Warmer weather, laying in the sun, and chasing bugs — just another day for any cat during the dog days of summer. It’s also the season for urinary issues in cats. Why is that?

Cats can be stressed at just about anything — they’re creatures of habit. Have you ever tried rearranging the furniture? Moving a litter box? Even changing shampoos can cause worry!

With warmer weather, there are so many more sights and sounds to look at while the vegetation is in full bloom. Whether your cat is inside staring out the window or outside exploring, sensory overload can be overwhelming.

Stress is unavoidable, and some cats don’t deal with it well. So how can you tell your cat is stressed? Sometimes cats trying to cope will display aggression, depression, or withdrawal. You may also notice litter box issues, because stress often reveals itself in the urinary tract. Believe it or not, stress by itself can lead to inflammation and pain in the bladder, making urination painful. 

Signs of a urinary problem:

• Frequent trips to the litterbox that may or may not be productive
• Peeing outside the litter box or somewhere unusual
• Blood in the urine
• Crying or straining when peeing
• Lack of appetite for food or water
• Hiding
• Disinterest in petting
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

These signs aren’t always caused by stress. They can also could mean infection, injury, bladder stones, or urinary blockage.

There are effective treatments for urinary issues that include special diets, medications, or surgery. If your cat has any of these symptoms, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. After all, you don’t want your cats to miss out on all the summer fun!

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