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My cat has a UTI, on meds, but still can't pee. Is it a blockage?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 7 months and 11 days old | 9.5 lbs

My cat was diagnosed with a UTI and just started antibiotics in the last 3 days. Within the last hour or two he has been frequenting the litter box to pee but not much is coming out. I'm not sure if this is normal from the UTI and the antibiotics still need time to work. It's a 2 week prescription. I want to make sure he will be ok to wait until morning to take him in.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2017

As it is a male cat, there is a high chance that he is already partially blocked, and it is an emergency situation potentially. in most cases with cats, these urinary symptoms are not an infection but an inflammation of the bladder, which is treated slightly differently. at this point i wouldn't take the chance, i would advise taking him back to the vet right away.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Clyde! It is concerning that he is now frequenting the litter box and not much is coming out. Typically there should be an improvement in symptoms within the first 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics. The best thing to do is have him seen by a vet asap for this. This can be signs of a potential blockage, which is fatal without treatment. In cases like this, having a cat seen now can prevent that from occurring. You could also keep an eye on him for now, and if he starts straining to urinate, cries when urinating, becomes very lethargic, or tries to urinate and nothing comes out, those are signs that he is blocked which is a medical emergency. Feed him wet/canned food, add water to it, and make sure he drinks a lot of water to help flush the bladder. If you don't take him in tonight, have him seen by a vet first thing in the morning. Good luck, I hope Clyde's ok!

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 17th, 2019

    This is quite concerning as he may become obstructed due to muscle spasm if urinary flow does not improve. Wet food - ideally a urinary specialist diet - can be very helpful to promote larger volume, diluted urine to keep the bladder flushed and is recommended in any cats with urinary signs. Pain relief may also be helpful as the inflammation and straining in itself can cause additional complications - contact your vet to discuss the lack of response to treatment so far as they may wish to prescribe additional medications

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 19th, 2022

    Hi and thanks for your request. This presentation should be ideally re-checked by your local veterinarian unfortunately as your cat may be developing a urinary tract obstruction, which is more common in neutered males. Considering that the most common cause of it is stress related (idiopathic cystitis) in these cases other medications are needed such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2019

    I'm sorry Loki is still having problems. I would expect you would have seen improvement in his symptoms by now, and because you are not, I'd take him back into the vet first thing in the morning. Rush him into an ER vet if he starts howling when urinating, or tries to urinate but can't. Best of luck.

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