Common Medical Reasons for Unwanted Urination and Defecation

Many behavior problems are caused by medical issues. However, even if you are able to get the original medical cause treated, you will still need a behavior plan, because the problem is now a conditioned behavior. In any event, before (preferably) or shortly after you get a behavior treatment plan, be sure to take your cat to a qualified veterinarian to rule out the following potential causes of unwanted urination or defecation:
• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
• Viral infections of the urinary tract
• Funguria
• Idiopathic / interstitial cystitis
• Urethral plugs
• Urethrolithiasis / urocystolithiasis
• Urethral stricture
• Inherited / congenital disorders of the lower urinary tract
• Neoplasia
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Colitis
• Intestinal parasites
• Bacteruria
• Other metabolic diseases
• Constipation or obstipation
• Impacted anal glands or other anal gland issues
• Polyps or other colon issues
• Loose or smelly stool
• Dry stool
• Arthritis
• Occult abdominal, rectal pain, other pain associated with defecation
• Polyuria (e.g. renal disease, diabetes)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney or bladder stones