Strong urine odor from spayed female cat

by Jole Workman
(Fort Myers, FL)

We have had Sassy for two years now (a rescue). She is fixed, indoor/outdoor. She is on the same food/feeding schedule and diet as when she came to us as a kitten.

Lately we have noticed a strong urine odor from her litter box. I have switched litter brands, and even tried new foods for her (she's VERY picky)...

I am now up to cleaning the box after every use- nothing seems to help. Her manners and demeanor are good.

She is active and playful, and typically brings "gifts" (i.e. lizards, birds now and then.) What could be causing this problem with the box?

My Thoughts:

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your cat, Jole. Thank you for adopting her!

There are certain cases where urine odor is stronger than others, but most of them don't apply here.

Unfixed males, for example, typically have a stronger odor to their urine, and unspayed females can as well.

Diet can play a roll, but if you've been feeding the same diet all along, that's probably not it.

Feeding dry food, or in cases where a cat is otherwise not getting enough fluids, can result in highly concentrated urine, which has a stronger odor.

Since again, you're feeding the same food, it's possible that she's not consuming enough water. If that's the case, you'll want to find out why.

And that leaves us with...

A spayed female that suddenly develops a strong odor to the urine may be a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

UTI's are very common, and if Sassy were my cat, I'd get her a check up with this particular problem in mind, and a urinalysis to rule out a UTI.

I hope that helps and please let us know how she gets along.

Kurt