How to Detect Urinary Problems

Cats are famously clean and are creatures of habit. So when your cat suddenly starts peeing on the rug, the laundry, or next to the litter tray, it's not just them being difficult. It could be a sign that something’s wrong with their urinary health.

As a cat behaviourist, one of the first things I ask when someone reaches out about inappropriate urination is: “Have you seen the vet yet?” Only after receiving the all clear from the vet, can we then dive into the behavioural analysis.

Emergency Situations

One common (and serious) culprit is a urinary blockage, usually seen in overweight male cats. This is a medical emergency. If your cat is straining, crying, or not urinating at all, get them to the vet immediately. Waiting even a few hours can be life-threatening.

Signs to Look Out for:

There are several signs which can indicate that your cat has a urinary condition, here are a few of them:

Urinating in unwanted areas around the home.
Urinating next to the litter box.
Meowing or crying before/after urination.
Only passing small amounts of urine.
Straining, but not producing urine.
Excessive licking of the belly or backside.

If any of this sound familiar, get your cat checked by the vet as soon as possible.

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When it is Behavioural

Once your vet has ruled out any medical causes, we can then look at environmental and behavioural factors. Sometimes urination problems stem from stress, anxiety, or territorial marking.

As a cat behaviourist, I can help you identify the underlying cause and create a plan to get your kitty back on track.