Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My shy cat can't urinate when stressed by company. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 8 lbs

Hello, I will do my best to explain this without excessive detail. I have a shy cat named Shadow. She typically doesn't like it when a lot of company is around. Yesterday I had to deliver a stillborn and today my family is visiting to help with the loss. I noticed today that my female cat doesn't appear to be able to urinate. Could she be really stressed out because all these people are in her house and staying? I placed her in a quiet room to hopefully help her for now. It's 3am after all.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 19th, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about what is happening. In terms of your cat, felines definitely can have a physiologic response to stress resulting in what you are seeing. The one thing that you would definitely want to be sure about is whether or not Shadow is refusing to urinate or is unable to urinate. One is obviously an emergency while the other is a waiting game. If she has refused to urinate for any more than a day, I would start to be somewhat concerned. I would be much more concerned if you start to see any straining in the litterbox or indications of pain / discomfort. This condition is something we are more likely to diagnose in male cats, but can occur less frequently in females. I think keeping her somewhere quiet for now is great provided she has free access to water and a litterbox. I would also make sure you are checking frequently for any changed in urination status or Shadow's behavior / demeanor. If you come to believe there may be an inability to urinate, take Shadow to the veterinarian immediately. Hope this helps.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My senior dog has recurring pancreatitis. How can I manage his diet?
Is your 13-year-old dog facing recurring pancreatitis? Get expert vet guidance on managing chronic inflammation, diet, and lifestyle tips for their well-being.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored