Trouble Urinating

Our visitors ask questions about cats who have trouble urinating or try to urinate in strange places.

If your cat is straining to urinate, a trip to the vet is in order.

Visitor Questions About Cat Urination Problems

Cat Experiencing Symptoms of Kidney Stone

We have a male cat that has some weird symptoms. He licks himself in his genital area and makes a growling noise. He also seems to be in pain down there. He growls and hisses at anyone that pets him near his hind end. He sits over his litter and does not go. Also, he squats all over the house, like he's trying to urinate, only he doesn't' urinate. Does he need a vet?

~~Susan Lacey

Expert Reply

Hi, Susan,

I'm not a vet, but the symptoms you're describing sound very much like your cat has a kidney stone or urinary tract infection. The fact that he is not urinating concerns me greatly. A cat who cannot urinate risks urethra poisoning. That is exactly what it sounds like, and it is caused by toxins built up from unspent urine. The only cure for this is medication and sometimes surgical procedures. Please do not delay, but get your cat to the veterinarian immediately because this can be a very dangerous condition.

Can you check back and let us know what the vet says and if he is okay?

~~Lori

Cat May Have Kidney Stones

We brought in this stray male from outside because he is super friendly. He has a big firm belly, almost like he is pregnant. Everything else about him is normal size and I'm sure it's a boy because he has big testicles. He was also pooping on the floor so we went and bought a litter box, food and toys. Now, he just lays in the box like it's a bed. Then, he got in there and was squatting like cats do to urinate and he started meowing then laid down and there was no wet spot where I thought he was urinating. What's up with the big firm belly and is there something wrong with him? How can I get him to use the litter box?

~~Samantha

Expert Reply

Dear Samantha,

This is something that is to be really concerned over. Male cats often cannot pass kidney stones and it can eventually be fatal. His distended belly might indicate a dangerously full bladder, so it is vital that you get him to a veterinarian as quickly as possible and seek treatment. I have had a male cat die of this years ago and it can come on quite suddenly. The fact that he is trying to urinate and not leaving any urine on the litter is an indication of this problem.

Once you get this problem rectified, he will likely use the litter box just fine, because it does sound like he is attempting to relieve himself there.

Please check back and let me know that he's okay.

~~Lori.

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