TL;DR: If your cat is straining to urinate and vomiting, they are likely experiencing a life-threatening urethral obstruction that requires immediate emergency veterinary intervention.
What is a urethral obstruction in cats?
When a cat is vomiting and unable to pass urine, it is often a sign of a life-threatening condition called a urethral obstruction, or being "blocked." This occurs when the urethra is physically obstructed by crystals, stones, or inflammatory debris, preventing the bladder from emptying. This leads to a dangerous buildup of toxins and potassium in the bloodstream.
Is my cat having a medical emergency?
- This is a medical emergency of the highest priority; an inability to urinate is fatal if not treated quickly.
- The addition of vomiting suggests that toxins are already circulating in the system, which can lead to kidney failure or cardiac arrest within hours.
- Do not wait for an appointment; take your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
How can taking a photo help my cat during veterinary triage?
- Taking a quick photo of your cat's posture or the contents of the litter box can be incredibly helpful for the veterinary triage team.
- A photo showing a cat in a hunched, straining position or a litter box with only small drops of blood-tinged urine helps professionals confirm the urgency of the situation.
- Sharing these images prepares the medical team to stabilize your pet the moment you arrive.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Urethral obstruction in cats is an emergency condition requiring immediate treatment. Clinical signs include frequent attempts to urinate, producing only a fine stream or nothing, and extreme pain during urination. Complete obstruction can cause uremia within 36-48 hours, leading to depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coma, and death within 48-72 hours. A distended, hard, and painful bladder may be palpated unless rupture has occurred, in which case peritonitis and absorption of uremic toxins and potassium can rapidly lead to depression, abdominal distention, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis are life-threatening complications. Initial emergency care involves immediate relief of obstruction by catheterization and fluid therapy with normal saline.
Chapter: Urology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1527)