So, you’ve found yourself with a Bengal cat, and out of the blue, it’s transformed your comfy bed or cherished rug into its very own bathroom. Quite the unexpected turn of events, isn’t it? But don’t worry, frustrated Bengal assistant, because we’re going deep into the Bengal cat world and their intriguing bathroom adventures.
“My Bengal cat won’t stop urinating around the house.”
Concerned Bengal Cat Owner
“Why my Bengal cat doesn’t want to use her litter tray?”
Forget run of the mill cat advice; this is all about those stunning, wild at heart Bengals.
Here’s a quick guide to six of the most common symptoms, their potential causes, and recommended solutions to help you address your infuriating, worrying or puzzling furry friend’s urinary issues effectively.
- Symptom: Urinating on vertical surfaces, spraying. Cause: Marking territory due to hormonal changes or stress. Solution: Spay, provide vertical scratching posts, reduce stressors like overcrowding or conflict, and clean affected areas with enzymatic cleaners.
- Symptom: Urinating around the house and in various places
Cause: Stress, anxiety, changes, territorial issues, medical issues.
Solution: Provide hiding spots, maintain consistent routines, and consult with a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. - Symptom: Urinating on its own bed, toys, or other personal belongings.
Cause: Stress or territory marking, separation anxiety, medical reasons
Solution: Provide additional litter boxes, provide a comfortable and secluded sleeping area, and consult your vet. - Symptom: Vocalization or crying during urination
Cause: Pain, discomfort, or urinary tract infections.
Solution: Schedule a veterinary examination to identify the underlying cause, such as urinary tract inflammation or bladder irritation, and follow treatment recommendations for pain relief and management. - Symptom: Urinating next to the litter tray.
Cause: Litter box aversion, discomfort, territorial issues, new pet, or human.
Solution: Experiment with different litter types, keep litter boxes clean and provide a quiet and private location for the box. Gradually introduce the new pet/human. - Symptom: Blood in urine
Cause: Urinary Tract Infection, Bladder Stones, or Trauma
Solution: Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
Your Bengal, that once descended from wild ancestors, was once all about staking its claim in the great outdoors. But fast forward to today’s domestic life, and things have taken a turn, perhaps for the worse. Our wild-at-heart feline companions are now throwing us a curveball with their bathroom antics.
Out in the wild, spraying is a cat’s way of saying, “This is mine!”
It’s like a posh cat billboard, complete with a twitching tail and a sprinkle of urine on a vertical surface. But indoors? Not exactly the classiest move, is it, especially if you have friends over?
Then there’s the issue of inappropriate urination – when your Bengal decides the litter box isn’t up to scratch. Keep your eyes peeled – if your furball is crouching and digging before letting loose, you’ve got a classic case of bathroom rebellion.
And don’t think spraying is just for the boys; girls get in on the action too.
But, intact males? They’re the real kings of marking territory, especially when hormones start dancing or there’s another cat in the neighbourhood.
“Help! Why is My Bed a Toilet?”
Concerned Bengal Cat Owner
Your bed has become the chosen one for your Bengal’s bathroom breaks, and you’re left wondering why.
Here’s why: the bed is like a fragrant oasis of your scent. When stress hits due to changes or new family members, your bed becomes the therapy couch.
It’s all about feline emotions and the intricate dance of cat-human camaraderie. Annoying? Absolutely.
But it’s the way your vulnerable cat communicates a problem to you.
Before delving into the nitty-gritty of why your beloved Bengal cat might wee where it shouldn’t, let’s chat prevention.
Bengal cats have a knack for skimping on drinking water so, be creative and add water to their food, provide a water fountain, and remember, they’re fussy drinkers, so offer aqua in various spots, not just next to the food bowl.
There are 3 major reasons why your precious cat inappropriately urinates, and this is due to Medical Reasons, Behavioural Reasons or Litter Tray Issues.
Medical Reasons and Solutions
The first question is: “How do I know if my cat has a medical problem?”
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, and changes in behaviour may be subtle but significant.
Keep an eye out for subtle changes – increased yowling, reluctance to be petted, or a sudden attitude shift. These could be signs of urinary tract infections, diabetes, or kidney problems.
Additionally, observe their body language, noting if they flinch when approached or express signs of distress during urination.
While these behavioural changes alone may not definitively diagnose a medical problem, they serve as crucial red flags prompting a prompt visit to the veterinarian.
Kidney Disease:
Causes: Impaired kidney function leading to reduced urine concentration and changes in urination patterns.
Prevention: Provide access to fresh water, feed a balanced diet, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups for early detection.
Solution: Veterinary consultation for diagnosis, dietary management, and potentially medications or fluid therapy.
Hyperthyroidism:
Causes: Overactive thyroid glands contributing to increased urine production.
Prevention: Regular veterinary monitoring, awareness of changes in appetite, weight, and behaviour.
Solution: Treatment options include medication, special diets, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.
