Is your cat struggling to pee? If you suddenly notice that your cat can’t pee or is having trouble peeing every time they enter the litter box, this can indicate a serious health problem. Urinary problems in cats range from urinary tract infections with mild symptoms to complete urinary blockages that can cause a rapid decline in health.
Why your cat can’t pee
If your cat is not peeing or struggling to pee, the most likely cause is a problem with the urinary system. Any type of partial or complete blockage of any part of a cat’s urinary tract means that urine cannot be excreted normally. This can be very painful and potentially life-threatening for cats.
Although cats may strain to pee when they have cystitis, normally they produce some urine. The problem we are going to look at is a complete blockage where no urine is passed whatsoever.
This is an incredibly dangerous problem for cats, as the bladder will quickly become full and distended. Within a matter of hours, the kidneys will become compromised, and if left untreated the cat may not survive.
What causes urinary blockage in cats?
Urinary blockages are far more common in male cats, and females rarely suffer from this condition. Male cats have a very long, narrow urethra that can become blocked very easily.
Causes of urinary obstruction in cats include:
- an accumulation of protein, cells, and debris that lodges in the urethra, forming a urethral plug
- small bladder stones or accumulation of crystals that pass from the bladder to the urethra, forming a blockage
- inflammation of the urethra, leading to swelling and muscular spasms – this is common in cats that suffer from recurrent cystitis
- tumours or abnormal growths that block the urethra.
Cats that are overweight are more prone to urinary obstructions, as are indoor cats, cats that eat dry food, and cats that are stressed or anxious.
For indoor cats, environmental changes such as moving house or the introduction of new pets can cause high levels of stress. In response to stress, cats may change their litter box habits and hold their pee for longer or drink less water, thereby increasing the risk of urinary tract infections or urinary blockages.
You may also hear this condition referred to as a blocked bladder or feline urethral obstruction.
Signs and symptoms of urinary blockage in cats
When a cat is suffering from a urinary blockage, you may notice repeated attempts to urinate. If your cat makes frequent trips to the litter tray but is having trouble passing any urine, it is a good idea to investigate further.
As the bladder becomes more distended, crying or discomfort when straining to pass urine is often seen. The cat may become agitated and distressed, vocalizing when attempting to urinate.
In some cases, you may observe some changes to your cat’s urinating habits before the blockage occurs. These include urinating more frequently, repeated straining with your cat having trouble peeing, and blood in the urine.
If you suspect that your cat has a blocked bladder, contact your veterinary clinic straight away. Urinary obstructions in cats should always be treated as an emergency.
How is a urinary blockage diagnosed in cats?
On arrival at the emergency vet clinic, your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination of your cat. They may be able to feel that the bladder is distended. If not, then an x-ray or an ultrasound scan can help confirm the diagnosis and underlying cause.
Once your vet has confirmed a blocked bladder they will run laboratory tests to check your cat’s kidney function and electrolyte levels. These tests help to determine the severity of any kidney damage and inform the best treatment options.
Treating urinary blockages when a cat can’t pee
Urinary obstructions in cats are an emergency. Your veterinarian will advise on treatment options to help relieve the blockage as soon as possible.
As urinary blockages can be very painful, the first step will normally be to sedate or anaesthetise your cat. The urethra will be gently palpated to locate the blockage. In some cases, gentle massage of the area can relieve the obstruction and allow free passage of urine.
If this is not successful, a catheter will be passed into the urethra via the penis. This is a very delicate procedure and must be carried out with care to reduce the risk of damaging the lining of the urethra. The aim is to gently push the catheter right up to the bladder, removing any blockage and allowing the bladder to be emptied. In some cases, it may be necessary to flush the catheter with fluids to remove the blockage.
In some rare situations, if it is not possible to remove the blockage with a urinary catheter, the cat may need surgery. This is more likely in cats that have urinary stones or bladder tumours.
Once the blockage has been removed, your cat will need to be hospitalised until it is passing urine freely again. It may be necessary to leave the catheter in place for a few days until any localised swelling subsides. Intravenous fluids can be given if any kidney damage has occurred.
How to care for cats with urinary problems at home
Unfortunately, once a cat has had a urinary blockage, it is highly likely to happen again. It may be necessary to consider lifestyle changes for your cat to reduce the risk of further trouble peeing and urinary blockages in the future.
Increase water intake
One of the most important ways to help cats with bladder problems is by encouraging them to drink more water. If you’re feeding kibble, switch to wet food which has a higher water content and promotes hydration. Ensure your cat’s water bowls are clean and topped up daily. Water fountains can also be a great way to encourage cats to drink more water.
Dietary changes
Your veterinarian may recommend a special pH-balanced diet to support urinary function and prevent the formation of urinary crystals or stones. Unfortunately, your cat may need to be on this diet for life. Overweight or obese cats will need to go onto a weight loss program.
We feed our cats a balanced raw diet which has a higher moisture content and can benefit cats with urinary issues.
Reduce stress
Stress is a key risk factor for urinary problems in cats, so take steps to limit your cat’s daily stress levels as much as possible. To minimise stress in the home:
- maintain a consistent routine – provide a sense of stability to reduce anxiety, such as feeding your cat at the same times each day
- minimise changes and disruptions – introduce change gradually and provide your cat with a safe space to retreat if needed
- provide hiding spots and vertical spaces – cat towers or cardboard boxes can help your cat feel more secure
- use calming pheromone products – Feliway can help create a calm space, especially in multi-cat households
- place the litter box in a quiet area – make sure your litter box is accessible and cleaned often. If you have more than one cat you need multiple little boxes.
Watch the litter box
And finally, make sure to keep a close eye on your cat’s toileting habits. Monitor any changes, so you are alert to the early signs that your cat is struggling to pee and at risk of another urinary obstruction.
Final thoughts
If you notice your cat can’t pee, this may indicate a urinary blockage. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. While urinary blockages are more common in male cats, female cats can also be affected. If you notice your cat has trouble peeing or any signs of urinary issues, such as frequent trips to the litter box, straining or struggling to pee, blood in the urine, or vocalisation during urination, you should seek veterinary care.
