Where Do Cats Pee From? Explaining Cat Urination

Cats are known for being fastidious creatures when it comes to their bathroom habits. As pet owners, we quickly become accustomed to a cat’s routine for taking care of business.

But if you’ve ever caught your cat in the act, you may have found yourself wondering - where exactly do cats pee from? Understanding the anatomy behind your cat’s urinary system provides insight into this question.

The urinary system of cats serves the same purpose as humans - to filter blood, eliminate liquid waste, and maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance. Let’s take a look at the different components that make up a cat’s urinary tract.

The Kidneys: Initial Filtration

Cats have two bean-shaped kidneys located along their spine beneath their last rib. The kidneys filter the blood and remove toxins, excess minerals, and waste materials. They also regulate pH balance and produce hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cell production.

Once filtration occurs in the kidneys, the extracted waste moves into the ureters as urine. The kidneys play a critical role as the starting point for waste excretion in a cat.

The Ureters: Transporting Urine

The ureters are long, narrow tubes that connect each kidney to the urinary bladder. Using smooth muscle contractions, the ureters propel urine away from the kidneys and into the bladder for storage.

Blockages can occur in the ureter, typically from stones or masses. This prevents urine from entering the bladder and can lead to infection or kidney damage if left untreated. Prompt veterinary attention is advised if a blockage is suspected.

The Bladder: Urine Storage

The bladder is a hollow, balloon-like muscular organ. It expands as it fills with urine arriving from the ureters. Located in the pelvis, the bladder can hold large amounts of urine for variable time periods.

A sphincter muscle seals off the opening of the bladder to prevent urine leakage. When the bladder reaches its capacity, nerve signals alert the brain that it’s time to urinate. The cat then voluntarily relaxes the sphincter so urine can exit the body.

The Urethra: Passage to the Outside

The final structure in the urinary tract is the urethra, a tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the body.

In female cats, the urethra is short and straight. In males, it’s longer and extends through the penis. The urethra terminates at the distal end of the penis in males and in the vulva in females.

When urination occurs, the sphincter relaxes and allows urine to flow from the bladder through the urethra. The urine is then expelled from the body through the urethral opening.

How Kittens Urinate

Kittens are born without fully developed urinary systems. They are unable to voluntarily urinate or defecate.

The mother cat stimulates urination and bowel movements by licking the genital area. This prompts the bladder and bowels to empty.

If caring for orphaned kittens, gentle stroking with a warm, damp cloth mimics the mother’s tongue to induce urination and defecation.

Common Urinary Problems in Cats

While cats are prone to various urinary issues, here are some of the most common:

• Bladder Infections: Caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Signs include frequent urination, blood in urine, and crying while peeing. Treated with antibiotics.

• Bladder Stones: Crystals or stones that form in the bladder, causing pain and difficulty urinating. Removal by surgery or special diet may be needed.

• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder from unknown causes. Seen in cats that get stressed easily. Managed through environmental changes.

• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): A group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. Signs include painful, frequent urination and blood in urine.

• Urinary Blockages: Obstructions that prevent urine flow out of the body, usually from crystals or stones. More common in males and can be fatal if untreated.

Monitoring your cat’s litter box habits helps detect urinary problems early. Contact your vet promptly if any abnormal urination arises.

The Bottom Line

When you observe your cat squatting to pee, the urine is not coming from their rectum. Male and female cats both urinate from the urethral opening located just under their tail.

While their urinary anatomy differs slightly, the overall function is the same. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra work together to eliminate liquid waste from the body and maintain proper hydration.

Paying attention to your cat’s bathroom habits provides insight into their health. With greater understanding of your cat’s urinary system, you can better identify any abnormalities and seek veterinary care when needed. Your attentiveness helps ensure your cat remains happy and healthy!