Cat's urine stinks a lot why

When, in the absence of illness in the pet, you can smell ammonia in the apartment, the first thing to do is to start cleaning the cat's litter box more often, then try to find a filler that absorbs odors better, and finally, consider the possible neutering of the cat. Usually the problem is safely resolved within a month.

The color of urine in cats when disturbed

Only those who have a cat know that having a cat at home means never being bored. His cunning and intelligence make him a great curiosity: he can combine every possible prank.

Well, yes, he knows he has us in his grasp. However, sometimes our cat may not feel well, and we can tell by the way he changes towards us and in his habits. It is very important to watch the color of the urine: there are times when you need to be concerned.

Cat urine

We know that a cat's nature is to be a hunter, and so it marks its territory to see who is in charge.

There are many situations in which a cat can use urine to put its signature on the space in which it moves:

• The male does this when he senses the presence of a cat in heat, obviously both are not neutered: in this way he releases sexual pheromones to attract the cat;
• When he senses the presence of strangers: his urine mark indicates that he does not want them in his territory;
• The cat is under a lot of stress: a quiet environment in the house, the loss of an owner, the arrival of new animals or a baby, a change of home.

However, the cat usually performs its physiological function by choosing a place to urinate: sometimes it does not coincide with the litter box, and a number of mechanisms must be taken to teach it to use it.

The cat's feline nature is also evident when he pees: he digs deep and then covers it up, all solely so that the victim will not smell it and can escape.

Without interfering too much in his feline way of life, we should observe the cat even when he is doing his needs to see if he is healthy or if there are any problems.

It is also important to pay attention to the cat's urination behavior, in addition to his color, noting if:

• the cat no longer pees;
• feels the urge, but struggles to pee;
• even though he has been accustomed to the litter box, he anxiously looks for a corner where he can do so;
• he makes strange noises, trying to squeeze;
• since he can't pee, he refuses to eat;
• he is restless.

These are already alarm bells that force us to go to the vet: based on what we have noticed, observing the cat and analyzing his urine, the vet will be able to better explain the situation.

Why a cat's urine stinks.

A pungent, foul-smelling cat urine can indicate the following potential problems:

• Dehydration. The less water the pet consumes, the more the proportions of normal fluid and urea change. This directly affects the intensification of the odor, and therefore you should always make sure that the cat has access to clean drinking water.
• Often cat urine smells because of the process of puberty and during periods of greatest activity. Of course, in cats it is more noticeable, because there are impurities of secretory glands in the urine.
• Nutritional problems. Many owners assume that their cat should be fed only meat, but too much protein in the cat's body causes protein metabolism disorders, which leads to an increased production of ammonia. Not only should there be proteins in a cat's food, but also carbohydrates, and an experienced veterinarian can help you put together a proper diet.
• Urinary system problems. This category includes urolithiasis, cystitis, urethritis, congenital kidney and bladder diseases. Blood in the cat's urine, frequent urination and a sudden change in color and odor is a reason to immediately contact a specialist.
• Diabetes mellitus or various tumors can also affect the smell, but there are many other, more noticeable symptoms.
• Stress can never be ruled out, which affects the performance of the body as a whole. A sudden change of scenery, a bad scare, a long illness – all this can seriously affect the animal, and the owner will need to surround him with warmth and care in order to adapt.

How to get rid of a bad smell.

Observing the pet will allow you to find out why the cat began to smell strongly of urine. If the cause is improper diet or dehydration, and you don't see any additional alarming symptoms, you should pay attention to what the cat eats and drinks. More water should be given in addition to the dry food than to the regular food. An experienced professional can help you put together a well-balanced diet.

If the cat began to stink of urine from puberty, neutering or spaying can help you solve this problem. It is worth noting that you should not expect a dramatic change immediately after surgery, as sometimes it can take a long time.

Well, if in addition to an unpleasant smell you notice a change in color, intensity, you see blood in the urine, and the animal itself behaves restlessly, refuses to eat, experiences constant anxiety – then promptly go to the vet is a very important step.

A specialist will conduct all the necessary tests and determine why the cat smells of urine. The causes will help select treatment, which, depending on the problem, may be medication or require surgical intervention.

