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Why is my cat still peeing outside litter box with urinary crystals?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 months and 16 days old | 13 lbs

Hi. I have a cat with crystals in urine. He is on all wet food but still must not be feeling well as he wants to pee outside the litter box Last crystal episode was only 1month ago. Loody pee. Veg gave antibiotic and we put on all wet food. All good until a few days ago and now peeing aRound the house. I noticed when well pee smells very acidic. Now it does not. Wet food is rachel ray nutrish. No grain. What to try next? Or should I find cat an outside home? He is only 9 months o

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 18th, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he truly has urinary crystals that have formed stones now, these may need to be removed surgically. It is important to note that Kitty may also be experiencing a component of a urinary tract infection which may be resistant to the antibiotics he was on hence the persistence of the clinical signs. I recommend you have him re-evaluated by your veterinarian. At that time further diagnostics such as abdominal radiographs or ultrasound and urine culture can be performed to determine what the next step should be therapeutically. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 7th, 2016

    Have Jax rechecked by your veterinarian. A sterile urine sample should be collected directly from the bladder and submitted for urinalysis and urine culture. This will identify the type of crystals present in the urine and may diagnose a UTI. Abdominal xrays should be done to assess the bladder and kidneys and to check for stones. An abdominal ultrasound may be recommended. Depending on the crystals present, a special diet may resolve the issue. if there is a UTI, Jax will need antibiotics. Water is critical in keep the urine dilute and kidneys flushed to prevent crystal/stone formation. Adding additional water and feeding canned food are excellent ways to increase fluid intake.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 13th, 2018

    Urinating outside of the litterbox may be a sign that Hiro still has lower urinary tract disease. It is common for young adult male cats to develop feline interstitial cystitis, which can result in urinary crystals, inflammation or sometimes infection. I would recommend making a recheck appointment with your veterinarian. They may want to test a urine sample to see if crystals are still present, and might also recommend medications or changes to the litter box environment. You may also want to consider having Hiro neutered since intact male cats will sometimes 'spray' urine as a part of territorial marking.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 26th, 2018

    Hello. You really need to talk to your veterinarian about a prescription urinary diet. The store brands just do not work well. In addition, your veterinarian will recommend an antibiotic & some pain medication/antispasmodics to make Cat more comfortable while his body eliminates the urinary crystals. Until then, he is in great danger of becoming blocked & unable to urinate. Any signs of blockage, including a tight & painful belly, excessive licking of the penis, & multiple trips to the litter box with scant or no urine could indicate your cat is in danger & needs to see the veterinarian immediately. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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