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Cat straining to pee, hasn't gone. Is it a UTI or emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 11 lbs

My cat is straining to go to the bathroom. She hasn't used the bathroom in 5 hours. I don't know if I should take her to the emergency vet or wait until the morning. I don't have the money for the emergency vet. What can I do? If she has a urinary tract--what are the symptons?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 1st, 2018

    I'm sorry that Ferdinan is sick! Cats tend to get feline idiopathic cystitis rather than UTIs, but I'm very concerned about your description that he is having difficulty peeing. Cats can also get bladder stones, and in male cats, a big risk of those is them becoming stuck in the urethra. One of the signs of a urethral blockage is difficulty peeing. That is a medical emergency, and it absolutely is not something that can be treated at home. Leaving it untreated is fatal, and he has to see a vet. Even if he's not blocked, feline idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, and a UTI cannot be treated at home, they do require a vet visit. I have to tell you to visit a vet because that is the only way to treat him. Given the risk that he could have a urethral blockage, he has to be seen by a vet now. I would take him to the closet vet you can find. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 9th, 2016

    I'm sorry to hear that! Straining to urinate can be caused by a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or a condition called FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis). If she's not getting any urine out at all, this is very concerning since it means that she could have a urethral obstruction - this is uncommon in females, but if it happens it's a life-threatening problem since the bladder can rupture if she's completely unable to urinate. I would recommend having your cat seen by a vet today if at all possible. He/she can check to see if she is obstructed, and will also do a urinalysis to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

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