My cat is weak, lethargic, and straining. Is it a vet emergency?

Question

My cat has been weak and lethargic for the past 2 days, sleeping for the most part, and since last night has remained in the same spot. I noticed weird behaviour a couple days ago when it looked as if he was trying to poo, he would scratch the floor and then squat and tense multiple times with nothing happening, he kept doing this. And when he'd be laying down he would have random spasms in his abdominal area like a sharp tensing motion, might be his bowels trying to pass, he is 18, help. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor Fred! From what you're describing, I'm very concerned that he may have a urinary obstruction. Straining to urinate can look very similar to straining to poop, and is unfortunately a common problem in male cats. This is a life-threatening emergency that often causes symptoms like lethargy, weakness, repeated straining to pee, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting and crying in pain. This is an emergency because the bladder can rupture and toxins will rapidly build up inside the body, resulting in death within a matter of hours. I would strongly recommend getting Fred to an emergency vet immediately - he/she can palpate his abdomen to confirm the problem, and pass a urinary catheter to relive the obstruction.

My cat is weak, lethargic, and straining. Is it a vet emergency?

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