Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My male cat is straining to pee and swollen. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 12 lbs

My 1 year old male cat has been licking his penis an unusual amount, trying to pee in the litter box for 5-10 mins at a time with nothing coming out (multiple times), and is pretty swolen down there... Can he wait to see our vet on Monday when he gets in or is this an emergency? What should I do in the meantime? He went into kidney failure at 8 months old from suspected ibuprofen poisoning.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Echo. He needs to see an emergency veterinarian this evening. While he could have cystitis or inflammation in the bladder, he could also be experiencing a urinary tract obstruction. A blockage would inhibit urine from passing and this can be life threatening. The veterinarian will perform an examination and feel his bladder. X-rays of his abdomen may be necessary as well. From there a treatment plan can be determined based on whether he is experiencing an obstruction or not. I hope this information helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 6th, 2017

    This sounds like it could be an extreme emergency, and Oliver should see a vet immediately. If he's having trouble urinating, spending 10 minutes in the box trying to urinate, and is getting more and more uncomfortable, it sounds like he could potentially have bladder stones that may be blocking his urethra. This is a medical emergency, as it is fatal without treatment. He has to see a vet now, this cannot wait until the morning. Oliver needs to be taken into an ER vet or you need to find a vet on call to see him now. There will be a vet on call for emergencies, and the information to reach that vet will be found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Start calling clinics now to find the vet on call. I can also give you some resources that may help you afford this emergency care. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
 God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.


    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 15th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Walter. This is very serious, and I'm concerned he's blocked again. As I'm sure you are aware, if he is blocked and this isn't treated, he will die. He has to see a vet now, there are no other options. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. You can also see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Please take him into a vet now.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 1st, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ferdinan! If Ferdinan is straining in the litter box and NO urine is coming out this is an emergency. Unfortunately if he is unable to pass urine he is obstructed and could get very sick and even die. There is no medication that is appropriate to give for this. Causes are: inflammation from stress, crystals in the urine from diet, bladder stones and rarely a urinary tract infection. If he has a bladder blockage he needs to be sedated and have a urinary catheter passed. And sadly this can not wait and he should be taken somewhere now. I would take him to where ever there is a Vet. I wish you the best!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

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
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
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
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
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