House soiling (urine) in cats refers to urinating in inappropriate places or more frequently than usual. This problem may be caused by a medical condition, such as kidney disease; a behavioural issue, such as anxiety; or a combination of both. House soiling (urine) is a common issue that can affect cats of any age, breed, or gender.

House soiling in cats can also be called inappropriate urinating, urinary accidents or marking, or improper elimination. Cats showing signs of house soiling typically need a veterinary examination to identify the underlying causes. This often includes tests like urinalysis and blood work to aid in diagnosis.

What to do if your cat is house soiling (urine)

There are many possible causes of house soiling in cats, ranging from mild to more serious conditions. It’s best to speak to a vet to discuss what the best next steps are.

In the meantime, while awaiting your appointment, try to monitor the following at home:

• Is your cat drinking more than normal? Drinking more than normal can indicate systemic disease. Measure how much they are drinking per day. The normal amount should be around 50-60 ml per kg of body weight in 24 hours. This may vary depending on the water content of the food.

• Does your cat have other symptoms like weight loss or vomiting and diarrhoea? This is important to monitor and let your vet know.

• Is there any pattern to the soiling, such as spraying or urinating in the same place repeatedly?

• Is your cat aware that they are passing urine, or is it when they are asleep?

• Has there been any recent change in your cat's routine or environment, such as someone moving in or out, a new pet or baby in the house, or loud noises, such as building work?

Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.

Common causes of house soiling (urine) in cats

There are many potential causes of house soiling in cats, including:

Urinary disease

• Infections

• Stones

• Incontinence

• FLUTD

• Cancer

Disease elsewhere in the body

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes

• Hyperthyroidism

• Inflammatory bowel disease

Acute and chronic pain

• Arthritis

Ageing changes

• Dementia

Behavioural

• Stress or anxiety

• Marking

• Boredom or frustration

• Litter box problems: The litter box may be too small, have sides that are too high, be dirty, be located in a noisy or high-traffic area, or there may be too few boxes for multiple cats to share.

When you should be worried about house soiling (urine) in cats

Seek help from a vet in practice if:

• Your cat is peeing and drinking excessively.

• Your cat is losing weight or showing other signs of illness.

• Your cat is straining and not passing any pee. For male cats, this is a life-threatening emergency.

Speak to one of our Joii vets if:

• You would like advice about house training your kitten.

• You are anticipating changes in your cat’s routine and want to know how to prevent stress for your cat.

• You want to know more about different supplements or diffusers to help with stress.

• You’re not sure if your cat is drinking or peeing abnormally.

Tips for preventing house soiling (urine) in cats

While not all causes of house soiling in cats are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it occurring.

• Make sure your cat gets adequate physical and mental stimulation for their age and breed, especially indoor cats.

• Help your cat stay at a healthy weight and in good physical condition.

• Neutering your cat can help prevent marking and other urinary issues.

• Keep their litter tray clean. Offer options for litter trays, such as one with a lid and different types of litter. Make sure it is in a quiet area of the home. Provide at least one litter tray per cat at home. Litter boxes with low sides are useful for elderly or ill cats.

• Make sure their food and water bowls are separated from each other and are both far from the litter tray.

• Provide multiple drinking water options, like a bowl and a fountain, in separate areas.

• Provide a safe space in the house for your cat. Somewhere high, warm, and dark is perfect.

• Keep your cat's routine as consistent as possible, such as feeding at the same time every day.

• Anticipate any changes, such as moving house, and take steps in advance to reduce the stress on your cat. Use a pheromone diffuser or book a stay for them at a cattery while there is work in the house.

• Take your cat for a full physical examination with your vet at least once a year to ensure any medical problems are caught early.

Things to look out for if your cat is house soiling (urine)

House soiling is usually quite obvious from the onset, regardless of the cause. You will typically see your cat urinating in inappropriate places or notice wet patches, stains, and smells in certain areas of the house.

Other signs to watch for include weight loss, drinking more than normal, blood in urine, straining to wee, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Male cats with urinary signs such as straining can be at risk of a blocked bladder, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms associated with stress and anxiety include trembling, cowering, reduced appetite, and hiding.

Diagnosis of house soiling (urine) in cats

As there are many potential causes of inappropriate urination, your vet will most likely need to do some tests before a diagnosis is made.

Investigations may include:

• Urine tests

• Blood tests

• Stool tests, if they have diarrhoea or are also defeacating inappropriately

• Imaging (x-rays, ultrasound)

What to do at home if your cat is house soiling (urine)

House soiling usually needs investigation with a vet, but you can also help at home by:

• Giving any prescribed medication as often as advised by your vet.

• Cleaning any soiled areas of the house with an enzymatic cleaner.

• Ensuring your cat always has access to fresh water.

• Feeding a healthy and balanced diet. There are special diets for cats that can be helpful depending on the underlying cause, such as urinary and diabetic diets.

• Avoid sudden changes in your cat's routine and environment to reduce stress.

• Using pheromone spray in areas where your cat has urinated and a calming diffuser in the area where they spend most of their time can reduce stress.

Vet treatment of house soiling (urine) in cats

The treatment of house soiling depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

• Special urinary diets for crystals or stones

• Surgery for urinary stones

• Specific lifelong medication for diabetes and thyroid disease

• Referral to a behaviourist if medical causes are ruled out

• Changes in the home environment for behavioural issues

Are some cats more at risk of house soiling?

Some cats are more prone to certain medical conditions or behavioural traits that can lead to inappropriate urination.

• Unneutered male cats are more likely to spray

• Urinary problems are more common in male, indoor, and obese cats.

• Cats in multi-cat households can be more prone to certain urinary problems.