When a cat uses the bathroom outside of the litter box, there's often a cause behind this behavior that can be corrected. Whether it's a medical issue like incontinence or a lack of training, read about the solution here.
Cat incontinence is a medical issue, usually requiring medical treatment. A cat may go outside the litter box for other reasons too, including a lack of training or acting out because they’re unhappy about some change in their world. These issues are behavioral or psychological and can be resolved through attention and training.
Inappropriate urination that needs to be resolved medically is defined as incontinence. In these cases, some underlying issue has developed to the point where the loss of bladder control has become a symptom or indication of the condition. Learn about the different conditions that can lead to incontinence in cats and how to treat it.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN CATS
Feline Diabetes
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- Symptoms: Your cat may rush to the litter box but fail to make it there on time. They’ll likely be drinking more water than usual.
- Treatment of Incontinence: Treatment of diabetes will resolve the incontinence.
- Symptoms: Your cat may rush to the litter box but fail to make it there on time. They’ll likely be drinking more water than usual.
Urinary Tract Infection
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- Symptoms: If your cat is straining to urinate, but little or no urine comes out, get them to a veterinarian quickly. A UTI is easily treated with antibiotics, but the infection can spread quickly into the bladder, which is harder to treat.
- Treatment of Incontinence: Antibiotics will resolve the infection, which should eliminate any incontinence issues.
- Symptoms: If your cat is straining to urinate, but little or no urine comes out, get them to a veterinarian quickly. A UTI is easily treated with antibiotics, but the infection can spread quickly into the bladder, which is harder to treat.
Scarred Bladder
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- Symptoms: If a UTI (see above) has spread to the bladder, some scarring may occur. Scarring takes up room in the bladder, which means there’s less room for reserves of urine. The need to urinate may become urgent.
- Treatment of Incontinence: In this case, prevention is the best treatment. Get UTIs treated as early as possible to prevent the spread of the infection, which will prevent scarring.
- Symptoms: If a UTI (see above) has spread to the bladder, some scarring may occur. Scarring takes up room in the bladder, which means there’s less room for reserves of urine. The need to urinate may become urgent.
Kidney Stones
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- Symptoms: Strain during urination, frequent urination, blood in urine, paired with a tender abdomen.
- Treatment of Incontinence: The two most common options for the relief of kidney stones are surgery and diet change. Surgery is highly invasive and can be expensive, but it is typically quick and effective at relieving pain and discomfort. Changing the cat’s diet to dissolve the stones is less invasive and less expensive. However, it’s not always effective, and when it is, it can take several weeks to work.
- Symptoms: Strain during urination, frequent urination, blood in urine, paired with a tender abdomen.
Bacterial Bladder Infection
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- Symptoms: Otherwise known as cystitis, this condition is rare in cats who do not have diabetes or kidney disease. It’s also more common in cats over 10 years of age. Indications of this condition include straining to urinate, more frequent urination, excessive genital cleaning, a sudden stop in litter box use, and urine that’s smellier than usual.
- Treatment of Incontinence: Cystitis can be successfully treated with over-the-counter or prescription supplements or pills. Cranberry extract is one such successful treatment, but discuss options with your veterinarian.
- Symptoms: Otherwise known as cystitis, this condition is rare in cats who do not have diabetes or kidney disease. It’s also more common in cats over 10 years of age. Indications of this condition include straining to urinate, more frequent urination, excessive genital cleaning, a sudden stop in litter box use, and urine that’s smellier than usual.
Old Age
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- Symptoms: If your geriatric cat has stopped using the litter box and other underlying medical issues have been ruled out, it could be exhibiting signs of senility.
- Treatment of Incontinence: Help them out a bit by adding more litter boxes to the environment. They’ll have a shorter distance to travel, which could make it easier for them to go properly. If they’ve forgotten where the litter lives, remind them from time to time by taking them there.
