When a cat urinates outside the litter box, we look at both medical and behavioral causes. This can be linked to issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney disease, or stress-related behavior. We recommend an exam so we can identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.

When we evaluate litter box problems, we may recommend diagnostic testing based on your cat’s symptoms and history. This can include a urinalysis, bloodwork, X-rays, or an ultrasound. Our goal is to rule out underlying medical conditions before assuming the issue is behavioral.

We often find that territorial marking looks different from regular urination. Cats that are spraying usually back up to a vertical surface, hold their tail upright, and may quiver before releasing a small amount of urine. Even spayed or neutered cats can do this, especially if they feel stressed or challenged in their environment.

We start by identifying what may be triggering the marking behavior. In many cases, we recommend reducing stress, improving environmental enrichment, adding scratching posts, and making changes gradually when introducing new pets or people into the home. We may also suggest calming aids when appropriate.

We usually recommend a clean, uncovered litter box with fine-textured, unscented clumping litter. Many cats are sensitive to strong smells and enclosed spaces, so a simple setup often works best. We also encourage placing the box in a quiet, low-traffic area.

We generally recommend one litter box per cat, plus one extra. In multi-cat households, this helps reduce competition, stress, and litter box avoidance. We also suggest placing the boxes in different areas of the home instead of grouping them all together.

We recommend scooping the litter box at least twice a day, changing the litter weekly, and washing the box regularly with mild soap and water. Keeping the box clean can make a big difference, especially for cats that are already sensitive about litter box habits.

Hairballs form when cats swallow loose hair during grooming and that hair collects in the stomach. Most hairballs are vomited up, and they are usually shaped like a small tube. While occasional hairballs can be normal, frequent episodes may point to a bigger issue that we should evaluate.

We consider occasional hairballs fairly common, especially in cats that groom often or have longer coats. However, if your cat is frequently gagging, retching, vomiting, losing appetite, or acting uncomfortable, we want to examine them. Persistent hairball symptoms can sometimes be linked to digestive or other medical concerns.

We often recommend routine brushing to reduce the amount of loose hair your cat swallows. Depending on your cat’s needs, we may also suggest a hairball-control diet or an oral lubricant. Preventive care can help reduce vomiting and keep your cat more comfortable.

We remind cat owners that scratching is a normal and necessary feline behavior. Cats scratch to maintain their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. Instead of trying to stop scratching completely, we focus on helping cats scratch in the right places.

We usually recommend providing several acceptable scratching surfaces, such as cat trees, sisal posts, or cardboard scratchers. We also suggest placing them near the areas your cat already targets and rewarding your cat for using them. In some cases, we may recommend deterrents for furniture and other household surfaces.

Soft Paws are soft nail caps that fit over your cat’s claws to reduce damage from scratching. We see them as a non-surgical option for families who want to protect furniture while still allowing their cat to behave naturally. They typically stay on for several weeks before needing replacement.

We consider declawing a permanent surgical procedure and not a first-line solution for scratching behavior. Before discussing that option, we encourage families to try behavior changes, scratching alternatives, and nail caps. When owners have questions about declawing, we talk through the risks, recovery, and long-term considerations carefully.

Yes, they can. We let cat owners in Pleasanton know that indoor cats are still at risk because fleas can enter the home on people, other pets, or from the surrounding environment. Fleas can lead to itching, skin irritation, tapeworms, and even anemia in vulnerable cats, so prevention is important.