Accompanying symptoms

When an unpleasant urine odor that differs from the normal odor is present, the following symptoms are most commonly noted:

1. If overheated, the cat breathes with its mouth open, dog-like, which is completely uncharacteristic of these creatures.
2. Dry nose, hot ears, changes in the condition of mucous membranes also indicate dehydration.
3. The release of sex hormones during rutting is accompanied by typical signs: the cat or cat is restless, its pupils are dilated, it screams, rubs against various objects, often wants to run away from home and is especially active at night.
4. Malnutrition often causes not only an unpleasant urine odor but also stink from the cat's mouth, obesity, stool problems, unkemptness and lethargy.
5. Diseases of the kidneys and urinary system are accompanied by pain and stabbing when urinating, urine excretion in droplets, frequent visits to the toilet, increased thirst, inflammation of the external genitalia, in severe cases – apathy and loss of appetite.
6. Tumors and endocrine disorders may not show themselves externally for a long time. Diabetes may be accompanied by severe thirst, obesity and then sudden weight loss, with tumors the behavior of the animal changes, nausea and vomiting may appear.
7. When stressed, the cat tries to hide under the bed, couch, closet, any hiding place. Her eyes are dilated, she may shiver or shrink into a lump.

An attentive owner will immediately catch signs of danger and take the pet to the vet.

Diagnosis at the veterinary clinic

In order to get accurate data, the cat will have to undergo blood and urine tests, an ultrasound and X-rays. Based on the examination, interview with the owner and the documentary data obtained, the veterinarian will diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment is always prescribed by the veterinarian after receiving the diagnosis, as there are many reasons for the change in odor. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the factor that "triggered" the odor changes. If it is stress, the cat should be rested and allowed to adapt, treated affectionately and calmly.

If there are problems with nutrition, you need to balance the diet and switch to the products recommended by the doctor. If changes in odor are caused by dehydration, the cat needs constant access to clean, fresh water. Special drinkers can be used for this purpose.

To avoid strong odor, cats are neutered and cats are spayed. When the sex drive is lost within a few months, the hormone secretion stops, and the urine smell becomes normal.

Any disease is treated only by an experienced veterinarian after an accurate diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type of disease, can be surgical or conservative (medication).

How to get rid of cat urine smell in the house

The problem with cat urine on any surface is that the longer it stays, the stronger the smell becomes. For this reason, you'll want to clean it as soon as possible.

Have an old supply of vinegar in a sprayer for spot spraying and odor removal. This works because vinegar is an acid that neutralizes the smell of fresh urine or the alkaline salts of old dried urine. If you need to cover a large area, you can use one part vinegar to one equal part water. This is useful if you don't know where the smell is coming from and want to wipe the floors and walls with a mop.

Enzyme-based cleaners are also effective in removing cat urine. These specially formulated products will change the organic composition of the urine, which you can then rinse off or mop up. They can be purchased at your local pet supply store or online.

What causes affect the problem?

Bad odors are seen in a regular cat and a spayed cat, and the root cause is not always a pathological condition. If your pet's tail smells like urine, it indicates the following factors:

• Improper place to empty the bladder. If a kitten or adult has an undersized litter tray, it will empty by itself and urine will remain on the floor, which the animal will very likely soon step into with its paws.
• Inadequate litter tray hygiene. When such a feline object is infrequently cleaned, cats soon stink too.
• Toilet filler of poor quality. It is worth watching the cat when visiting the toilet, because some fillers do not absorb urine well and it gets on the paws of the pet. Get rid of the smell simply by replacing the litter box litter with a better absorbency.
• Improperly positioned litter tray. If owners noticed that the cat peed in the wrong place, he may have marked his territory in this way, or it just doesn't suit the location of the toilet. The smelly smell is a consequence of the animal stepping on its own urine.

Physiology is the basis of the bad smell

Strong and pungent odor from pets can be the result of sexual activity or an unbalanced diet. A neutered cat is less likely to smell as foul as a non-neutered cat. During sexual activity, the pet excretes urine that smells worse than it does during the normal period, and it actively sweeps the house. Unpleasant "fragrance" impregnates not only the marked places, but also the animal itself. To solve this problem, resort to neutering or spaying, after which the pet will stop stinking.

Veterinarians attribute to the physiological reasons why kittens become smelly, problems in the diet. The smell is caused by an increased concentration of uric acid, due to the large amount of fish in the diet. If even a small drop of urine gets on the coat, the cat stinks a lot.

When do I need to see a doctor?

