Causes of Cat Urination Outside of Litter Box

by Anonymous Reader

Reader Question: Helping a Cat that is Urinating Outside the Litter Box

Our 15 year old male cat has been urinating everywhere including beside the litter box. This has been going on for a while now--he seems to drink a lot of water and always wants to go outside, until you open the door.

He has been a very healthy cat until this last year, and weighed 18 lbs. He now weighs 8 lbs. We had a vet check his heart, and it is healthy---

We don't have extra $$$ for all kinds of tests, as we are retired on a very limited budget---what can we do for him. He still wants to be held, and plays with our 8 yr old male cat(22 lbs and healthy as well).

Advice for Our Veterinarian for a Cat that is Urinating Outside the Litter Box

Hello,

The symptoms you describe are usually associated with serious diseases in cats. My top rule outs would be diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. All of these require a basic panel of blood work, a urinalysis, and perhaps some specific testing (e.g., a thyroid hormone level) to diagnose. Treatment would obviously depend on the condition that was eventually diagnosed.

If you are unable to provide your cat with this type of work-up, I recommend you switch to a “hospice care” mentality. Provide him with good nutrition (canned food would be best), keep lots of water available at all times, and give him lots of love and attention.

When it seems like he is no longer happy and enjoying his days, euthanasia would be the kindest option left.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM