TL;DR: A cat vomiting and straining to urinate is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency and must be taken to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
What does it mean if my cat is vomiting and straining to urinate?
When a cat is simultaneously vomiting and straining to urinate, it often indicates a serious medical condition known as a urinary tract obstruction (UTO) or a "blocked cat." This occurs when the urethra becomes physically blocked by crystals, stones, or mucus plugs, preventing the bladder from emptying and rapidly leading to systemic illness.
Is vomiting and straining to urinate a medical emergency for my cat?
- This situation is a critical medical emergency where metabolic waste and potassium build up to toxic levels in the bloodstream.
- Without treatment, this can cause heart failure, kidney rupture, or death within 24 to 48 hours.
- Vomiting indicates the cat’s body is already becoming toxic from the blockage.
- You must contact an emergency veterinarian immediately; do not wait for a regular appointment.
How can a photo help the veterinarian triage my cat’s condition?
- While you should not delay transport, a photo of your cat's posture or any discharge can help the triage team distinguish between straining to defecate and straining to urinate.
- Visual evidence can identify the presence of blood or crystals.
- This information helps the clinic prioritize your cat for immediate life-saving stabilization upon arrival.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Urethral obstruction in cats is an emergency, characterized by frequent attempts to urinate, producing only a fine stream or nothing, often accompanied by extreme pain. Complete obstruction leads to uremia within 36-48 hours, manifesting as depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coma, and death within 48-72 hours. Common underlying causes include urinary tract infection, neoplasia, trauma, urethral plugs, urolithiasis, and sterile cystitis. Matrix-crystalline plugs are often found in the urethra and responsible for obstruction, while uroliths are commonly composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) or calcium oxalate.
Chapter: Urology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1527)