If you can't get rid of the pet's smell on your own by eliminating the provoking factor, or if the pet stinks for a long time, you should see a veterinarian. Urgent need to see a specialist if the cat gives off an ammonia or acetone "aroma". With kittens need to be especially careful, since at an early age the diseases are more acute and proceed more rapidly. The vet must be visited if the cat not only stinks, but also exhibits other symptoms:

• altered feces – color, consistency, smell;
• Frequent vomiting and nausea;
• loss of appetite;
• lethargy and apathy;
• Poor appearance of the pet;
• hair loss;
• Restlessness and pain when emptying the bladder.

Why and what does urine smell like?

Normal pet urine should be clear, straw-yellow in color, and free of foreign matter. Urine has a characteristic light ammonia odor, which allows the owner to determine that his cat has defecated in the wrong place. However, in some cases, the house where the cat lives can stink quite badly.

Why does a cat's urine reek strongly of acetone and is this normal? All cats give off an ammonia smell from their urine – this is due to the peculiarities of their bodies. Non-neutered cats produce a special secret during the sexual hunt, which also gives off a characteristic unpleasant smell.

If there is a stench in the house associated with the cat's visit to the litter box, the condition of the animal should be monitored. If the urine stinks and there is a noticeable change in the cat's behavior that is not related to the sex drive, the cat probably has a health problem.

Causes of strong cat urine odor

The specific cat aroma is due to the substances in the urine composition – uric acid, sodium salts, urochromin and other components. As it dries, the urine gives off a pungent ammonia odor that spreads throughout the room. Usually it does not cause excessive disgust to the accustomed cat owner. However, in some cases, the urine can smell very strong, and the smell can be felt throughout the apartment.

Read also: How to remove fleas from a cat at home: means of treatment, photos of insects and their eggs

How to determine the cause of the unpleasant phenomenon and understand whether the pet needs treatment? Urine stinks too much for a number of reasons, but not all of them are dangerous to the health of the pet.

High concentration of urine due to fluid deficiency

If a cat doesn't drink enough water, it can become dehydrated. Lack of fluids leads to excessive formation of urea in the body. The less water a pet drinks, the higher the urea level in his urine – which means the urine will give off more ammonia. Water intake is especially important for those pets who eat dry food.

Dehydration is fraught not only with unpleasant smells, but also with serious health problems for the cat. If the urine smells too pungent, you need to monitor whether the cat is drinking enough water.

The sex hunt period

During the sex hunt period, urine in cats has a sharper and more unpleasant smell than usual. This condition is not abnormal – the smell of secretions produced by the sex glands is added to the ammoniacal smell. In cats, urine smells harsher than in cats during the sexual hunt.

Why does a cat's urine stink?

If the cat goes to the bathroom in the apartment, it is easy for the owner to notice a change in the smell of the pet's urine. When a cat's urine smells strongly, it is worth determining why this phenomenon occurs, as it almost always indicates a disorder in the animal's health and the need for proper and comprehensive therapy.

Only a veterinarian can accurately determine the cause of why a cat's urine stinks, and after a full examination the doctor will identify the cat's health problems and prescribe a therapy. It is important to remember that you should never put off going to the vet because if the cat urine is particularly smelly, it may be caused by a serious condition and you may lose your pet if you don't give him the necessary treatment.

Causes

The normal feline urine smell is quite pungent and at the same time specific. Its peculiarity is due to the presence of the secretion of the genital glands and ammonia compounds, which provide the bodily fluid with an ammonia odor with special additions. If the animal's condition changes, the urine smells unusual. The main reasons for changes in the smell of urine in a cat are many.

