Cat Straining in the Litter Tray: Why It Can Be an Emergency

Call your vet now if

• Your cat is squatting and straining but little or no urine comes out
• They keep going back to the litter tray, often with nothing to show for it
• They cry, yowl or seem distressed when trying to pass urine
• They are licking their genital area a lot
• You see blood in their urine, or pink-tinged clumps in the litter
• They are peeing in unusual places, such as the bath, sink or on soft furnishings
• They are vomiting, not eating, hiding or seem very quiet or weak
• Their belly seems painful when touched, or they are restless and cannot settle

If your cat is male and showing any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet straight away.

Why straining can be so serious

Several conditions can make a cat strain in the litter tray, but the most urgent is a urinary blockage, where something stops urine from leaving the bladder. This may be a plug of material, small stones or crystals, or swelling and spasm of the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine out of the body.

When urine cannot get out, the bladder becomes stretched and painful. Waste products that the kidneys normally clear start to build up in the blood, and the balance of salts in the body changes. Over a matter of hours, this can affect the heart and other organs. A blocked cat can go from uncomfortable to critically ill surprisingly quickly, which is why vets treat this as an emergency.

Male cats are at much greater risk of a full blockage because their urethra is longer and narrower than a female's. Female cats can still have painful urinary problems and, less commonly, blockages too, so any cat that is straining needs prompt advice.

Is it constipation or a urinary problem?

Straining to pass faeces and straining to pass urine can look very similar. A cat with either problem may squat in the tray for a long time, seem uncomfortable and produce very little.

You cannot reliably tell the difference at home, and it is not worth guessing. Mistaking a urinary blockage for constipation can mean losing precious time. Phone your vet, describe exactly what you have seen, and let them decide how urgently your cat needs to be seen. In most cases they will want to examine your cat the same day, often straight away.

What to do right now

1. Phone your vet practice now. If it is closed, phone the out-of-hours emergency service. Say that your cat is straining in the litter tray and you are worried about a blockage.
2. Get your cat into their carrier calmly. Place a towel inside and keep the carrier level while you carry it. If your cat is reluctant, gently lower them in from the top or wrap them loosely in a towel first.
3. Note what you have seen. When did the straining start, how often have they been to the tray, have you seen any urine, and have they vomited or eaten? A short video can help.
4. Check the litter tray. If there is a fresh puddle or clump, or none at all, mention this to the vet. A quick photo is enough.
5. Travel calmly. Keep the car quiet and warm and the carrier secure.

What not to do

• Do not wait to see if it settles. Many owners hope it will pass overnight. With a blockage, waiting can be dangerous.
• Do not press on or massage your cat's belly to try to make them pee. A stretched bladder is painful and fragile.
• Do not give any home remedies or human medicines. Many common human medicines are dangerous to cats, and none will clear a blockage.
• Do not assume it is just constipation and treat it yourself.

What happens at the vet

Your vet will examine your cat and gently feel their bladder. They may take blood and urine samples, and sometimes an X-ray or ultrasound. If your cat is blocked, they will usually need to be stabilised, sedated or anaesthetised, and have a urinary catheter placed to relieve the blockage. Many cats stay in the hospital for a few days afterwards. Your vet will talk you through the plan, what to expect and the costs.

If your cat is not blocked, your vet will look for other causes of the straining and discuss treatment and follow-up.

Questions to discuss with your vet later

Once your cat is safe, there are some longer-term questions worth talking through with your vet, rather than acting on straight away:

• Stress. Changes at home, new pets, building work or conflict with other cats are often linked to urinary problems in cats. Your vet can help you think about ways to make home feel calmer and safer.
• Diet and water intake. Many vets talk about encouraging cats to drink more, for example with wet food, water fountains or several water bowls. Some cats benefit from a specific diet, but this should be guided by your vet.
• Litter tray set-up. Having enough trays in quiet places, kept clean, can make a difference. Our litter tray problems article has more general tips.
• Weight and activity. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight and encouraging play may help their general health.

Some cats have repeated urinary problems, so ask your vet which signs to watch for in future and when to bring your cat back.

Trust your instincts

You know your cat best. If something about their behaviour in the litter tray worries you, it is always reasonable to phone your vet. A quick call costs little, and with urinary blockages, acting early can make a real difference. For other warning signs, see our guide to signs your pet needs a vet.