Expert: Becky - 7/9/2004

Question
Hi Becky-
My cat is 1 1/2 years old and has been acting strange.  He spends quite a bit of time in the litter box, although I don't see anything unusual in the box.  Also, I catch him in various places around the house, squatting as if he's trying to poop, yet I never actually see any poop.  I just pick him up and lay him down.  This is not like him at all, he always used the box.  He also isn't quite as playful as he usually is.  He seems to be eating okay though.  I feed him regular dry food and 1 can of cat food on Sundays.  A few Pounce treats here and there and basically that's it.  I have another cat that eats the same and is fine.
I really can't afford a vet so I'm hoping that he basically needs some gentle OTC laxative perhaps?  I don't know.  I appreciate any help you can offer me. Thanks for your time.


Answer
Susie,

Your cat is displaying typical behaviour for a cat who has urinary tract infection.  It is very important that you take him to your vet, as male cats get blocked up and cannot urinate. What you are seeing is him straining to pee, but cannot.  This can be fatal, so please do not hesitate to take him in.   Hopefully your vet will let you make payments or something, but this will not go away on its own.  Please do not ignore this problem.

Becky