A cat that suddenly pees outside the litter box is often telling you something is wrong. It can be a behaviour problem, but very often it starts with a medical one, so a vet check comes first.

When it's an emergency

A cat, especially a male cat, who strains in the litter box and produces little or no urine may have a blocked urethra. This is life-threatening and needs a vet right away. Other urgent signs are crying in the litter box, repeated trips with nothing coming out, vomiting, or hiding and seeming very unwell.

During our hours, come straight in and call (604) 888-2628 on the way. After hours, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital.

Common medical causes

  • Bladder inflammation, often linked to stress (feline idiopathic cystitis).
  • Bladder crystals or stones.
  • Urinary tract infections, which are more common in older cats.
  • Kidney disease, diabetes or an overactive thyroid, which make cats drink and pee more.
  • Arthritis, which makes it hard to climb into a high-sided box.

Behaviour and the litter box

  • A dirty box, a new type of litter, or a box in a busy or noisy spot.
  • Too few boxes. A common guide is one per cat, plus one extra.
  • Stress from a new pet, a move or a change in routine.
  • Marking: spraying small amounts on walls or furniture, more common in cats that aren't spayed or neutered.

Older cats

Senior cats who start peeing outside the box often have a medical reason, such as kidney disease, diabetes or arthritis. A check-up with bloodwork and a urine test can find it early.

What happens at the vet visit

We examine your cat and usually test a urine sample (a urinalysis) for crystals, blood, infection and sugar. Bloodwork or X-rays may be recommended if stones or kidney disease are possible. Many urinary problems are managed with medication, more water in the diet, less stress, or a prescription urinary diet.

Urinary problems in dogs

Dogs get urinary infections and bladder stones too. Watch for peeing more often, straining, accidents in the house, blood in the urine, or a lot of licking around the genitals. Straining with nothing coming out is an emergency in dogs as well.

How to help at home

  • Keep litter boxes clean, with one per cat plus one.
  • Encourage drinking: fresh water in several places, or a water fountain.
  • Keep routines steady, and give your cat quiet places to rest.
  • Don't punish accidents. It adds stress and can make them worse.

If your cat or dog is having urinary trouble, call us at (604) 888-2628. We are open 7 days a week.