1. Dehydration. If the animal's body does not receive enough water, the concentration of ammonia in the urine increases, making it smell very pungent and the cat stinks of urine. The same phenomenon occurs when feeding dry food, which results in persistent chronic dehydration. The problem can be corrected by giving the cat enough fluids. If necessary, in severe cases, when the urine has a strong odor and after the cause of dehydration and the cat has been given constant access to water, an infusion of saline is given. After fluid balance is restored, urine smells normally;
2. The period of puberty and the period of hunting – is one available non-pathological factor that increases the pungency of feline odor. Both cat and cat urine smell changes for this reason. The smell of cat urine begins to become pronounced due to an increase in the activity of the sex glands. During such periods, urine is the means by which an animal can mark territory with a strong and persistent odor and declare its readiness to mate, and this signal spreads over a considerable distance. If a cat is neutered or spayed, the urine will lose much of its smell.
3. Improper diet. If the cat is not fed correctly, it has a disrupted protein metabolism, causing the ammonia level in the urine to skyrocket. For this reason, the urine may smell strongly, and even quality fillers cannot completely drown it out. A change in the pet's diet is made to correct the problem. Also, if the veterinarian deems it necessary, a course of treatment of the liver and kidneys is shown to restore their normal function, which may be disturbed by an excess of protein in the food.
4. Diseases of the urinary system. All diseases of the kidneys, bladder and urethra are accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process in them. In such a situation there is a disturbance of urine flow, so that it constantly accumulates and stagnates in the animal's body. From stagnation, in addition to the concentration of urea in the urine there is the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria. As a result, the urine smells not only particularly stinky, but also unaccustomed. To eliminate the problem, urgent and high-quality treatment is required, which includes a course of antibiotics.
5. Hormonal diseases and cancerous abnormalities. In such a situation, the urine smells particularly unpleasant in the cat due to pathological processes occurring in the body of the animal. In some cases, the urine begins to smell not just abruptly, but also putrid, which should especially alert the owner. Sometimes these changes in the smell of the urine are the only signs of abnormalities occurring in the animal's body.
6. Severe stress. If the animal is going through a serious change, such as a move, the urine smells much stronger at this time due to an abrupt malfunction in the metabolic processes. In such a situation, once the cat calms down, the problem will resolve itself. A visit to the vet will only be required if the cat's urine still stinks after 2 weeks.

Odor due to natural non-pathological reasons

This phenomenon is associated with the animal's menu and periods of sexual activity. If the cat is not neutered, the urine begins to smell stronger during the period of weddings. He also begins to actively tag his territory. The smell permeates the animal itself, which makes it unpleasant to take him in your arms.

The second reason for the pungent smell that emits from the cat's urine is the feeding with a lot of fish and fish products. They cause the concentration of uric acid to rise considerably, and even a small amount of urine left on the coat is enough to produce an unpleasant smell from the pet.

To eliminate urine odor in these two cases you need to reconsider the pet's diet, and if no breeding is planned, you should have the cat neutered and the cat spayed.

Odor due to disease

When a cat suffers from kidney and bladder disease, they are often the cause of tainted urine odor. It usually appears due to mild incontinence and inflammatory processes in the organs. In such a situation, in addition to bad urine odor, there is anxiety in the animal and rapid weight loss. The cat looks sick and needs urgent treatment.

The owner must know exactly what caused his cat to become foul-smelling, and take all measures to eliminate the problem.

Actions when the symptom is detected

Specialists recommend not to self-medicate on the advice of experienced acquaintances or articles from the Internet. Without a complete diagnostic examination it is almost impossible to determine the source of the problem, and attempts to give the pet absolutely unsuitable medication can end sadly, starting with banal poisoning and ending with the failure of vital organs.

Visit to the doctor

After detecting unpleasant signs, the owner should call the veterinary clinic and schedule an appointment with the veterinarian. At the appointment, the specialist will ask about the manifestations of the disease in detail:

After examining the animal and palpatory examination, the veterinarian will prescribe a referral for urine and blood tests, with suspicion of serious pathology – for ultrasound or radiography.

Please note! In order not to waste time before going to the hospital you can collect urine and feces into containers and come to the appointment with them. In some cases, it can save a pet's life if it has kidney failure or another serious illness.

Prevention of the problem

• Normalizing nutrition. Low-quality food and attempts to feed leftovers from the table should be avoided;
• Free access to drinking water. The animal should not have problems with quenching thirst;
• Avoid stress. The pet should not be left alone for long periods of time, when moving you should not send his basket in the luggage;
• Have your pet checked by a veterinarian in a timely manner. An annual visit will reduce the risk of a latent course of the disease;
• when a course of therapy is prescribed, it is strictly forbidden to stop treating the cat. The pathology may develop into internal organ damage.

Continuous observation of the behavior and general condition of the four-legged cat will help to detect the onset of the disease or correct deficiencies in care in a timely manner. Fresh water, balanced food, vitamin therapy and vaccinations increase the chances of a peaceful life without regular infections or problems with internal organs.

If there is a strong ammonia odor in the apartment after your pet, you should think about the source of the odor. By secondary signs, you can determine the cause of the deviation and, if it is related to physiological features, remove the factors provoking it. In other cases, the only solution to the issue will be a visit to the veterinary clinic, where they will prescribe treatment.