Why Is My Cat Is Peeing On Himself? 7 Reasons You Should Know!
(Last Updated On: July 28, 2023)
If you just got your first cat, you might see that your cat is peeing on himself. It could be something minor and something you can keep ignoring, but its better if you don’t. Questions related to urinary problems are actually the most common ones when it comes to cats and pets. Just try Googling the phrase – ‘my cat is wetting himself’, if you need any further proof.
Of course, your cat peeing on himself might not be anything serious. Sometimes, it’s a sign of old age. But ‘spraying’ and peeing in sleep can be symptoms of something serious. For example, a urinary tract irritation or an infection, which if ignored can lead to some serious health threats.
Your Cat Might Have Urinary Incontinence
One of the possible reasons for your cat peeing on himself is urinary incontinence. This means that your cat’s bladder has been impaired or there is some kind of an obstruction in it. Urinary incontinence usually affects middle-aged and older cats. But it also affects cats of large breeds. Cat Urinary Blockage Recovery
Some of the symptoms of urinary incontinence are involuntary urine leakage and wet hair on your cat’s lower abdominal area. Also look out for urinary tract infections and inflammation of the skin around the genitals. Why Does My Cat Smell Like Urine?
Two of the most common risks are obese and neutered cat. Not all cats going under this procedure will actually experience urinary incontinence. It is quite rare.
But cat urinary incontinence can also show as the result of many other causes. For example, lesions on the spinal cord / brain, overactive bladder syndrome and urinary tract infections. More causes include chronic inflammatory disease, disruption of the nerves around the bladder, pressure on the bladder caused by a mass, underdevelopment of the bladder or other birth defects.
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms and fear that your cat might have urinary incontinence, contact your vet immediately. In most of the cases, your cat will need prescribed medication.
Or Urinary Tract Infection
Here are basically 5 of the most common signals that point to your cat having a urinary tract infection, and you should always see your vet as soon as possible after noticing any of these:
If your cat is urinating out of the litter box
Staying away from the litter box might be a sign that your cat is experiencing pain that he associates with it. This can be a sign of many other things (like cat not liking the new scent of the litter). To be sure, you should rule out medical issues with your vet first.
If your cat is urinating more frequently than usual
If you’ve noticed that your cat has been urinating so often that sometimes there is even hardly any fluid coming out, this might be a sign of a partial or complete blockage of your cat’s urethra. This can be very serious, and you should visit your vet immediately. Learn more about how often your cat pees
If your cat is peeing blood and experiencing pain when peeing
Has your cat been experiencing pain when being picked up, crying or having blood in the urine? These are all very serious symptoms and you should see your vet immediately if you notice any of them.
If your cat has been licking his private parts more than usual
More licking than usual can lead to secondary irritation
If your cat has been experiencing any loss of appetite or/and cranky behavior
These can point to many different things, but it’s always best to see a vet after noticing them. Basically, any signs that your cat hasn’t been himself lately might point to a urinary tract infection.
Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence
It goes without saying that your vet should always decide on the proper treatment. The first thing your vet will probably recommend is taking some appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause for urinary incontinence in your cat. After concluding the reason, your vet will prescribe a suitable treatment plan.
In the majority of cases, prescribed medication will completely resolve the issue. Your cat will have full recovery in no time and no pain.
Sometimes, when your cat’s incontinence is the result of inflammation of the urinary tract or bladder, your vet might prescribe some antibiotics. Unfortunately, for the most complicated of cases, your cat might need simple surgery to remove the obstruction on its bladder / urinary tract.
If your cat has also had inflammation, your vet might prescribe topical ointments and antibiotics.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed that your cat has been leaking urine while resting or having problems controlling his pee. Or if it is experiencing pain while peeing, don’t wait. In some cases, minutes and hours can make a huge difference. Visit your vet immediately.
In most cases, cats suffering from incontinence will respond well to prescribed medications and will fully recover in no time.
As an established writer in the Pet industry for the last 7 years and building a career at a couple of reputable Californian vets, Leigh has written countless pet articles to contribute to the industry's wealth of knowledge. She is dedicated to helping readers and enjoys nothing more than exploring the outdoors with her children and pets. Find out more.
