Cats may show multiple symptoms when they suffer from a medical condition. A change in the urinating habits may indicate a number of cat problems, including diabetes or urinary tract infections.
Urinary Tract Infections
Lower urinary tract infections are a source of great pain in a cat and this will determine the cat to urinate outside the litter box. The cat will also urinate more frequently, become more vocal and irritable and there may also be blood in the urine. The cat may also lick his genitals in attempt to relieve the pain.
The lower urinary tract infections (UTI) may be caused by bacteria and once detected, these may be treated with antibiotics and a lot of liquids.
Bladder Stones
The presence of bladder stones may also cause inappropriate urination. The stone may cause a lot of pain and the cat will urinate in different places, avoiding the litter box. The cat will lick his genitals and may seek cold places to soothe the pain.
Blood in the urine may also be detected.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that will be signaled by more frequent urination. This is a consequence of an increased thirst. A cat with diabetes may also lose weight. Diabetes is a severe condition and the early detection of diabetes is essential in treating or managing the cat’s condition.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress may also lead to inappropriate urination. The anxiety may be caused by a variety of factors including an undetected disease, separation from the owner, a new pet or a new family member or a changed brand of litter.
Stress and anxiety may be treated through medication, pheromone diffusers or therapy.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure may also be a cause for inappropriate urination. Kidney failure may be caused by different factors including old age, toxicity or kidney tumors.
The condition will also be signaled by urination in lower amounts.
Arthritis
Inappropriate urination may be caused also by the incapacity of the cat to use the litter box. Joint pain or arthritis can be a source of a lot of pain and may incapacitate the cat to urinate in the litter box.
Blindness or Lack of Sense of Smell
Blindness and old age may also cause inappropriate urination; the cat doesn’t find the litter box and urinated in other places.
Cats also rely on their sense of smell to detect different spots, including the litter box; when the sense of smell is compromised, the cat may urinate outside the litter box.
In addition to these health problems, cats may also spray and mark their territory and to communicate with other felines. However, this behavior is only present in cats (typically male) that are not neutered. If your cat is neutered and displays abnormal urination behavior, he should be checked by a vet. Typically, the condition can be treated and the treatment can relieve the discomfort.