What to Do When Your Cat Is Straining to Urinate: When to Contact a Veterinarian

If your cat is straining in the litter box, this is not a symptom to monitor for a few days. Veterinary teams generally treat it as urgent, particularly in male cats, because a urinary blockage can become life threatening quickly. This article is general education and does not diagnose or provide treatment guidance.

General education only. This article does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or provide dosing. Every medication decision must be made with your veterinarian, who knows your pet's history and current health.

Contact a veterinarian promptly

Call your clinic or, outside hours, an emergency veterinary hospital if you notice your cat:

• Straining in the litter box with little or no urine produced.
• Going in and out of the box repeatedly.
• Crying out while in the box.
• Licking the genital area more than usual.
• Hiding, vomiting, or becoming lethargic alongside litter box changes.
• Producing urine with an unusual colour.

Do not wait overnight to see whether it resolves. Describe exactly what you are seeing when you call so the team can advise on urgency.

What to have ready

• When the straining started and how often it has happened.
• Whether any urine is being produced at all.
• Recent changes at home, including stress, moves, or new pets.
• Water intake and litter box habits over the past few days.
• Current medications and supplements.

Questions to ask at the appointment

• Is my cat blocked or at risk of blocking?
• What testing do you recommend, and what will it tell us?
• What is the plan if this recurs?
• What signs should send me back immediately?

Do not treat this at home

There is no home remedy for a suspected urinary blockage, and delay is the main risk factor. Never give human medication or leftover prescriptions. Get veterinary advice first.

After the visit

If your veterinarian prescribes medication for home use, the clinic can send it to VetFaster. Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours, and you may save up to 40% on eligible prescribed pet medications compared with typical clinic pricing.

How ordering works with VetFaster

VetFaster is a prescription coordination and delivery service. It is not a veterinary clinic and does not decide what your pet is prescribed. Your veterinarian writes the prescription and sends it to VetFaster directly by fax at +1 825-256-5399, then the order is filled and shipped to you.

• Your veterinarian examines your pet and issues the prescription.
• The clinic sends the prescription to VetFaster on your behalf.
• You can create a VetFaster account and review your order online.
• Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours.

You can read the full process on the How It Works page, browse what is stocked on the pet medication catalogue, or check coverage on the Alberta service area page.

Next step

For follow up prescriptions after a urinary episode, VetFaster can fill and deliver them across Alberta. Sign up with VetFaster and ask your veterinary clinic to send the prescription over by fax. Questions first? Use the contact page or read the frequently asked questions.

Related reading

• When your cat is drinking more or losing weight
• Senior cat mobility changes to record
• Alberta delivery service area