Unusually Strong Urine Odor (Cat) (kitten, eating, blood, canned food)

[katharsis]

Our cat is 12 years old, and we have had him since he was a kitten.

We have always cleaned his litter box once a day and have never noticed any lingering unpleasant smell after he urinates, but during the last three days, his litter box area has reeked until we thoroughly clean it. It is a VERY strong urine smell. (Again, as we have had him for 12 years, we can tell that this IS unusual.)

We give him plenty of fresh water, he is eating well, and shows no signs of illness, so does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this very strong urine smell and/or have any ideas what to do?

Thanks very much.

[Rene S]

Have you had him in for any blood work recently? If possible, try to bring in a urine sample (there are different ways to do this) to be analyzed.

[Harpaint]

Feed him canned food only that has no grain. No dry food.

[Rowan123]

An unusually strong urine odor might be sign of an infection. I had a dog that showed no signs of a problem other than a strong urine odor. When I took him to the vet, he had a bladder (I think it was bladder it's been several years) infection. It cleared up after a round of antibiotics.

I'd take your cat to the vet.

[katharsis]

Thanks to all! I will switch to entirely canned food for now, and I will be taking him to the vet!