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My 17-year-old cat is wobbling, licking, and peeing outside the box. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 17 years and 10 months old | 10 lbs

My cat is 17 going on 18 years old. Up until a month or two ago I haven't noticed anything abnormal. Lately though she is no longer using her little box, wobbling as though she can not keep her balance well and licking random things like the pot I have included a picture of. She will occasionally poop in the litter box but then get right back out and pee on the floor. I just get mixed ideas online so I am trying to see what may cause this change in behavior. She is the cat on the right.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 30th, 2018

Your kitty obviously is having a health problem and needs to be seen by a vet. Being wobbly is a sign either of neurological origin or weakness or serious hip pain caused by arthritis. Please take her to a veterinarian for a geriatric wellness exam today.

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