TL;DR: A cat vomiting and straining to urinate is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, typically caused by a urinary blockage or gastrointestinal obstruction. Seek immediate veterinary care, as these conditions can lead to fatal organ failure within 24 to 48 hours.
Why is my cat vomiting and straining to use the litter box?
When a cat exhibits both vomiting and frequent, unsuccessful trips to the litter box, it is often a sign of a severe medical crisis. This combination of symptoms can indicate a gastrointestinal obstruction or, more dangerously, a urinary blockage. A urinary blockage is most common in male cats and occurs when the urethra is obstructed, preventing the cat from passing urine. This causes toxins to build up in the bloodstream, leading to nausea and vomiting.
Is it an emergency if my cat is straining to urinate and vomiting?
- Urgency Level: High. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention.
- If your cat is straining to urinate without producing a stream or crying out in pain, they likely have a total obstruction.
- Without treatment, a blocked cat can suffer from kidney failure, a ruptured bladder, or heart failure due to potassium imbalance within 24 to 48 hours.
- Do not wait for symptoms to improve; contact an emergency vet immediately.
How can a photo of the litter box or vomit help the veterinarian?
- A photo of the litter box helps the medical team determine if there is blood in the urine or if any urine is being passed.
- An image of the vomit can help the vet identify foreign materials or bile.
- These photos serve as vital diagnostic tools that allow the clinic to prioritize your cat's care the moment you arrive.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cases of vomiting, careful monitoring for persistence, depression, abdominal discomfort, and/or fever is critical, warranting reevaluation if vomiting continues. Examination of the oral cavity should be performed, and abdominal palpation should be done to check for foreign bodies or abdominal discomfort. Abdominal radiographs should be performed to identify radiopaque foreign objects or intestinal distention, potentially indicating obstruction. Chronic vomiting may indicate underlying thyroid, liver, or kidney dysfunction. Affected cats may sit for hours at their water bowl, and abdominal palpation may induce vomiting and reveal thickened intestinal loops and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.
Chapter: Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 390)