Q. Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

Posted by Mia Carter Oct 4, 2008

On October 1, 2008, I received a question from a reader of Is My Cat Sick? This reader asked the following question: "My three-year-old cat sometimes urinates outside the litter box in the other room. It's sometimes brownish or reddish in colour. Do you know what that might be?"

There are a couple of situations that may lead a cat to urinate outside the litter box. A cat with a behavioral problem may urinate outside the litter box, as will a cat who is experiencing a bladder infection, urinary tract infection or another problem involving the cat's bladder, kidneys and urinary tract.

In this case, the key to determining the cause of the cat's tendency to urinate outside of the litter box is lies in the fact that the cat's urine is often brown or reddish in color. This is indicative of a health problem as the root cause of the cat's occasional bathroom accidents.

Cats are prone to developing a condition known as crystalluria. A cat with crystalluria will form struvite crystals in the urine. These crystals form thanks to the minerals in the urine and they can accumulate in the bladder and urinary tract. Some cats are more prone to crystalluria than others. Diet plays a large role in the formation of crystals, and the most common cure involves a prescription diet, combined with anti-inflammatory medication.

Cats with crystalluria often urinate outside the litter box. Cats will also urinate frequently at times, and some cats even have blood-tinged urine. The blood in the urine can appear reddish or more brownish in appearance - it simply depends on how long the blood was present in the bladder before the cat urinated, as older blood is more brown in color. A small amount of bleeding is common when inflammation is present due to crystals or bladder stones. which can also cause similar symptoms.

A cat with a urinary tract infection or bladder infection may exhibit similar symptoms - urinating outside the litter box and blood-tinged urine that's brownish or reddish in color. Though it must be noted that a cat with a urinary tract infection or bladder infection tends to get progressively sicker, rather than experiencing occasional abnormalities as described.

This is a case where I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian for an exam and a urinalysis for the cat - a test of the cat's urine to look for signs of crystalluria, infection, blood in the urine and other abnormalities. Fortunately, crystalluria and UTI's can be remedied with medication and dietary changes for the cat.

I've also written an article to discuss the most common causes of litter box problems, titled Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?

Have a pet question? Send your questions to Mia.Carter@Suite101.com

Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian.