and dilution. Studies have shown that cats concentrate their urine very well allowing the formation of these issues in the urine.  Studies further support that even when a client believes their cat drinks enough water but eats mostly dry food their cat’s urine is many times more concentrated than a cat that eats a mostly canned food diet.

Male cats that eat a mostly dry food diet are more prone to urinary blocking. A blockage in the urinary tract is life threatening. If your cat is straining in the litter box, this is an emergency.

Another predisposing factor for urinary tract issues in any aged cat is stress. Multiple cat households, indoor life, lack of environmental stimulation, changes in the household can cause physiological stress in a cat that result in increased circulating cortisol that attacks the bladder wall. This makes them feel as though they have a urinary tract infection. This feeling can come and go throughout the day or week making it difficult to track due to inconsistency. See our blog on litter box care and environmental stimulation for more information.

Older cats can also suffer from urinary tract infections caused by underlying medical conditions such as obesity, kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism to name a few. Many of these conditions are easily treatable. So again make sure your cat sees your veterinarian for routine checkups especially as they age. If you have trouble getting your cat in the carrier see our handy guide to Getting Your Cat in the Carrier.

Litter Box Care

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Litter Box Care to prevent or treat elimination problems

From the American Association of Feline Practitioners

Most cats prefer a fine-grained, unscented litter substrate (e.g., clumping litter). Boxes should be scooped 1 or 2 times daily. Clumping litter should be completely changed at least weekly and more often if more than one cat uses it. Clay litter should be changed a minimum of every other day (more frequently if multiple cats are using it).Wash litter box with warm, soapy water and dry well before adding new litter.

The ideal number of litter boxes is one per cat, plus one. Litter boxes should be placed in at least 2 different locations, and preferably more if a multiple cat household. Locations should be private and have easy access. Boxes should not be placed next to noisy appliances. Prevent blocking litter box exit or entry of one cat by another. Have at least two ways for cats to enter and exit the box. Never trap or corner a cat in its litter box to give it medication or perform other procedures that the cat may dislike.

Many cats prefer a litter depth of approximately 1.5 inches; however, preferences vary. Cats prefer litter boxes that are at least 1.5 times the length of their bodies. Many commercial litter boxes are too small for larger cats. Sweater storage boxes, cement mixing tubs, and small dog litter pans (for dogs up to 35 pounds) all make excellent cat litter boxes.

HELPFUL FACTS REGARDING URINATION AND DEFECATION: The average cat urinates twice daily (+/- 2), and defecates once (and up to 3-4 times in outdoor cats) daily. Some cats sniff and cover their eliminations; others don’t. Both are considered normal behavior. Eliminating outside the box often signals an underlying medical condition. The earlier the problem is corrected, the better the chance for the cat to return to the litter box.Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment.