Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I have a six year old male cat named Spike who was in great health for the past five years. About four months ago, after noticing rapid weight loss, we learned that he had diabetes. He now must have two shots day. Over the past week, he has been urinating directily in FRONT of the litterbox (nowhere else). He won't pee in it, just right in front. He goes to the vet often, so I don't think it is a medical problem. Could this be from stress? The box is clean often and is in a quiet place where he has always been comfy. I am really worried and other members of my household are starting to wonder if this will keep going, because it is a lot to deal with every day. Any suggestions at all would be SO welcome and are much needed! Thanks.

First thing is to have your cat checked for a urianry infection. Often, stress will cause this and he will associate the pain of urination with the litterbox and not use it. If medically he checks out okay, You can try another box in a different location. Sometimes if something caused them to associate a bad experience with the usual box, a brand new one ina different location does the trick. Also, I would something under his litterbox to at least catch the urine when he does "miss".
Good luck.
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Dottie
Proudly owned by The Catnip Crew...Munchkin,Casey,Maddie,Harley,Meadow,Ashley,Nicky and Mushka

My cat 11 year old Buster has had diabetes for over 4 years and has been getting two shots a day ever since. He had problems peeing in the box after his diagnosis as well. At first, he would pee in front of the box or he would stand in the front of the box and spray pee all the way past the box onto the wall. We learned that whenever he peed funny, his insulin either needed to go up or down. Usually if he pees too much it needs to go up and if he strains, but can only pee a couple drops, he needs to go down.

How are you testing his glucose level--urine or blood? Beleive it or not, urine was an easy way for me to test--I never even tried blood samples. I can give you advice on giving shots (since cats can be like slippery worms if you don't do it right).

Feel free to post questions and I'll try to answer as fast as possible or give me your e-mail and I'll correspond with you directly.

Good luck! The first few weeks are always the toughest, but be encouraged. Now whenever I yell TURKEY, Buster comes running and begging for his shot and the treat that follows!