Why is my cat straining in litter box, only peeing or pooping little?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 14 lbs
Hello, My kitty has been going to her litter box a lot today and I noticed that she is only pooping a little but each time or peeing just a little. She goes and hovers like she has to go potty but it is like she can't go then she licks her bottom and lays down then later tries again. We have not changed foods and she appears to be drinking water. What could be going on?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 22nd, 2017
Oh no, poor Bella! It is concerning that she is appear to have trouble pooping and/or peeing. I would try mixing in a teaspoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) with her food, and feeding her canned food to get more moisture in her. If she is constipated, dehydration is the most common cause of it in cats. Continue to monitor here and if she is still having trouble pooping, have her seen by a vet tomorrow. If she has trouble urinating, strains to urinate, nothing is coming out when she tries to pee, or she cries when trying to urinate, you will need to take her into a vet immediately because these signs are a medical emergency.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 10th, 2017
She may have a urinary tract infection. This causes straining with only small amounts of urine and burning when she urinates. It causes discomfort which is why she is roaming and can't get comfortable. I recommend taking her to your veterinarian for treatment. They will check a urine sample for bacteria, blood and crystals and will prescribe medication, usually antibiotics. If there are crystals they may recommend a prescription food to prevent this from recurring again. Please don't give her human pain medications. You can feed wet food with some added water to help flush out her bladder. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 2nd, 2017
If Lilly is straining while going to the bathroom it could indicate a number of different things going on. First, it is important to know if she is having trouble when she is trying to urinate or defecate or both. This can help narrow down the problem. If the issue occurs when she is trying to urinate I would be concerned about a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. If the problem occurs when she is trying to poop she could be constipated or have an increased urgency because of the diarrhea. I would recommend taking Lilly in to the vet to be examined. She will need a fecal examination and a urinalysis performed to rule out an infection. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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