About urinary retention in cats
If your cat tries to pee but nothing comes out, they could be suffering from urinary retention. This condition can quickly become critical and, sadly, lead to the cat's death. If you suspect your cat has urinary retention, it's vital to get them to a vet for an urgent examination. Don't delay – go straight away. Urinary retention in cats is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
Urinary retention means the cat's urethra is blocked for some reason, preventing them from urinating. This can happen if a "plug" forms, for example, from grit-like particles and other material that causes a blockage. Common signs that a cat might have a urinary tract issue or that something isn't right include: visiting the litter box more often, licking their belly more than usual, blood in their urine, appearing uncomfortable when using the litter box, and passing less urine than normal. Keep an eye on whether your cat is actually passing urine when in the litter box. If you suspect no urine is being passed, or less than usual, take them to the emergency vet immediately. Always see a vet if your cat seems to be dribbling or having difficulty urinating.
Several similar urinary and kidney conditions in cats can present with comparable symptoms. Urinary retention is more common in male cats because their urethra is narrower and longer, making it more easily blocked. However, because it can be so serious, it's important to keep a close watch on your cat if you start to notice anything isn't quite right.
Other urinary-related issues cats can suffer from that have similar symptoms:
Sometimes cats develop urinary stones that cause irritation. This can become so severe it leads to urinary retention.
Tumours within the urinary tract can sometimes be the cause of the problem.
A urinary tract infection can occur.
A cat might appear constipated, straining in the litter box as if to defecate, but nothing comes out. Owners might mistake this for constipation, when the cat is actually experiencing urinary issues.
A urinary blockage can become life-threatening within 48 hours. Sadly, the worse a cat's condition is when they reach the vet, the more difficult it is to save their life. Within 24 hours of experiencing urinary retention, you might notice your cat becoming increasingly lethargic and tired. They may withdraw and prefer to be left alone. You might also observe signs of pain in their abdomen. They may lie down more than usual, often on their side with their back legs extended to relieve pressure on the bladder. They may refuse to eat or drink and could start vomiting. This is distressing for a cat, and if the urinary blockage isn't resolved quickly and treatment isn't started, cats sadly often die within two days.
It's better to err on the side of caution and see a vet if your cat has urinary problems. It's crucial to get a diagnosis as quickly as possible to give the best chance of saving your cat.
There's a high risk that a cat who has previously suffered from urinary retention will experience it again. Therefore, it's important to monitor that your cat can urinate without difficulty, both immediately after treatment and in the future. Always follow the advice and instructions given by your vet.
To prevent recurrence, the underlying causes of the cat's urinary retention need to be investigated. General advice for preventing urinary retention includes ensuring your cat drinks enough fluids, maintains a healthy weight (as obesity can increase the risk of problems), and has a safe and comfortable home environment where they feel able and willing to meet all their needs.
