Inappropriate Urination in Felines

Inappropriate urination disorders include behaviors such as urinating outside of the litter box, urine marking and spraying, or any of these behaviors in combination.  Inappropriate urination is the most commonly reported behavioral problem amongst cats. It is also the highest reported reason for feline relinquishment to shelters. This can be devastating to the owner, create a burden on shelters, and contribute to the incidence of feline euthanasia.  It is important that owners have an understanding of this disorder. 
 
There can be several different causes that may explain why your cat is inappropriately urinating. Let’s take a look at a few of the major causes.
 
FLUTD
Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, is a term used to describe any group of disorders or diseases that affects the lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra) in cats. Causes of urinary tract disease include crystals or stones in the urinary bladder, bladder infections, inflammation in the urinary bladder, and other abnormalities within the urinary tract.
The most serious problem associated with urinary function is urethral obstruction. Urethral obstruction is a potentially life-threatening condition and one of the most serious results of FLUTD.
 
Male and neutered male cats are at a greater risk for obstruction than females, because their urethra is longer and narrower. Urethral obstruction is a true medical emergency, and any cat suspected of suffering from this condition must receive immediate veterinary attention within 24 to 48 hours, otherwise it could be fatal. 
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A cat experiencing a urethral obstruction behaves similarly to any other cat with FLUTD: straining to urinate, frequently attempting to urinate and producing little, if any, urine. However, as time passes, an obstructed cat typically becomes much more distressed- often crying out in pain. If your kitty is having any of these symptoms please contact your veterinarian!

Which cats are the most at risk of FLUTD?
FLUTD is thought to affect around 1-3% of cats each year, so it is among the more common diseases seen. Because of the diverse nature of the underlying causes, cats of any age, breed, and gender can be affected by FLUTD, but in general, the disease is more common in:

• Middle-aged cats
• Neutered cats
• Over-weight cats
• Cats which take little exercise
• Cats that eat a dry only diet
• Purebreds

Lower Urinary Tract Clinical Signs
Patients may exhibit one or more of the following:

• ​​Straining to urinate- with and without production of urine
• Crying while urinating
• Blood in urine
• Urinating in places other than in the litter box
• Posturing (squatting) in the litter box for a long period of time

Steps to reduce occurrences and signs of FLUTD

• ​Feed small meals on a frequent basis
• Provide  clean, fresh water at all times
• Provide an adequate number of litter boxes
• Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house
• Keep litter boxes clean
• Minimize major changes in routine

Cat is displaying FLUTD signs, now what?
If your cat is displaying lower urinary tract signs, such as straining repeatedly to urinate and inability to produce urine, seek veterinary care immediately. This condition can rapidly become fatal, especially in male cats.

Tricks used to increase water consumption:

• Use a water fountain
• Use flavored waters such as tuna water, chicken or beef broth, clam juice, lactose-free cat milk, etc.
• Add plain water to canned food, 1 tablespoon per meal, or whatever amount your cat seems to like. Some cats are difficult about drinking water so you have to get a little creative. 

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Litter Box Do's and Don'ts
Top reasons for cats to stop using the litter box:

• Dirty litter box
• Poor choice of litter
• Poor location of litter box 
• Blocked from the box by a dominate feline housemate
• Box size is too small
• Too few boxes
• Medical problems- this should always be a serious consideration
• Change in litter brands

DO:

• Scoop the litter boxes twice daily
• Use unscented litter
• Keep the litter deep enough
• Have enough litter boxes available (one box more than cats; 2 cats=3 boxes)
• Have litter boxes placed in quiet areas
• Seek veterinary attention if your cat stops using the litter box

DO NOT:

• Use scented litters or deodorizers
• Use hooded litter boxes
• Use plastic liners in litter boxes
• Set litter boxes next to each other
• Punish your cat for not using the litter box
• Put a child in charge of litter box maintenance
• Use strong solvents to clean litter boxes