My senior cat is leaking urine. What causes it and what can I do?

Older kitties definitely have a harder time cleaning their back end usually from arthritis. Because she is leaking urine, I would be worried about a urinary tract infection or a possible stone causing issues with normal urination. I recommend a vet exam to rule out the above concerns. They may need to check her urine or take a radiograph. If all checks out, they can discuss medications to help with arthritis pain. Good luck and kisses to Kitty!

Poor girl! Her symptoms suggest a possible Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or bladder stones. Other possibilities are kidney disease and diabetes. You can easily distinguish which one is present by having Angel's urine sample analyzed (urinalysis) through your veterinarian. Cats are notorious for urinary issues due to stress, so it is best to also try and make your home as stress free as possible. Here is a website link with helpful tips on how to achieve this: jacksongalaxy.com, indoorpet.osu.edu

These signs may be compatible with either kidney failure or diabetes as you correctly suspected, but urinary inflammation/infection is possible as well. Urinary incontinence is possible but rarer in cats. A physical examination and urine analysis at least are necessary to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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!

Poor Precious. It sounds like she is really sick. This could be liver or kidney disease, parasites, a bad urinary tract infection or even something more serious like cancer. I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to do some bloodwork to help determine why she may be acting this way. Your vet will also be able to assess her hydration and give her fluids if needed. They will be able to start her on some medicine to hopefully make her feel better. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better soon.

At her age there are several things it can be. Your vet can collect a urine sample to check for a urinary tract infection. They can always draw some blood to check her kidneys and blood sugar and for Cushings disease. All these can cause an increase in drinking and urination which will lead to accidents. If all of that is normal, than she may be getting incontinent and they have medication for that also!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dark urine is often an indication of dehydration or not drinking enough water. I recommend that you check and make sure that she is drinking enough water. Sometimes using several water bowls throughout the house is helpful. Another way to stimulate her to eat canned food which is high in water content. Good luck!