Cat Can't Pee: Why It Is an Emergency and What to Do

You notice your cat has visited the litter tray three times in ten minutes. They're straining, crying out, but little or no urine is coming out. It's tempting to think it might settle on its own, but in cats, this can signal something serious.

If your cat is struggling to pee, they may have a urinary blockage. This is a medical emergency that can become life-threatening quickly, so don't wait to see if things improve on their own.

If this is happening now, call us on +971 56 188 6476. Our Dubai Investment Park hospital has a vet on call 24/7, and all our branches are equipped to handle emergencies. Please call before travelling so our team can prepare for your arrival. You can also learn more about our emergency care.

What a blocked cat looks like

Cats are good at hiding pain, so the first signs can be easy to overlook. Often, the earliest clue is a change in their usual litter tray habits.

You might notice your cat going back to the tray again and again, straining without passing urine. Sometimes, only a few drops come out, and you may notice pink or red colouring caused by blood. Your cat might cry while trying to pee, lick their genital area more than usual, or start urinating in unusual places, such as the bath or sink.

As the discomfort worsens, your cat may become withdrawn, hide away, or seem unusually quiet. Vomiting, refusing food, weakness or collapse are signs that your cat is seriously unwell and needs immediate veterinary attention.

Even if your cat is passing a few drops of urine, don't assume they're in the clear. A partial blockage can become complete, so contact a vet straight away.

Why do cats develop urinary blockages?

A urinary blockage occurs when something prevents urine from flowing out of the bladder. In male cats, a common cause is a plug made of mucus, tiny crystals, and inflammatory cells. Bladder stones can also move into the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, and become stuck.

Another possible cause is cystitis, which means inflammation of the bladder. The inflammation can cause discomfort and urinary problems, and in some cases, contribute to a blockage. Stress may contribute to feline bladder inflammation, so changes such as moving house, introducing a new pet, or changing your cat's routine can sometimes trigger symptoms.

Male cats are at greater risk of urinary blockages because their urethra is narrower. Overweight cats may also be more vulnerable to urinary problems. Although blockages are much less common in female cats, straining to pee is still a reason to seek veterinary advice.

Why it cannot wait

When urine cannot leave the bladder, it builds up, stretching the bladder and making it increasingly painful. As the blockage continues, it can affect the kidneys, and waste products can begin to accumulate in the bloodstream. Potassium levels can also rise to dangerous levels, potentially affecting the heart.

That is why a cat that initially seems uncomfortable can become critically ill quickly. Getting veterinary treatment promptly gives your cat the best chance of recovery.

If you suspect a blockage, don't wait until your cat starts vomiting or becomes weak. Contact a vet as soon as you notice difficulty passing urine.