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Cats/Inability to urinate

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Expert: - 11/15/2008


Question
I have a 9 year old female cat, pleasantly plump, whom I've just noticed cannot stay out of the litter box.  I've watched her and in the past hour has tried to urinate 7 times w/little results.  She passes barely a thimble full.  She drinks water, in fact lays in front of the water bowl.  My first cat [a male] died at the age of 5 of FUS, who started w/this same problem.  The vet squeezed his abdomen and gave him a shot when he was totally blocked.  She exhibits no signs of pain or discomfort.  I've tried massaging her belly, to no avail.  Anything I can do now, since it's Saturday, and I won't be able to get to the vet for awhile [my vet is not accommodating either].  I really need help for the short term.  Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer
Barbara,

This is a serious veterinary emergency...This cat needs to see a vet immediately, there isn't anything that I can offer short term or otherwise...If the blockage isn't moved your cat will die...You  may want to consider changing diet if your cat does have crystals seeing as you mention the loss of another kitty fairly early in your question.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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