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Why is my senior cat with kidney disease peeing outside litter box?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered

My 15 yr old cat has kidney disease and she is spraying wee all over the house she doesn’t use the litter trays , what can I do please

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mouse. I would have him evaluated by his veterinarian. He will likely need blood and urine samples tested. He may have developed another condition in addition to his kidney disease. Thyroid disorders and diabetes can both affect urine production or his kidney disease may have worsened. In the meantime, keep him in a small room with his food and water and his litter box. Place the food and water as far away from the box as possible. Keep him in the room only when he is unsupervised to encourage him to use the box. Otherwise keep him out and give him plenty of attention. Do not resist access to water as there may be a metabolic reason causing him to drink more which is resulting in increased urination. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 2nd, 2017
There are a number of reasons that may have lead to Jack urinating frequently and in the house. It is very important that you make an appointment for Jack to see a veterinarian right away to determine the cause. Diseases such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes are common in cats (particularly older cats), and can cause the signs you described. The good news is that for the most part these are very treatable diseases, and can often be managed medically to provide a good quality of life for cats affected by them. Urination in the house could also be caused by an infection ( as you mentioned), or due to a condition called feline idiopathic cystitis , which can be triggered by a number of causes, including stress. This is a particularly dangerous condition, as it can lead to inflammation that can prevent urination and lead to potentially deadly bladder rupture. For this reason, if you ever see your cat straining to urinate or unable to urinate, please rush him to the vet immediately. There are many things that you can do to help alleviate stress and help your cat feel better. I would advise seeing your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for his behaviour first, and also make sure his environmental needs are being met. Cats need at least one litterbox per cat plus one extra to help reduce stress associated with the litterbox. They should be placed in separate rooms, away from the food and water bowls, must be scooped at least daily (preferably multiple times a day)and washed out at least weekly with a mild soap, followed by thorough rinsing. Cats need a lot of space to explore, but keeping them indoors is much safer than letting them outside, due to the risk of injury from cars, wildlife, other animals, etc. The key is providing space (particularly vertical space for clinimbg, such as cat trees, ledges, and the like) inside the home. Visit http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=2 and https://indoorpet.osu.edu// for tips on stress reduction. Also look into Feliway, a synthetic pheromone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in cats http://www.feliway.com.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on June 14th, 2018
There are many possible causes and there is no way to guess what is causing this. Early diagnosis and treatment can maximise both quality and quantity of life, especially if there is diabetes, kidney or bladder issues developing. Please contact your local humane society for advice on subsidized and charitable organizations that can help get Buddy the care he neefs
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my senior cat peeing outside the litter box with CKD?

Maybe, maybe not. In Kitty's case, it could mean that the CKD has gotten worse, that there is an infection or other urinary issue like stones, or that Kitty isn't feeling well/anxious. I would recommend calling your vet with this update and see if they recommend anything specific based on Kitty's medical history.

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Why is my senior cat peeing dark, crystallized urine outside the box?

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! With your description, I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian and having his urine tested. He may have crystals in his urine with a secondary urinary tract infection. If he does have crystals in his urine, there is a chance he already has stones in his bladder or will develop bladder stones down the road in the near future. With crystals and stones, male cats run the risk of getting a urinary obstruction, which can be life threatening if not treated as it will cause backup of the urine into the kidneys and lead to kidney failure and other systemic abnormalities secondary to the obstruction. I would have this checked sooner rather than later because if you wait until he is obstructed, it can easily cost up to $3000 for treatment. If you take him now, it is the exam fee, urine test and treatments, which come nowhere near $3000. I hope this helps guide you int he right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further!

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Why is my older cat peeing outside the litter box and what to do?

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Why is my senior cat peeing dark urine outside the litter box?

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