Feline Incontinence: Causes and Care

Dealing with feline incontinence can be confusing and even a little concerning for cat owners. If your cat is suddenly leaking urine or struggling to control their bladder, you may wonder what’s going on and how to help. While occasional accidents happen, consistent incontinence in cats is often a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention.

Understanding what causes urinary incontinence and how to manage it effectively can make all the difference in your cat’s comfort and overall well-being. From common causes to practical care tips, let’s explore everything you need to know about feline incontinence.

What Is Feline Incontinence?

Incontinence in a cat refers to the involuntary loss of bladder control, leading to leaking urine, frequent accidents, or difficulty urinating properly. It’s important to distinguish between cat incontinence and inappropriate urination. While the latter may be a behavioral issue—such as a cat peeing outside the litter box due to stress or a dirty environment—true cat urinary incontinence is a medical condition.

Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence in Cats

Several factors can contribute to incontinence in cats, including:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Cat UTIs can cause irritation and bladder dysfunction, leading to urinary incontinence.
• Urethral Sphincter Weakness: This condition, often seen in female cats, occurs when the muscles controlling the urethra weaken. This leads to urine leaking, especially while resting.
• Hormonal Imbalances: In spayed female cats, low estrogen levels can weaken the sphincter, reducing bladder control.
• Bladder Stones or Tumors: Growths in the bladder or urethra can obstruct urine flow, leading to incontinence in cats.
• Aging and Muscle Weakness: Just like humans, older cats can experience muscle weakening over time, affecting their ability to hold urine.2

Signs Your Cat May Be Incontinent

Urinary incontinence in cats can manifest in different ways, from subtle changes in behavior to noticeable physical symptoms. While occasional accidents can happen, persistent issues may indicate an underlying health concern. Recognizing the signs early allows you to seek veterinary advice and provide the best care for your feline friend.

Physical Signs of Feline Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can affect your cat’s hygiene and overall comfort. If you notice persistent dampness, irritation, or a strong urine smell, it may be time to investigate further. Look for these physical symptoms that could indicate a loss of bladder control.

• Leaking urine while sleeping or resting
• Damp fur around the hind legs, tail, or belly
• Frequent licking of the genital area due to irritation from urine exposure
• Strong urine odor on your cat’s fur or bedding
• Inflamed or red skin from prolonged exposure to urine

Behavioral Indicators

Changes in your cat’s litter box habits or general behavior can also signal incontinence. Cats are naturally clean animals, so accidents outside the litter box or signs of distress during urination should not be ignored. Understanding these behavioral cues can help you address the issue early and keep your cat comfortable.

• Increased accidents around the house, like your cat peeing on the bed or in other areas they typically avoid
• Frequent, small urination episodes that seem unintentional
• Avoiding the litter box, even though they seem to want to use it
• Discomfort or signs of distress when urinating

When monitoring your cat’s behavior, learn how often kittens pee or how long cats can hold their pee so you can immediately take action if something is wrong.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your cat is showing any of these signs, it’s essential to schedule a visit with a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can perform clinical tests, such as a urinalysis or imaging, to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s urinary incontinence. Early diagnosis is key to managing the condition effectively and preventing further problems like infections or bladder damage.

At-Home Treatment and Management Options

How to Keep Your Cat Comfortable at Home

Managing cat incontinence at home involves making some simple but effective changes to your cat’s daily routine and environment.

• Provide Multiple Litter Boxes: Cats experiencing urinary incontinence may not always make it to their usual litter box in time. Placing extra litter boxes around the house can make things easier for them.
• Use Waterproof Bedding and Covers: Investing in waterproof bedding or using absorbent pads in your cat’s favorite sleeping spots can help protect furniture and keep your cat dry.
• Keep Your Cat Clean: Urine can cause skin irritation and discomfort. Gently cleaning your cat with pet-safe wipes can help prevent infections and maintain hygiene.
• Encourage Hydration: Proper hydration supports bladder function and can help prevent urinary tract infections. Providing fresh water and incorporating wet food into their diet can help.
• Minimize Stress: Stress can contribute to urinary incontinence and make symptoms worse. Creating a calm, predictable environment with plenty of hiding spots and gentle interaction can ease your cat’s anxiety.

PrettyLitter: A Smart Choice for Monitoring Litter Box Habits

Observing your cat’s litter box habits is one of the best ways to catch early signs of urinary issues. Subtle changes in urine color, frequency, or consistency can signal underlying health concerns that might not be immediately noticeable. PrettyLitter’s color-changing crystals help cat owners detect potential health problems before they become serious.

How PrettyLitter Can Help

• Tracks Urinary Health: PrettyLitter’s advanced formula changes color based on urine pH levels, helping identify potential bladder or urinary tract issues before they worsen.
• Helps with Early Detection: If you notice unusual color changes in your cat’s litter, it can be an early sign of infection, inflammation, or other conditions, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Provides a Cleaner, Low-Maintenance Litter Box Experience: A clean litter box is essential for cats dealing with incontinence. PrettyLitter is designed to absorb moisture efficiently, reducing odor and making cleanup easier for pet parents.
• Supports Cat Parents with Community and Resources: Understanding urinary incontinence cats experience can be challenging. PrettyLitter provides a community of cat owners and valuable resources to help you navigate your cat’s health.

If your cat is struggling with urinary incontinence, having the right tools and knowledge can make a big difference in their comfort and quality of life. Stay proactive with PrettyLitter and ensure your cat stays happy and healthy.

Tired of your
home smelling like
you have a cat?

20% + A Free Toy

Use code PRETTYBLOG

Managing Incontinence with Love and Care

Caring for a cat with urinary incontinence requires patience, love, and the right management strategies. Whether it’s identifying symptoms early, consulting a veterinarian, or making small changes at home, every effort helps improve your cat’s quality of life.

By staying informed, using tools like PrettyLitter, and working closely with your vet, you can give your cat the best possible care. If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to monitoring your cat’s urinary health, Get Started with PrettyLitter today.

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine. Neurogenic Bladder in Dogs, Cats and Humans: A Comparative Review of Neurological Diseases. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9739254/
2. Wag. Lack of Bladder Control in Cats. https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/lack-of-bladder-control
3. MSD Manual. Pharmacotherapeutics in Urinary Incontinence in Dogs and Cats. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-urinary-system/pharmacotherapeutics-in-urinary-incontinence-in-dogs-and-cats