Bladder question about my cat.

[Smoggie]

My cat is about 8 years old.Since he was a kitten he has always used the litter tray. Even when we first got him. Recently when he uses the litter tray he starts off squatting and then raises up and the urine goes everywhere. Now he urinates anywhere he wants and does not use the litter tray. Anyone know whats wrong or any solutions. Is it behavioural ? It's becoming a problem as sometimes it's near electrics and even over our clothes and bedding and carpet etc......    Grateful to anyone who answers.

[Fern57]

I would get him in to see the vet as soon as possible. My friend's cat (3 y.o.) was doing exactly the same thing. It turned out to be crystals in his bladder, and must have been very painful. If left it could end up a lot worse.. urinary tract infection.. renal failure.. not to mention the agony he could be going through now. I hope he's ok - but better safe than sorry

[Eels]

Fern is right, any change in litter tray behaviour, particularly if the cat is male, neutered and/or overweight needs urgent veterinary attention.

[drgnrdr]

I agree check him at the vet first. If he gets a clean bill of health, then check out catsinternational.org , annacv had litterbox problems and I sent them to this website they said it was very informative and helpful. But it sounds like he's having difficulty, I won't be surprised if you say he had an infection or something is amiss.

[sneakiefelin]

I agree with the others get it to a vet quick and have it checked out. its always to be safe than sorry. if there is no medical reason the vet should be able to give you advice as to what to do next.

[drgnrdr]

I am not sure the vet can give "training " advice, here in the states the vets are not taught methodology or learning theory in animals, or do any kind of body language studies with dogs, (unless they get a certified behavorist credentials with their medical diploma). That is what a professional trainer should have in their background. That is why I refered smoggie to a website that can answer behavior questions regarding cats. If your vet has these credentials and knows all the latest training methods on cats then totally ignore what I just typed and ask the vet...lol

[Smoggie]

Thanks for all advice on my cat.  He is off to the vet

tomorrow.

[Fern57]

Let us know how he gets on. My friend's cat has to have special food, only obtainable from the vet, and a tablet every other day for the rest of his life. The vet had told her to put him on dried food because of his teeth, and that's what caused the urinary problem.

[Smoggie]

Took both cats to the vet last night.  Both given thorough examinations. Vet cannot detect anything wrong and suggests he may have become de-litterbox trained possibly through stress with the other cat or some building works we have recently undertaken.  She has suggested a thing you plug in near the litter box to calm him down a bit.   She also suggested one of those litter boxes with lids may help. Also both cats teeth need de-scaling under anaesthetic and she will take the opportunity then to do a blood test to make absolutely sure. Thank you all so much, I feel so much relieved now.

[drgnrdr]

Okay, more info is always more helpful. Yes, 2 cats and construction may have disturbed the one. PLEASE check out catsinternational.org this website is great for litterbox and cat info in general, if he has been scared or heard a loud bang while in the box it may deter him from returning, so all the pheromones in the world won't make him return, if you know what I mean. You will be able to get him on track with their help.