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My senior cat strains to urinate and dribbles urine. What's next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 years old | 17 lbs

My 11 year old neutered cat has been straining to urinate for the past few days. I rushed him to the vet when it began. A CBC came back normal and a urinalysis came back normal, we are waiting on the culture. He is not blocked. He is on metronidazole, prazosin, buprenorphine, and subcutaneous fluids. He is eating and drinking. He has passed urine but really struggles in the letterbox and also dribbles urine when laying down.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 26th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! It sounds like Jinx is on appropriate medications to help facilitate urination. I would add an anti-inflammatory to help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract. Also, if x-rays or an abdominal ultrasound have not been performed and he is still exhibiting these symptoms, I would have these additional diagnostics performed as he may have bladder stones or urethral stones. If at any time he is struggling to produce urine, you should have him rechecked sooner rather than later. I hope this helps and that he starts urinating normally soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    In cats this type of condition is usually caused by stress rather than by an infection, it causes bladder inflammation which is responsible for the symptoms. the treatment seems very good, you will need to give it a few more days, i would personally also recommend putting him on a prescription urinary food for at least a month.

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