If your once sweet-smelling home has been tainted by the whiff of cat pee, know that you’re not alone!
In fact, it’s quite common for cats to have litter box problems at some stage in their lives. This can result in unwanted behaviors, like urinating on furniture, carpets, and bedding.
Unfortunately, as you may already have discovered, cat urine is notoriously smelly and stubborn to clean. The problem can quickly escalate if left untreated.
Here, we’ll look at why your cat may be ignoring their litter box, explain why your cat's urine smells particularly bad, and give you cleaning tips to restore your home to its former freshness.
Signs of illness in senior cats
Sometimes, these signs in an older cat aren't simply a sign of "getting older'; they may also be a sign of a bigger problem.
Cats tend to hide any illness, limiting their movement or activity which may exacerbate the problem, rather than indicating pain through noticeable signs such as limping or making noise. For this reason, it's important to take note of any subtle changes in their behavior—such as refusing to eat or no longer jumping up to their favorite spot—and take them to your vet for a check-up.
- Loss of appetite or weight, which can indicate a digestive or dental issue
- Increased urination or thirst; potentially a sign of urinary or renal problems
- Stiffness, limping, or difficulty getting up, which may be arthritis
- Appearing disoriented, anxious, or exhibiting unusual behavior
1 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines
