Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My cat urinates 3 times a day. Is this normal? he had bloodwork and a urinalysis done 4 months ago and everything checked out okay. He's 11.5 years old.

Also, does that special litter that you can buy to detect if a cat has a urinary tract infection really work?

Thanks,

Lisa

Urinating 3 times a day is probably on the low side for a cat, but it is not abnormal. The litter additive determines the pH of the urinel, which is elevated during E. coli infections, the most common cause of bladder infections. I prefer to have the owner collect some uring, by placing plastic wrap on top of the litter, draping it up and over the sides of the litterbox, so that the cat is actually peeing on the plastic, which can be lifted up and poured into a clean, clear jar. Hold a newspaper behind the jar and see if you can make out letters through the urine. If it is clear, there is likely no infection. If it is cloudy, or smells abnormally, bring it to a vet to be checked.

I've been having a back and forth with my vet about my cat's urinalyis. My cat is 6 years old and recently went about a week feeling listless, with dilated pupils. I, of course, took him in to see the vet, since he's normally such a healthy cat. And what's more, now he seems back to normal.

After the urinalysis, the vet discovered that he has diluted urine. She asked me if my cat has been urinating more frequently. As he's always been what I'd call a "heavy-drinker," I'm not sure what's typical. You mentioned that three times a day is less than normal. What WOULD be considered average?