Page 225 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

14. The cat with inappropriate urination

Joseph William Bartges

KEY SIGNS
● Urination in inappropriate places.

MECHANISM?
● Urination occurs outside the litter box in inappropriate places.
Urine may or not be of normal consistency and composition.
Inappropriate urination occurs as a result of lower urinary tract diseases (urgency, irritation),
polyuric states (inability to retain large volume of urine), incontinence (uncontrolled urination),
or behavioral problems.
In addition to inappropriate urination, clinical signs are variable depending on the underlying
disease, if present.
WHERE?
● Urogenital tract.

WHAT?
● Most cats with inappropriate urination have an underlying disease process.
Many lower urinary tract diseases are associated with inappropriate urination.
Inappropriate urination may also be associated with polyuric states or behavioral problems.

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY

Diseases causing inappropriate urination
DEGENERATIVE
● Hormonally responsive incontinence (p 227)
Incontinence is uncommon in cats; cats unconsciously urinate especially when sleeping.
ANOMALY
● Congenital anatomic diseases of the bladder or urethra (p 226)
Congenital bladder and urethral diseases are uncommon; usually stranguria, pollakiuria or com-
plete inability to urinate is observed in addition to inappropriate urination.

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