As a cat owner, you’re no stranger to your cat’s bathroom habits. Even if your home is equipped with an auto-scooping litter box, maintaining it or emptying it requires you to come in close contact with your cat’s urine from time to time. Some litter varieties are designed to decrease the highly-recognizable smell, but even the best litter may not be capable of fully masking the scent. Here’s a look at how you can determine whether or not your furry pal is experiencing a urinary issue.
The COLOR of Your Cat’s Urine
Because most cats immediately cover their urine in the litter box, and since the majority of litter does a good job of soaking up the liquid, it can be difficult to observe what your cat’s urine actually looks like. If you are able to observe the color, you may notice that it is:
- Pale yellow
- Golden
- Straw-colored
These hues are normal and indicative of healthy urine in your cat. If the color is cloudy, a different color than normal (darker or lighter), or contains floating matter or debris, this can be a sign of a kidney or bladder condition in your cat.
Frequency of Urination
The number of times your cat typically uses their litter box should remain relatively consistent from day-to-day. Depending on age, activity, and other factors, your cat might have a “normal” frequency that differs from other felines while still remaining healthy. If there is a noticeable increase or decrease in the frequency of your cat’s urination as compared to what is normal for them, this can indicate a urinary infection or related health issue.
The Odor of Your Cat’s Urine
Normal cat urine will smell slightly pungent and acidic. Many cat owners become used to this smell after a while, and it can be hard for them to notice a change in their cat’s urine odor. If you do happen to notice a stronger or more offensive smell than is normal for your pet’s urine, it’s best to contact your vet and have your cat examined further to rule out any potential health problems.
Location of Urination
Though sometimes young kittens need to be trained to use the litter box, most cats will develop a natural attraction to their litter box and quickly understand that this is their space for bathroom duties. If you notice your cat avoiding the litter box, you may need to scoop it more frequently. If they begin urinating outside of the box, this can be an indication of a health or behavioral issue. Talking with your vet and scheduling a health check-up can help you determine the reason for your cat’s urination outside of the litter box.
Concerned About Your Cat’s Bathroom Habits?
At Catonsville Cat Clinic, our veterinarians are dedicated to promoting cat wellness through compassionate feline medical and health care. We understand that it can be difficult for owners to find the cause of abnormal behavior in their cats, but our cat health experts are here to help. Get your furry friend the care they need and give us a call today.