In general, if you smell something unusual in the litterbox, have your cat examined by your veterinarian. Tumors and hormonal disorders, especially in male cats, can also cause the urine odor to change dramatically. Many urine malodors are associated with bladder infections and cystitis(inflammation) 6. I’ve been bowled over by the scent shockwave when opening many cat carriers, if you know what I mean. In general, if the color or constancy change is significant enough for you to notice, it’s significant enough to have it checked by your veterinarian.īecause odor is subjective and many cat guardians have developed what we call “olfactory fatigue” when it comes to their litterbox, sniffing a problem scent can be difficult for many. Pale, watery urine without a healthy golden glow often indicate dilute urine, a sign of kidney disease or diabetes. Other changes to look out for are colorless urine. Urethral blockage can occur in a few hours, making speedy medical or surgical treatment critical.

My biggest worry is that blood clots, debris such as crystals or swelling due to inflammation or infection may lead to obstruction of the urethra, causing potentially life-threatening inability to urinate. If you notice any change in color, especially red-tinged urine, notify your veterinarian at once. Frantic feline families call me describing a red-stained trail from litterbox to food bowl.

The most common color change cat guardians report to me is dark or bloody urine. Going to the litterbox more or less frequently or urinating in unusual places may be the only way your cat can call for help. More frequent urination can also be caused by diabetes, kidney disease, and behavioral problems. Increased urination can also be associated withbladder infections and cystitis ( inflammation), a painful condition. 5This type of obstruction can become life-threatening within hours. Decreased urination, often associated with straining, or vocalization can signal a urethral blockage, and more commonly occurs in male cats. I tell cat guardians if their kitty is having “accidents” in the house, there is potential for serious disease and immediate veterinary attention is recommended.Īny increase or decrease in frequency of urination is a concern. Many cats experiencing a bladder or kidney problem will urinate outside the litterbox 4. Normal urine will have a slightly pungent, acidic scent 3 that is fairly inoffensive and generally weak. If you have an adult, spayed or neutered cat, chances are your feline’s urine smell isn’t too strong. Changes in color (dark or light), cloudiness, or particulate matter (floating debris) are most often associated with bladder or kidney conditions. The urine shouldn’t be cloudy or difficult to see through. 'Golden” or “straw-colored” are often used to describe the yellowish hue of healthy urine.

Normal cat urine should be a clear, pale yellow 3. Any changes in frequency of urination should be checked by your veterinarian immediately.Ĭheck out 6 Surprising Kidney Disease Facts for Cats > If your cat suddenly begins urinating more or less than usual, don’t delay. Many cats use the litterbox only once or twice a day,and going four times would signal a problem. Some cats are perfectly fine urinating five times a day, while for others, that would signal a dramatic increase. It’s essential to know your cat’s normal daily urination and defecation habits. How frequently your cat urinates will be influenced by water consumption, heat and humidity, amount of moisture in the food, and medical conditions such as kidney disease, bladder infections, liver problems, hormonal imbalances, and more 2. As a result, most healthy, adult indoor cats will urinate twice a day on average. Water was scarce, so they developed clever systems to maintain hydration. With a little creativity and commitment, here are a few clues to reassure you that your cat is urinating normally:Ĭats evolved from the dry, arid regions of Mesopotamia 1. Most felines demand total isolation when using the litterbox, making monitoring nearly impossible. Litterboxes and modern litter do an excellent job of concealing sight and odor. Observing your cat’s urine is perhaps the biggest challenge. While even the cleanest kitty condo will possess a particular perfume, how can a cat guardian separate stinky from sickly? How can you tell if your cat’s urine is normal?

Kitten sounds like it has a dry booger