‘Why has my previously house trained cat suddenly started peeing in the house?’
I have heard this question asked many times and of course there is not a simple answer as there can be many causes but one common cause is Feline Cystitis or Urinary Tract Infection.
What is Feline Cystitis?
Cystitis generally means irritation of the bladder. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (Idiopathic means no known cause) is quite common in cats. It is just one of the disorders which comes under the heading of FLUTD. ‘Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorders’. A more in depth article on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorders can be read here.
What are the symptoms of Cystitis in Cats?
- Cat Straining to urinate
- Blood in cat’s urine. Urine may have a pink tinge to it
- Cat licks it’s genital region excessively
- Increased frequency in cat’s urination
- Cat may stop using the litter box
- Cat pees in unusual places such as the bathtub, hand basins, kitchen benches, on the floor, on the bed or on the kitchen or bathroom tiles.
- Cat tries to pee but only passes a few drops
- Cat may cry out when passing urine. Ouch! It hurts.
What is the treatment for Cystitis in Cats?
Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. Other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids, are occasionally used when there is severe inflammation.
Why does my cat pee all over the house?
We really don’t know what is going on in your cat’s mind but it is believed that the cat may associate the pain of urination with his litter tray or his usual place of urination and so he/she seeks other places which he thinks may not hurt so much. Another theory is that your cat may seek cool places such as bath tubs and tiles because of the burning sensation he is feeling.
Give your Cat a Chance
Did you know that one of the top ten reasons why people surrender their cats to shelters is because of inappropriate urination problems? Before you throw up you hands in despair, give your cat a chance and take her/him to your veterinarian to rule out Feline Cystitis or Urinary Tract Infection.
