TL;DR: Frequent urination in cats usually requires a veterinary appointment within 24 hours, but it is a life-threatening emergency if a male cat is straining without producing urine.
What does it mean if my cat is urinating frequently?
When a cat frequently attempts to urinate but only produces very small amounts, it is often a sign of inflammation or irritation in the lower urinary tract. This condition is frequently associated with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which encompasses several issues including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, or Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). The cat feels a constant, urgent need to go, even if the bladder is nearly empty.
Is frequent urination in my cat a medical emergency?
- The urgency level for frequent urination is generally Medium, and you should schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 hours.
- The situation becomes a High urgency emergency if your cat is male, as they are at life-threatening risk for urethral obstructions.
- Visit an emergency clinic immediately if your cat is straining and producing absolutely no urine, vomiting, or acting lethargic.
How does taking a photo of my cat's litter box help with triage?
- A photo allows the vet to see the exact volume of urine produced and check for discoloration or blood.
- Images help the veterinarian track the frequency of the urination spots.
- A photo or short video of your cat's posture while straining can help the vet distinguish between urinary distress and constipation, ensuring a more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Frequent attempts to urinate with stranguria and passage of only small amounts of urine can indicate feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a common syndrome potentially associated with urinary tract infection, neoplasia, trauma, urethral plugs, urolithiasis, or sterile cystitis (feline interstitial cystitis). Inability to urinate may result from mechanical obstruction by calculi, neoplasms, or strictures, detrusor atony from bladder overdistention, or neurologic disease. Partial urethral obstruction can lead to bladder distention and overflow incontinence, characterized by frequent attempts to urinate and passage of small urine volumes. Neurologic causes include upper or lower motor neuron lesions; lower motor neuron lesions, such as those in the sacral spinal cord or pelvic nerve, or detrusor atony, are characterized by a distended, easily expressed bladder.
Chapter: Urology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1531)