TL;DR: Straining to urinate is a life-threatening medical emergency in cats that can lead to kidney failure or a ruptured bladder within 24 hours. If your cat cannot pass urine, seek immediate veterinary care, especially if they are male.
What does it mean if my cat is straining to urinate?
When a cat repeatedly squats to urinate but only produces tiny drops or no urine at all, it is usually a sign of a serious condition known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) or a urethral obstruction. This happens when the urethra is partially or fully blocked by crystals, stones, or inflammatory debris, preventing the bladder from emptying.
Is urinary straining in my cat a veterinary emergency?
- Urinary blockages are considered high-priority medical emergencies because they cause toxins to build up in the bloodstream.
- This condition is life-threatening and can lead to kidney failure or a ruptured bladder in as little as 24 hours.
- Seek immediate care if your cat is vocalizing in pain, licking their genitals excessively, or acting lethargic.
- Male cats are highly susceptible to total blockages due to their anatomy and require urgent intervention.
How can taking a photo of the litter box help the veterinary team?
- A photo of the litter box or the area where your cat attempted to urinate helps the vet see the exact volume of output.
- Visuals allow the medical team to identify the color of the urine and determine if it contains blood.
- Providing this information during triage helps the veterinary team quickly assess the severity of the obstruction and prioritize your cat's treatment upon arrival.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats presenting with frequent attempts to urinate producing only a fine stream, a few drops, or nothing, urethral obstruction should be considered an emergency. The cat may exhibit extreme pain, crying out during urination attempts. Complete obstruction can cause uremia within 36-48 hours, leading to depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coma, and death within 48-72 hours. Differentials include feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which may be associated with urinary tract infection, neoplasia, trauma, urethral plugs, urolithiasis, or sterile cystitis. Physical examination should include palpation of the bladder and examination of external genitalia, noting that a distended, hard, and painful bladder suggests obstruction, while inability to palpate the bladder may indicate rupture. A full neurologic examination should also be performed.
Chapter: Urology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1527)