Cat Incontinence

Cats are known for being fastidious and neat. A cat usually urinates in a litter box. If your cat is leaking urine, she could have a health problem causing incontinence.

  1. Cat Incontinence

    • Cat incontinence occurs when your cat involuntarily leaks urine. This is different from a cat's urinating outside of his litter box because of a behavioral issue. Incontinence is a physical problem.

    Blockage

    • Your cat's incontinence could be caused by a urethral blockage. A bladder stone or a tumor can block your cat's bladder until the urine builds up to the point that it leaks out around the obstruction.

    Hormones and Disease

    • Spayed female cats are at risk for leaking urine while lying down because of a lack of hormones. According to Washington State University, incontinence is also associated with feline leukemia.

    Age

    • An aging cat can experience incontinence as her muscles weaken and are unable to hold urine in. If she develops senility or dementia with age, she may not be aware that she is leaking urine.

    Treatment

    • A urethral blockage can be treated with surgery. Drugs like estrogen ephedrine can strengthen weakened muscles and correct incontinence in cats.