Stinky Urine

[Louie'sDad]

Louie will be seven months old this Friday, and not yet neutered. About 2 weeks ago, his urine took on a very strong ammonia smell. Is this a sign that he'll be starting to mark territory soon? Is it a sign of UTI? Is it a reaction to the 14 day Ronidazole course that he completed a couple of weeks ago? Is it a sign of kidney disease?

FYI: I use non clumping, pelletized pine sawdust litter.

 

[WitchyWoman]

The ammonia smell usually means his kidneys are working properly. I found a source that said 30%-36% of a single dose of ronidazole is excreted in the urine but it didn't mention changing the aroma of the urine. We'll have to wait for someone with more expertise to chime in. I suspect he's just growing up. Time to get him snipped.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

He's reaching sexual maturity age so yes his urine is going to smell stronger and stronger...and more like skunk if you ask me. It's stud male cat pee smell and it's horrible. Even if they don't spray, the urine is pungent enough your house will start to reek of it. Well at least until he's neutered, then it will go back to normal cat pee smell...

 

[Louie'sDad]

Thank you. Time to schedule the neutering.

 

[Louie'sDad]

Appointment is scheduled for next Wednesday 6/12. I specified isoflurane gas rather than injectable. No food or drink at least 8 hours before.

Anything else I should be aware of or tell vet? Blood work is optional. How important is it?

 

[Kristine]

Appointment is scheduled for next Wednesday 6/12. I specified isoflurane gas rather than injectable. No food or drink at least 8 hours before.

Anything else I should be aware of or tell vet? Blood work is optional. How important is it?

I never do the blood work on a young healthy cat. You have specified the correct anesthesia. Just be aware that it takes about a week (sometimes longer) for the stinky (boy cat) urine smell to go away.

 

[Louie'sDad]

Thanks. Don't want to do blood work either. Glad for the support. Thanks for the heads-up on the stinky urine.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Like Kristine, I don't do the blood work on a young healthy cat... they always suggest it and I am sure it is to cover themselves in case something is undetected. And revenue hunting ;-)

Yes, as Kristine says, it can take some weeks for the hormone levels to dissipate and so the urine won't smell better for a bit...

Hope the neuter is quick and uneventful! I'll be overseas and probably not sitting in on the forum during that time...