What Is Urinary Incontinence in Cats?
The term incontinence describes a urine leak and the inability for a cat to hold the contents of his or her bladder long enough for her to make it to the litter box. Your cat may experience incontinence if she is suffering from an illness, dealing with the effects of aging or adjusting to something new. You'll notice some differences in her potty habits that will make you suspect incontinence.
Signs of Incontinence in Elderly Cats
Your senior cat may leave many signs of incontinence for you. The most obvious sign is that you will notice wet spots on your carpet, floor, bed, upholstery and any place near or around the litter box. That indicates that she's trying to make it to the box, but she can't.
If you don't see visible wet spots, you may notice a strong smell of ammonia in strange places, which indicates that some urine has settled and dried. Additionally, you may notice some physical signs on your cat that could clue you in. Senior cats who are suffering from incontinence have irritated genitals sometimes. They may also lick the area frequently to clean it because the urine tends to trickle out uncontrollably. Any or all of those signs may occur. You may also notice that your cat is uncomfortable and expresses herself by whimpering or coming to you for extra comforting. If that occurs, you should give her the attention she desires and examines her for indications that she's having urinary incontinence issues.
Cause of Urinary Incontinence in Cats
Your senior cat's incontinence can be happening for a variety of reasons. The causes could simply come from the biological repercussions of the aging process. Your senior cat may simply have a weakened set of muscles that are supposed to keep the urine in the bladder until she's ready. Urinary incontinence in older cats is not uncommon, but there are some ways that you can help her to overcome it.
Psychological upsets could also cause a temporary incontinence issue. She could be a little nervous if you've recently moved or you started a new job and are not around as much as you once were. She could be nervous about a new love interest or a visitor that you have in your home. Be assertive about any recent changes that you may have made as they could be the cause.
Urinary tract infections in cats are the cause in many cases of cat incontinence, as well. Your pet may have an increased urge to urinate, and she may experience discomfort whenever she does. Additionally, she may get stressed or anxious because of the urination issues.
Diabetes and kidney disease are sometimes the causes of urinary incontinence in kitty cats. Kidney disease in cats can affect a cat in either way. It could cause her to have incontinence, or it could cause her to have difficulty urinating. Both conditions need regulation with medical care, so you should have them diagnosed as quickly as possible.
