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My cat is vomiting and peeing outside the box. Is something serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | unspayed

Hi my cat has been sick 2.3 times now and she just peed outside her cat litter box could something be seriesly wrong with her

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ann Dion, DVM

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2017

Hello. I am sorry to hear that Smokey isn't feeling well. Vomiting in cats can be due to many reasons including gastric upset, obstructions (something stuck in the gut where it shouldn't be), constipation, pain and stress. Peeing outside the litter box can be due to a medical condition (urinary tract infection, metabolic disease like diabetes, crystals, or interstitial cystitis). Peeing outside the box can also be behavioral if the box isn't cleaned, if there aren't enough litter boxes (# of cats + 1 = # of litter boxes), or if she isn't feeling well and she is trying to tell you. Also, since your cat is unspayed, she is at risk for pyometra (infected uterus). If she is still bright and happy and wanting to play and eat I would try changing the litter, getting another box, and seeing if this behavior goes away. Alternatively you can bring her to a vet and get her urine checked- this is ideal. If she is not bright, not wanting to eat, and the vomiting continues and she continues to not use the litter I would have her seen right away by a veterinarian as there could be something seriously wrong. Also, since she is unspayed, she could be marking, I would recommend getting her spayed once this illness is cleared up. I hope she feels better soon.
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