Is there any medical concern if the smell of the cat's urine changes. I don't know if it is the hot weather here or what, but the urine in the litter box is much more pungent than I have ever found it to be. Could this mean that one of my cats has a health issue that needs to be addressed?
If so, what condition could cause this?
Changes in the "smell" of urine.
Changes in the "smell" of urine.
"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank
Re: Changes in the "smell" of urine.
It depends on what it smells like, a slightly sweet smell can mean diabetes, an ammonia smell can mean kidney problems, if in doubt a vet visit is always a positive approach to take.
The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Re: Changes in the "smell" of urine.
Agree with MA, how old are your cats, and when was their last vet check-up? If it's been longer than a year (or longer than 6 months for any kitty over 7 years of age), time to make an appointment for general exam and urinalysis, to rule out bacterial infeciton or other problems.
Any recent stress in the environment? Any unusual behavioral changes? Litterbox aversions?
Any recent stress in the environment? Any unusual behavioral changes? Litterbox aversions?
..........Traci
Re: Changes in the "smell" of urine.
My cats are 6, 5, 3, and 1. The 5 yr. old and the 1yr. have been to the Vet most recent. If I need to take all 4 to the Vet, I will need to space out the visits a bit, as my Vet asks for cash at the time of service. I don't think I can cover 4 visits in one payday. (I don't have credit cards anymore.) How do I decide who goes first? The oldest?
I don't think that there has been any new stress. They are all behaving exactly as they usually do. I haven't found any surprises, so I am pretty sure they are using the box and only the box. It is more of an ammonia smell, than sweet. I did change brands of litter, would that freak them out or make them sick?
I don't think that there has been any new stress. They are all behaving exactly as they usually do. I haven't found any surprises, so I am pretty sure they are using the box and only the box. It is more of an ammonia smell, than sweet. I did change brands of litter, would that freak them out or make them sick?
"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank
Re: Changes in the "smell" of urine.
It's quite possible it is the cause of the recent change in litter brand (or type)....I'd switch back to the one you were using before and you can then pinpoint if that was the problem. Some litters don't abosorb the odors well enough. Also make sure you're scooping on a regular basis.
For general exams, I'd start with the 6-year-old first, simply due to his/her age. I usually recommend a full blood profile and urinalysis for any kitty over the age of 7, but if you ever note the 6-year-old developing signs of illness or unusual behavioral changes, don't hesitate to get him/her seen immediately.
However, a kitty of any age can develop a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, etc, so keep an eye on their eating/drinking habits, litterbox usage, how often they urinate, watch for signs of decreased appetite or increased water consumption, lethargy, weakness, withdrawal, in which case, get to vet ASAP.
For general exams, I'd start with the 6-year-old first, simply due to his/her age. I usually recommend a full blood profile and urinalysis for any kitty over the age of 7, but if you ever note the 6-year-old developing signs of illness or unusual behavioral changes, don't hesitate to get him/her seen immediately.
However, a kitty of any age can develop a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, etc, so keep an eye on their eating/drinking habits, litterbox usage, how often they urinate, watch for signs of decreased appetite or increased water consumption, lethargy, weakness, withdrawal, in which case, get to vet ASAP.
..........Traci