How do I know if my cat has a UTI? She only pees outside of her litter box randomly so not sure what it is.

Hi Sara, any changes in urinary behavior can indicate a UTI. Is she showing any other symptoms such as increased thirst? Sometimes animals that drink more than usual (eg with kidney disease or diabetes) have changes in urinary behavior purely because they’re passing more urine and miss the litter box from time to time.

You don’t mention her age. Elderly cats can suffer from an overactive thyroid gland and this too can cause unusual toileting behaviors.

Are you rearranging furniture or preparing a nursery for your new baby? Perhaps the changes in her environment are making her anxious and causing inappropriate urination – you can read more about the role of stress in feline bladder issues here - http://www.lovepets.com/the-role-of-stress-in-feline-idiopathic-cystitis

The first step would be to collect a sample of urine and take it, with your cat, to your vet for an exam. You can do this by tearing up plastic grocery bags and putting them in her box instead of litter. They won’t absorb the urine so it can be poured into a clean dry container. It’s important that any physical causes of inappropriate urinary behavior are diagnosed and treated then stress can be considered. There are things that you can do to help with this too; many families live with cats and children. Oh, and congratulations!
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