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My cat has painful urinary issues, can't get to vet, what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 14 lbs

my cat has a urinary tract infection and I don't have a way to get to the vet he is expanding and making noises with every step he is in a lot of pain and I don't have a way to take him to the vet what do I do to help from home

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 24th, 2017

This unfortunately is very concerning and is quite possibly a medical emergency situation for your pet Nacho. Nacho cannot be helped st home because it is possible he may have a urinary blockage and in need or a urinary catheter to provide him relief. Urinary tract infections are 1) not common in male cats and 2) Dont cause a lot of vocalization in the cat, therefore I suspect a urinary blockage is the actual culprit. I am hopeful that you can find someone to help you with Nacho so that you can take him in for life saving procedures. Poor guy. : ( Here are some financial assistance websites also that may be able to help as well: Carecredit.com Redrover.org Please take him in right away. Even if cost is a concern. At least you can get him seen and then go from there with the financial aspect of it. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. If your cat is very painful and making noises he likely doesn't have a urinary tract infection but a blockage. This is a terribly painful condition that can be life-threatening very quickly. You need to get him to a vet NOW or else is bladder can rupture and he can go into renal failure and die, or his potassium levels can go so high it stops his heart. You cannot help from home as he needs to have a urinary catheter placed up his penis to allow the urine to come out. Please have him to a vet immediately.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 18th, 2019

    Toby has to see a vet now. He may have a urethral blockage, which is fatal without treatment. You have no choice but to take him into a vet immediately. Check out these links below to see if one can help you afford a vet. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html?credit=web http://canada.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/pet-financing-options-1264/ http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 11th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm concerned about the symptoms you described - with a male cat who is trying to urinate but having trouble doing so, I worry about the possibility of a urinary obstruction, which is a life threatening emergency. Gizmo needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. This cannot wait for tomorrow - if your regular vet doesn't have any openings this afternoon, you should take him to the emergency vet. Hope this helps and good luck!

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