What can a litter box tell you about your feline's overall health?

Cats can be quiet and reserved, which can mean that it's tough to gauge your feline's overall health with very few visible signs to work with. However, one locale that could tell you much about your feline's current state is his or her litter box. According to CatChannel.com, as unsettling as it may sound, becoming a bit of a litter box detective is one of the best methods of getting to the bottom of your feline's state of health, and there are a few common behaviors and changes that may be cause for concern. Keep the following tips in mind when you start to inspect your feline's domain.

1. Going outside of the box. One of the most common problems that afflicts felines at any stage of their life is starting to urinate outside of their litter boxes. Aside from the obvious mess produced, this could be the initial sign of a major health problem. Consider making an appointment with your cat's primary veterinarian, or at a Bideawee Animal Hospital if you're in the New York City area.

2. Strong odors. The news source reports that if you happen to notice off-color or strong-smelling urine, this could be the sign of a variety of potential issues. Your cat could be experiencing a urinary tract infection, metabolic illness, crystals in the urine or many other ailments. These symptoms could be signs of potentially dangerous underlying health problems, so consider taking a sample and bringing it into your veterinarian to be tested. Remember, a clean litter box should never smell, so these strong odors can either be a sign that you need to improve your standard of cleanliness or have your feline checked out.

3. Location. Cats can be extremely picky when it comes to varying features about the litter box. For instance, if you happen to move the box or even change something as trivial as its overhead lighting, this could cause your cat to avoid the box or eliminate in another part of the house. According to HumaneSociety.org, if you are going to make any changes in your litter box area, make sure to do them gradually. Sudden changes can disrupt your feline's routine, so take into account your feline's needs and slowly make adjustments to his or her litter box area when they are needed.