Small litter-box changes can carry more meaning after age ten.
Aging can change kidney function, thirst, urine volume, joints, vision, and habits. “Just getting old” should never replace observation and veterinary assessment.
Straining with little or no urine? Act now.
Repeated attempts to urinate with little or no output can indicate a urethral blockage, especially in male cats. Call a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
Start with what you can observe.
Do not use a web page to rule out disease. Use it to recognize urgency and prepare for a professional conversation.
Drinking and urinating noticeably more
Increased thirst and urine volume can accompany kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, and other conditions.
Call your vetWeight loss or appetite change
Record the timeline and arrange veterinary assessment.
Improve accessHesitating at the box entrance
Low-entry boxes and boxes on each level can reduce mobility barriers.
Improve footingSlipping or missing the box
Use stable mats, good lighting, and a box large enough to turn comfortably.
Build a baselineTrack larger clumps and frequency
A simple weekly record can reveal gradual changes.
Plan aheadPrepare for veterinary visits
Bring weight, appetite, water, urine, mobility, and medication notes.
Hydration baselineHow much water should a cat drink?
Understand total water from food and drinking, how to measure a baseline, and what changes matter.
Put the warning signs on your fridge.
Open the one-page checklist after submitting your email. It includes eight warning signs, urgency levels, and pre-call notes.
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