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Emergency: if your cat (especially a male cat) keeps going in and out of the litter tray, strains and cannot pass urine or only produces a few drops, go to the vet immediately. A urinary blockage can become very serious within a few hours.
Quick answer: the most common signs are visiting the litter tray many times, passing small amounts, straining, blood in the urine, crying out while urinating or urinating outside the tray. To help prevent problems, encourage your cat to drink more (fountain, wet food), keep the litter tray clean and reduce stress. Specific urinary diets are used on veterinary advice.
Lower urinary tract problems are one of the most common reasons cats are taken to the vet. They can have different causes (crystals, stones, stress-related inflammation or infections) and only your vet can determine which one it is. What you can do is spot the signs early and build habits that support urinary health.
Warning signs
- Far more trips to the litter tray than usual.
- Smaller or very numerous clumps in the litter.
- Straining, staying in position for a long time or meowing while urinating.
- Pink or bloody urine.
- Urinating outside the litter tray (bath, rugs, clothes).
- Excessive licking of the genital area.
- Lethargy, vomiting or loss of appetite.
Risk factors
- Drinking little water or eating only dry food.
- Being overweight and inactive.
- Stress: moving house, visitors, other animals, changes in routine.
- Dirty litter trays, too few trays or trays in noisy spots.
- Male cats have a higher risk of blockage because of the anatomy of their urethra.
Habits that help prevent problems
- More water: several bowls around the home, a cat water fountain and some wet food in the diet.
- A spotless litter tray: clean it daily and provide one tray per cat plus one, in quiet areas.
- Healthy weight: measured portions and daily play.
- A calm environment: hiding places, high spots, scratching posts and stable routines.
- Suitable food: if your vet recommends it, a diet formulated for urinary health.
What to note down for the vet
- When you first noticed the change and how many times a day your cat uses the tray.
- The size of the clumps in the litter and whether there is any blood.
- Any recent changes at home, in food or in litter.
- Whether your cat is drinking more or less than before.
Products related to urinary health
Water fountain 1.5 LView product
Schesir Urinary dry food 1.5 kgView product
Schesir Urinary tuna tinView product
Silica cat litter 7.6 LView product
Browse our veterinary diets for cats. Only use them on your vet's advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my cat urinating outside the litter tray?
It may be a urinary problem, stress, dislike of the litter or the tray, or a tray that is not clean enough. If the change is sudden, ask your vet to rule out a health problem first.
Do neutered cats have more urinary problems?
Neutering can encourage weight gain and lower activity, which are risk factors. Watch portion sizes and encourage play and drinking.
Can I give a urinary diet without a prescription?
Specific urinary diets are designed for particular situations. Use them when your vet recommends them and for as long as advised.
For information only. Not a substitute for an assessment by a vet.