Cats have a strong survival instinct to mask pain, making it difficult for owners to recognize when something is wrong. They may tolerate discomfort for long periods, and by the time obvious signs appear, the condition can be advanced. Unlike dogs, cats rarely vocalize; instead, pain is revealed through subtle changes—such as altered posture, hiding, reduced appetite, or lower activity levels.

If your cat is peeing outside the litter box, first rule out medical issues with a vet. Common causes include stress, a dirty litter box, environmental changes, or territorial marking. Understanding these factors helps guide your cat back to proper litter habits.