Incontinence, Spraying and Marking - Urination Issues with Cats

Inappropriate urination is the number one behavioural problem in cats. 

Veterinarian assistance should be sought if your cat suddenly begins to urinate inappropriately. There are a number of reasons why a cat may begin to toilet outside of their litter box. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is one of the most common. FLUTD is a term used to describe any disorder or disease that affects the lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra) in cats. FLUTD can be associated with a bacterial infection, urethral obstruction, or the formation of crystals (stones) in the urinary tract which can be very painful for your cat. 

Signs of FLUTD can include:

  • Inappropriate urination outside of the litter box 
  • Straining when urinating
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Increased frequency of urination, usually passing small amounts of urine
  • Pink, dark or bloody urine
  • Crying out in pain/vocalising during attempts to urinate
  • Licking the genital area
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lack of energy or interest in normal activities

FLUTD is serious and requires medical attention. Fortunately, in the majority of cases your cat can recover with treatment from your veterinarian and the right nutrition.

Stress has been identified as a significant component of (or trigger for) most common cat behavioural problems and some common diseases. Stress is another major cause of inappropriate urination with cats. There are many factors that can lead to a cat becoming stressed.

Cats like to be in control of their environment! Cats carefully mark their home environment using facial pheromones, therefore if we remove or disrupt these marks by moving furniture, bringing in new items, excessive cleaning, building/DIY work, or other such changes, we can disorientate our cats and in some cases bring on stress. 

In addition, taking your cat away from its territory can be extremely frightening for them and can lead to stress (this can include vet visits, moving home, time spent at a cattery, etc.).

As well as taking cats away from their territory, bringing new arrivals into their territory can also be a stressful experience. Cats are naturally solitary animals and prefer free access to water, food, litter trays, bedding, exits and entrances. In a home with more than one cat, this can cause competition between the cats for these things, which in turn creates conflict and stress.

Ways to reduce tension in multi-cat households can include:

  • Having multiple litter trays (1 per cat + 1 extra)
  • Having multiple food and water stations with various access points
  • Having multiple climbing, hiding and sleeping areas for all cats
  • Installing single cat-sized sleeping perches in various places around the home
  • Placing a bell on the dominant cat in the household. This provides a warning to the other cats that the aggressor cat is coming, giving them the chance to get out of the way
  • Providing safe escape routes and hiding places to reduce bullying
  • Use a feline specific pheromone spray or diffuser

Cats may show very little sign that they are upset and the signs they do show are commonly misinterpreted as ‘naughty’ behaviour rather than a cry for help.

Signs to look out for include:

  • Urine marking
  • Vertical scratch marking
  • Hiding away or refusing to interact
  • Over-grooming

If your cat has started spraying and marking around your home, after visiting a vet to rule out any medical conditions, and doing what you can to reduce stressors, there are various other steps you can take:

  • Clean soiled areas thoroughly. Do not use strong-smelling cleaners or bleach, because they may cause your cat to "over-mark" the spot. Instead purchase an enzyme-based cleaner designed specifically for pet messes
  • Make previously soiled areas inaccessible or unattractive. If this isn't possible, try to change the significance of those areas to your cat, and feed, treat and play with your cat in the areas they are inclined to mark
  • Restrict your cat's access to doors and windows through which they can observe other animals outside
  • Use a feline pheromone spray or diffuser in areas where your cat has marked
  • Have your cat wear a feline diaper. Kitty Knickers are washable and adjustable cat pants that are made from a waterproof outer layer with multiple layers of absorbent padding on the inside. They prevent your cat from being able to mark on your floors, walls, furniture, etc. whilst you take steps to modify their behaviour


Posted 08 March 2021

Share