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Cat Frequent Urination: Top Reasons Your Cat Is Peeing a Lot

Est. read time: 6 min.

Is your cat going to the litter box every few minutes? If your cat keeps going to the litter box but nothing happens, or you notice your cat peeing frequently (but with little to no urine), it may indicate a medical problem or concern that warrants a veterinarian’s attention.

Why is my cat going to the litter box every few minutes? 

Cats can be very particular about their litter box environment. If you're wondering what is normal cat behavior versus behavior that could indicate a medical problem, keep reading.

Dirty litter box

Your cat litter box may not be clean enough. If you use a traditional litter box and don’t scoop every day, your cat may be making frequent “unsatisfactory” trips to the litter box because the box isn’t as clean as your cat would prefer. 

Veterinarians emphasize that a clean litter box is essential to good cat health. There are two rules for owning traditional litter boxes: Scoop daily, and have n+1 traditional litter boxes per cat (so if you have 2 cats, you need 2+1 litter boxes, or a total of 3). A single self-cleaning litter box, like Litter Robot 4, can accommodate up to 4 cats and removes the need for daily manual scooping.

However, even with a clean litter box or a self-cleaning litter box, if your cat keeps going to the litter box but nothing happens, there are a few medical issues that may be occuring. 

Possible medical issues indicated by frequent feline urination 

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)

The majority of the time, your cat’s urinary symptoms are the result of feline idiopathic cystitis (sometimes called feline lower urinary tract disease or feline urologic syndrome), or a sterile inflammation of the bladder. Signs of FIC include, but are not limited to:

  • More than 3-4 trips to the litter box a day
  • Excessive grooming of the genital area
  • Squatting to urinate in front of you
  • Urinating in weird places, like on plastic bags, on your laundry, in the bathtub or sink
  • Discolored urine (e.g., blood-tinged)
  • Absence of large urine clumps in the litter box
  • Straining to urinate
  • Acting painful (e.g., meowing or crying out when using the litter box)
  • Abnormal-smelling urine

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Less likely but still possible, your cat may be experiencing a urinary tract infection, or UTI. UTIs are more often seen in older cats (greater than 10 years of age). With a UTI, you’re more likely to notice small amounts of foul-smelling, blood-tinged urine on the fur or in the cat carrier.

The symptoms of a cat UTI are very similar to FIC. Veterinarians can discern which infection your cat has by performing a medical work-up that includes a physical exam, a urine sample, and a urine culture.

Feline urethral obstruction (FUO)

The symptoms of feline urethral obstruction are also similar to FIC and UTIs—but an FUO can be a life-threatening emergencyWith an FUO, the waste that is to be removed from your cat’s kidneys builds up in the bloodstream from the inability to urinate, resulting in complications with the kidneys, electrolyte balance abnormalities, and, rarely, death.

Your vet will note that with an FUO, a large, distended, non-expressible bladder is present (as compared to a small, painful bladder with a UTI). This can sometimes be appreciated on a physical exam, but taking an x-ray or performing an ultrasound are more accurate (and less painful) ways to confirm this. 

Constipation

If your cat keeps going to the litter box but nothing happens, you could be dealing with something other than a urinary issue. Instead, your cat could be constipated. Constipation is more often seen in middle-aged to geriatric cats (around 8+ years of age). Untreated, cat constipation can result in abnormal enlargement of the colon (called megacolon), which can be chronically difficult—and costly—to manage. Paying attention to your cat's bathroom habits and ensuring 24-hour access to clean water are essential in trying to prevent this. 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

On the other hand, your cat going to the litter box every few minutes with diarrhea could be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease. IBD in cats is similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease in humans. Another prominent sign of IBD in cats is vomiting.

Learn more about what’s normal and what isn’t when it comes to cat poop.

Cat going in and out of the litter box? There’s an app for that

cat with Litter-Robot 4 and Whisker app

If you’re reading this and you’re unsure about your cat’s urinating frequency, then it’s time to change that and start monitoring your cat’s litter box habits! With a smart litter box like Litter-Robot 4, the Whisker app will notify you every time your cat uses the litter box. If you notice a major spike in activity, you can act fast by taking your cat to the vet or the emergency clinic. 

In addition to app notifications that provide recent insights into your cat’s health, Litter-Robot is self-cleaning—meaning you never have to scoop again. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits, regardless of whether you’re the one cleaning the box.

Is your cat going to the litter box every few minutes? After reading this article, you know that if the answer is yes, you had better get to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

FAQ

How often do cats pee when they are healthy?

Cats typically pee two to four times per day. Going once per day or not at all may mean that your cat is dehydrated or holding their pee. How long can cats hold their pee? Unfortunately cats have been known to hold their urine for 24 to 48 hours, resulting in urine that is very concentrated and often leading to urinary-related medical issues. 

If your cat is peeing a lot more than two or three times per day, medical issues may be to blame. You’ll want to determine if your cat is actually going to the bathroom during their frequent litter box visits. 

How long can cats hold their pee? 

Cats can typically hold their pee for about 24 to 48 hours. If a cat is holding their pee for longer than this, it could indicate a health problem such as a urinary tract infection or blockage. It's essential to monitor your cat's litter box habits and seek veterinary care if you notice any changes.

What are the signs that my cat might have a urinary issue? 

Symptoms of urinary issues in cats can include frequent or unproductive trips to the litter box, excessive grooming of the genital area, urinating in unusual places, discolored or foul-smelling urine, and visible discomfort or pain during urination. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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orange tabby cat lying in front of a beige Litter-Robot - why is my cat going to the litter box every few minutes?