Arthritis or Painful Joints:
Causes: Older cats with arthritis may find it uncomfortable to access the litter box.
Prevention: Provide easily accessible litter boxes with lower sides, ensure warmth for senior cats, and offer joint supplements.
Solution: Consult with a veterinarian for pain management, potential medications, and environmental modifications to ease litter box access.
Bladder Stones or Crystals:
Causes: Formation of mineral deposits in the bladder, hindering urine flow.
Prevention: Monitor water intake, use filtered water, provide a diet tailored to Bengal cats’ specific needs, and consider specialized urinary health cat food.
Solution: Veterinary intervention, which may involve dietary changes, medications, or in severe cases, surgery.
Diabetes Mellitus:
Causes: Impaired insulin production or utilization.
Prevention: Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake and physical activity, monitoring changes in eating and drinking habits.
Solution: Insulin therapy under veterinary guidance, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD):
Causes: Various conditions affecting the lower urinary tract, including stress.
Prevention: Minimize stressors, provide a comfortable and quiet environment, and promote mental stimulation for Bengal cats.
Solution: Veterinary examination, potentially involving medications, dietary changes, and environmental modifications.
Hyperthyroidism:
Causes: Overactive thyroid gland, common in older cats.
Prevention: Regular veterinary check-ups, monitoring changes in appetite, weight, and behaviour.
Solution: Treatment options include medication, special diets, or in some cases, radioiodine therapy or surgery.
Behavioural Reasons and Solutions
Your Bengal might be protesting changes in the household, like new humans or home makeovers. Sensitivity and safe spaces are your secret weapons against behavioural hiccups.
Here are the most common reasons why your Bengal cat may feel stressed and what you should do to prevent or fix the problem. Generally, any change or new item may cause distress for your cat. Make sure you allow time and gradual exposure to the change.
New people, child, or pet in the house:
Effect on Cat: Anxiety and potential for territory infringement.
Prevention and Solution: Supervised interactions; gradual exposure; maintaining routine.
New Building or Refurbishment:
Effect on Cat: Disruption and fear due to unfamiliar surroundings.
Prevention and Solution: Gradual exposure; providing hiding spots.
Litter Tray Problems and Solutions
Fussy Bengal? It might be the litter box’s fault. Cleanliness, litter type, and location – these are your keys to litter box success.
Choose a litter tray that is at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to tail to ensure ample space for movement, provide privacy and easy access. avoid harsh chemicals and strong scented litter.
Unclean Litter Box:
Reason: Cats prefer cleanliness.
Solution: Regular scooping; complete litter change. Ensure cleanliness, provide multiple litter boxes if you have more than one cat, and experiment with different types of litter.
Unsuitable Litter:
Reason: Size, texture, or scent aversion.
Solution: Experiment with different litters; find cat preferences. Select a litter tray that provides ample space for them to move comfortably, ideally measuring at least 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to tail.
Placement Issues:
Reason: Cats prefer privacy.
Solution: Locate the box in a quiet, accessible area, the cat needs to have good visibility to feel safe (to see potential predators). Same as humans, cats don’t like to be disturbed while using the toilet.
Your Bengal cat is most vulnerable when urinating, as that’s a moment when cats are at their most exposed.
Providing a private, secure space for your cat to relieve itself is essential for their well-being. Ensure the litter box is placed in a quiet, low-traffic area where your feline friend can feel safe and unobserved.
Understanding why our (find a better word from the Bengal CO FB group) might have bathroom surprises indoors is crucial for a harmonious cat-human relationship.
Tackle stress, be mindful of health, and set up a cat-friendly space – that’s the path to a happy home where both cats and their human buddies can thrive.
Understanding the complex nature of Bengal cat behaviour regarding urination is crucial for having a great relationship between our Bengal furballs and us.
By addressing both medical concerns and behavioural triggers, as well as a conducive litter box environment, can navigate and mitigate the challenges posed by your Bengal’s urination habits, and that way, you create a happy and healthy living space for all inhabitants.
References:
Pongrácz, P., & Lugosi, C. A. (2024). Predator for hire: the curious case of man’s best independent friend, the cat. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 271, 106168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106168
Cameron, M. E., Casey, R. A., Bradshaw, J. W., Waran, N. K., & Gunn-Moore, D. A. (2004). A study of environmental and behavioural factors that may be associated with feline idiopathic cystitis. The Journal of small animal practice, 45(3), 144–147. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2004.tb00216.x
Ramos, D., Reche-Júnior, A., Mills, D. S., Fragoso, P. L., Daniel, A. G., De Freitas, M. F., Cortopassi, S. R. G., & Patricio, G. C. F. (2018). A closer look at the health of cats showing urinary house-soiling (periuria): a case-control study. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(8), 772–779. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612×18801034
Mikkola, S., Salonen, M., Hakanen, E., & Lohi, H. (2023). Feline litter box issues associate with cat personality, breed, and age at sterilization. Javma-journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.10.0441