My Cat Not Peeing
If your cat is repeatedly straining and not producing urine, this may be a urinary blockage and should be treated as an emergency. Here’s what to do right now, what signs matter most, and what your vet may do next.
This is a veterinary emergency.
A cat that cannot pass urine may have a urethral blockage, which is very painful and can become life-threatening quickly—contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic right away.
Talk to a vet now →When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Your cat is going in and out of the litter box, straining, and producing little or no urine.
- ● Your cat cries out, seems painful, hides, pants, vomits, or becomes weak or collapsed.
- ● Your cat has a firm, painful belly or seems increasingly distressed.
- ● You suspect a male cat is blocked, even if you are not completely sure.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Your cat is urinating only tiny amounts, has blood in the urine, or is licking the genital area a lot.
- ● Your cat is peeing outside the litter box and seems uncomfortable.
- ● Your cat has recurrent urinary signs, even if they seem to improve.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● If your cat seems completely normal and you are only unsure whether they have urinated, check the litter box closely, monitor for a few hours, and call your vet the same day for guidance.
- ● Do not wait at home if your cat is straining repeatedly or not passing urine.
What Happened & Why It's Dangerous
A blockage can stop urine from leaving the body
In many cats—especially males—the urethra can become blocked by plugs, stones, inflammatory debris, blood clots, or less commonly tumors or strictures.
Toxins and potassium can build up fast
When urine cannot be passed, the kidneys cannot clear waste products normally and dangerous electrolyte problems can develop.
It can look like constipation
Cats with urinary blockage often strain repeatedly in the litter box with little or no urine, and some owners mistake this for trouble passing stool.
Male cats are at higher risk
Male and neutered male cats are more prone to urethral obstruction because their urethra is longer and narrower.
What to Do Right Now
Go now if your cat is not producing urine — If your cat is straining and no urine is coming out, go to an emergency vet or call your veterinarian immediately.
Do not press on the belly — Do not try to squeeze your cat’s bladder or force urination at home. This can cause pain and may worsen the situation.
Keep your cat calm and confined — Place your cat in a carrier or quiet room while you arrange care. Stress can make lower urinary tract signs worse.
Bring helpful details — Tell the vet when your cat last urinated normally, whether there is blood, vomiting, crying, hiding, or repeated litter box trips, and whether your cat is male or has had urinary problems before.
- Go now if your cat is not producing urine
- Do not press on the belly
- Keep your cat calm and confined
- Bring helpful details
Common Questions
How long can a cat go without peeing before it becomes an emergency?
Why is my cat straining in the litter box but nothing is coming out?
Are male cats more likely to get blocked?
What will the vet do if my cat is blocked?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.