- Symptoms: If your geriatric cat has stopped using the litter box and other underlying medical issues have been ruled out, it could be exhibiting signs of senility.
What About Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence, rarer than urinary incontinence in cats, may take a few forms. A simple bout of diarrhea could be causing the accidents. Just wait to see if the issue resolves, and talk to your vet if it doesn’t.
If you’re finding droppings around the house, your cat could be dealing with something as serious as a tumor, or nerve damage to the spinal cord. Get them checked out to rule out a serious condition.
Most Elimination Issues Are Behavioral
Consider whether a change in your environment has caused your cat stress. Also, be sure to clean the litter box frequently. No one likes a dirty bathroom.
Litter Box Training for Your Cat
New and prospective cat owners are often surprised to learn that they'll need to train their new pet to use the litter box. Since cats have digging instincts, many people assume that their pet will just figure it out on their own, or that kittens are shown the ropes by their mother in the weeks after birth. Alas neither of these are the case, and it's up to a cat's owner to teach their pet the proper way to use the litter box.
Luckily, training can be a fast and painless process if done correctly. Here we'll walk you through the steps that will get your cat walking to the litter box.
Training Instructions
- The sooner you can begin the litter box training process, the easier it will be. The best way to get started is to get prepared. Purchase your cat's litter box and set it up in your home before the arrival of your new cat. Litter boxes should be placed in an area of the home that is free of clutter, loud noises, or other distractions. Learn more about choosing and setting up a litter box.
- Place your cat or kitten in the litter box after meals, naps, play sessions, or any other time they appear ready to eliminate (sniffing and looking around are two good signs). After they go, offer lots of praise. Cats like praise, and if it's directly linked to the litter box, your cat will form a positive association with its use.
- Whenever you cannot directly supervise your cat during the training process, confine your cat to a cat-proofed room with a litter box.
- Never reprimand your cat if they make a mistake. If you happen to catch your cat in the process of eliminating outside of the litter box, pick up the cat and place them in the litter box to finish. Never scold your cat as you do this – it will only create a negative association with the litter box. If you find an accident after the fact, clean it up with a non-ammonia cleaner (ammonia smells like urine, and if the location smells like urine, your cat may think it's an acceptable place to urinate again). Never carry your cat to the accident spot for a reprimanding or rub your cat's face in the accident. Your cat will not connect the discipline with the accident and will only be confused.
- One way to expedite the litter box training process is to leave a small amount of urine or feces in the litter box between cleanings. Your cat will recognize the smell and be reminded that the litter box is where such business takes place. Once your cat is using the litter box regularly, begin cleaning the box in its entirety, leaving behind no urine or feces.
Litter box training can be accomplished anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks – every cat is different. Follow the above instructions until your cat is using the litter box regularly.
If you have followed the above instructions and your cat is still not using the litter box, talk to your veterinarian. Your cat may have a medical problem that is preventing litter box use, and you'll want to find out what next steps you can take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cat litter cause urinary problems in cats?
Unclean litter boxes can contribute to the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats, as bacteria can build up in the litter box and transfer to the cat's urinary tract. It's necessary to keep the litter box clean and regularly scooped to reduce the risk of UTIs. In addition, some types of cat litter, such as clay litters and litters with fine dust, can also contribute to respiratory issues in cats. This is because the dust particles can be inhaled and cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract, especially in cats with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Why is my cat suddenly peeing and pooping outside the litter box?
There are several possible reasons why a cat may suddenly start peeing and pooping outside the litter box. Cats who are experiencing pain or discomfort due to a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or constipation, may start to avoid the litter box because they associate it with pain. Your cat may be avoiding the litter box if it's dirty if the litter type has changed, or if it's in an inconvenient location. Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment and can become stressed or anxious if there are changes, such as a new pet, a new person in the house, or a change in routine. This can result in litter box avoidance. Cats are territorial animals, and if there are multiple cats in the household, one cat may be marking their territory by peeing outside the litter box. Older cats may develop arthritis, which can make it difficult for them to climb into the litter box and use it comfortably. If your cat is suddenly peeing and pooping outside the litter box, take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. You should also examine the litter box and the cat's environment to see if there are any changes that may be causing the problem. Addressing any issues that may be contributing to the problem can help to encourage your cat to start using the litter box again.
