My male cat is crying, hissing, licking genitals. Is he blocked?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 4th, 2019

  This may sound odd, but luckily she is a female. Male cats can develop an obstruction of the urethra relatively easily, as the urethra is very narrow and can get plugged with inflammatory cells, debris, stones, and the swelling of the urethra itself can become obstructive. A urethral obstruction is an emergency, because life threatening electrolyte abnormalities can start to occur that can result in cardiac arrest, also the bladder can actually rupture. Having said all of that, this problem is rare in female cats. Its possible that a stone could get lodged in the urethra, but their urethras are shorter and wider than that of male cats so we just don't see it much at all in females. She very well may have a significant amount of inflammation in her urinary tract that is making her feel like she constantly has to go even when shes not producing anything. My best recommendation would be for you to try to palpate her bladder at home. When you put your hands around the back part of her abdomen and gently push forwards and backwards- this should NOT be painful for her, and you should NOT feel something large, round and hard. If she is painful when you do this, or if it feels like there is a softball in her abdomen (hard, large, round), you need to try to find a way to get her to an emergency vet. Otherwise, get her in to see your vet tomorrow or the next day if you can. She may have a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, crystals in her urine, or she may have what is called "sterile cystitis," which means a lot of inflammation present, but not due to an infection. Sometimes this is brought on by stress, and some cats are just more prone to it as well. Unfortunately there's really nothing you can do to give her immediate relief at home. Make sure she's got lots of water available to drink so she stays hydrated, and offer her canned food--again to increase her water intake. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on February 11th, 2018

  For mild cases of constipation in cats, giving some canned cat food or plain canned pumpkin can sometimes help. If Tiger has a history of constipation or hard stools, switching to an all-canned diet may also be helpful. HOWEVER - be aware that what looks like constipation in male cats (straining in the litter box, crying, etc.) is often actually a urinary blockage. This is a life-threatening problem that cannot be treated at home, and can result bladder rupture and death in a matter of hours. Because of this, I would strongly recommend taking your kitty to an emergency vet today for an exam if he is straining in the litter box. The vet can palpate his bladder and colon to help determine if the problem is a urinary blockage or constipation, and will advise you on appropriate treatment options from there.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 29th, 2019

  Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Sylvester is in that much distress, I would get him in to be seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later. What you are describing could be an indication of a fecal impaction, megacolon or something causing an obstruction. If he is not producing any urine either, he may be dealing with a urinary tract obstruction, which can be very serious if left untreated. I would get him seen as soon as possible if you can so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful