Feline Urinary Incontinence: An Examination by Emily Swiniarski, DVM, Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on 03/28/2025, Published on 03/22/2023
Feline Urination Outside the Litter Box: Understanding Cat Incontinence and Normal Spraying
Now, let's talk paws and claws, and everything feline urination-related. When your cat decides to urinate a tad outside the litter box, your first instinct might be to fume. But fret not, fur parents! Here's the dish on cat incontinence, and how it differs from a simple litter box mishap.
Cat urine? Stinky, right? And the thought of cleanup isn't exactly a purr-fect image. So, when kitty opts for a spot off the tray, it's natural to feel a tad annoyed. However, there's a reason cats sometimes go rogue. Let's dig a little deeper.
First off, let's differentiate between feline incontinence and choosing to urinate outside the litter box. The latter is more common and can be due to various factors, like stress, litter box issues, or even indifference.
Now, the real stinker--incontinence in cats. This condition occurs when cats leak urine unaware, and it happens more often than you might think. Only about 4% of cats with urinary issues are incontinent, but it can affect any age. If you catch your cat wetting themselves while sleeping or resting, they might be incontinent.
Symptoms of Incontinence
Distinguishing incontinence from regular pee-outs can be tricky. Incontinent cats can leak small or large amounts, dribble, or not dribble, and alternate between continent and incontinent states. If you're picking up puddles regularly, or your cat seems inexplicably wet around the nether regions, they may be incontinent. Also, incontinent cats often urinate smaller amounts than average cats.
Incontinence symptoms in cats might include fecal incontinence, stumbling, weakness, increased drinking, a droopy tail, redness, and moisture around the rear end, and any signs of urinary issues like straining, dribbling, and bloody urine.
Causes of Incontinence
There are several potential culprits for incontinence in cats. About 40% of cases are linked to issues with the spine, such as inflammation, tumors, or injuries. Other common causes include problems with the urethra and bladder, or anatomical issues.
Possible causes of feline incontinence include spinal cord issues, urethral problems, bladder issues, and anatomical abnormalities. Some factors that contribute to incontinence are inflammation of the lumbar vertebrae, trauma, intervertebral disk disease, cancer, and spinal stroke. Urethral problems might include weak muscles, urethral sphincter incompetence, inflammation or cancer of the urethra, urinary tract infections, partial blockages, or congenital conditions. Bladder issues could be due to overactive muscles, inflammation, cancer, infections, stones, or leukemia virus infection, while anatomical problems might stem from ectopic ureters, underdeveloped urethras, or malformations of the spine.
Diagnosing Incontinence
Diagnosing incontinence in cats usually involves a combination of physical examination, taking a medical history, and performing various tests. Questions about urine production, sleeping pee, and overall cat behavior help determine if your cat is incontinent. Medical causes must be ruled out quickly, typically involving testing the urinary system and kidneys. Urinalysis can reveal the presence of bacteria, and a urine culture can confirm the bacteria's presence. Bloodwork ensures the kidneys are functioning well. X-rays might detect stones in the bladder or kidneys, although not all stones show up on X-rays. Ultrasounds provide a closer look at the bladder and kidneys, and contrast imaging, involving putting dye into the urinary system and taking X-rays, may be suggested to identify anatomic issues. Proving that the urethral sphincter is unable to stay closed is challenging and rarely diagnosable with tests.
Managing Incontinence
In many cases, your cat will remain incontinent to some extent. To manage accidents, consider washable cat beds for favorite spots or waterproof covers, potty pads, or towels on furniture and other surfaces that frequently experience accidents. If your cat has some continence and frequent urges, place litter boxes on every floor or in each area of your home for easy access. And don't forget to keep those boxes clean to encourage usage.
If your cat has neurologic or spine issues, they might have trouble getting into the litter box. Opt for a litter box with high sides and a low opening for easy entry and exit. Incontinent cat diapers can be used if your cat often dribbles, but remember to change them every four hours or more frequently, depending on volume. Also, keep in mind that diapers might not be suitable if your cat has inflamed skin due to urine leaks.
Preventing Incontinence
Although most causes of incontinence cannot be prevented, taking precautions can help. Keep your cat safe indoors by installing cat-proof fencing in the yard or making use of harnesses and leashes during outdoor excursions. For stress-related issues, feed canned food, increase water intake, minimize stress whenever possible, and consider a prescription diet based on your vet's advice. If your cat develops stones, a prescription diet is the best way to prevent more stones from forming.
If you notice any changes in your cat's behavior, consult a veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment make managing cat incontinence—or even preventing it altogether—easier and quicker!
In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial to note that mental health isn't limited to humans. A cat's incontinence, for instance, might be triggered by stress or anxiety, which directly affects their mental state. Furthermore, in the pursuit of holistic skin-care, CBD infused products have shown to alleviate stress and promote relaxation in cats, potentially reducing instances of feline incontinence linked to stress.
