Cats normally urinate in a squatting position, unless they are marking territory. Male and female cats are capable of spraying, where they back up against a wall, tree or a piece of furniture, stick their tails up in the air and squirt urine on the object surface. That behavior is usually cured by neutering. But otherwise if a cat begins to urinate in unacceptable areas, this is a sign that the cat is ill.
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Significance
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According to the "ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats," cats with urinary-tract infections or diseases will not be able to hold their urine in time to get to the litter box. The need to urinate is so strong that the cat will go anywhere.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of feline urinary infections or kidney stones include blood in the urine, crying out while urinating and only being able to pass a very small amount of urine at a time.
Mobility
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If the cat has trouble grooming, walking and jumping, it may have arthritis. Make sure the littler pan has a low edge and is easy for the cat to get to and take the cat to a veterinarian.
Texture
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According to Pam Johnson-Bennett's "Psycho Kitty? Understanding Your Cat's Crazy Behavior," declawed cats need very soft litter or else their paws will hurt. Cats also do not like sudden changes in the texture of their litter and may refuse to use new litter.
Age
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According to veterinarian Nicholas Dodman's "Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats," incontinence is a common symptom of feline cognitive dysfunction ("cat dementia"). This happens to cats 12 or older.
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