Why is my cat suddenly incontinent?
UTIs can cause urinary incontinence in cats. The infection can irritate the bladder and cause the cat to urinate frequently and uncontrollably. Diabetes can cause frequent urination and increased thirst, which may lead to incontinence. Kidney disease can cause increased urination, which may lead to incontinence. Certain neurological disorders can affect bladder and bowel control, leading to incontinence. Injuries to the spinal cord can affect the cat's ability to control its bladder and bowels. It's necessary to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the incontinence. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition and may include medications, dietary changes, or surgery.
What can be done for an incontinent cat?
The treatment for an incontinent cat will depend on the underlying cause of the incontinence. There are medications available that can help control incontinence in cats. For example, phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a medication that can help to tighten the urethral sphincter and improve bladder control. Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. The type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the severity of the infection. Common antibiotics used to treat UTIs in cats include amoxicillin, cephalexin, and enrofloxacin. The veterinarian may also prescribe a urinary acidifier to help acidify the urine and prevent the growth of bacteria. Topical ointments may be used to help soothe any irritation or inflammation caused by the UTI. These ointments may contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or aloe vera, which can help to reduce itching and discomfort. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the underlying cause of the incontinence. For example, surgery may be necessary to remove bladder stones or to correct a congenital abnormality. For cats with urinary incontinence caused by a medical condition, such as kidney disease or diabetes, dietary changes may be recommended. A specialized diet can help manage the underlying condition and reduce the severity of incontinence. In some cases, managing the cat's environment can help with incontinence. This may include providing easy access to litter boxes, providing extra litter boxes in multiple locations, and using absorbent pads or diapers. For cats with neurological or spinal cord injuries, physical therapy may be recommended to help improve bladder and bowel control.
What litter is best for cats with urinary tract problems?
Cats with urinary tract problems require special consideration when it comes to choosing a litter. Non-clumping litter is typically made of materials such as paper, wood, or plant-based materials and does not form clumps when wet. This type of litter is less likely to irritate a cat's sensitive urinary tract and may be easier to pass through its system. Litter that produces less dust can be beneficial for cats with respiratory issues, as well as urinary tract problems. Dusty litter can irritate a cat's sensitive respiratory and urinary systems, causing discomfort and potentially exacerbating the problem. Crystal cat litter is a type of litter made of silica gel, which is highly absorbent and effective at controlling odors. Some crystal litters are designed to be low-dust, which can be beneficial for cats with respiratory issues. However, the use of crystal litter for cats with urinary tract problems is somewhat controversial. On the one hand, some veterinarians and cat owners believe that crystal litter is beneficial for cats with urinary tract problems because it is highly absorbent and can help to keep the litter box cleaner and drier. This can reduce the risk of bacterial growth and help prevent infections. On the other hand, some veterinarians caution against the use of crystal litter for cats with urinary tract problems because it is made of silica gel, which can be irritating to a cat's sensitive urinary tract. Additionally, some cats may be prone to ingesting crystal litter, which can cause digestive issues. Scented litter may contain chemicals or fragrances that can irritate a cat's sensitive urinary tract. Unscented litter is a safer option, as it is less likely to cause irritation or discomfort. A litter with larger granules can be beneficial for cats with urinary tract problems, as it is less likely to stick to their paws and fur. This can reduce the likelihood of bacteria being tracked around the house and can also help prevent litter from getting stuck in the cat's urinary tract.
More on Kitty Boxes and Training
How To Choose a Cat Litter Box and Kitty Litter
5 Ways To Take the Ewww out of Litter Boxes
Litter Box Training for Your Cat
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
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