Cat Crying When Urinating
Hearing your cat cry out in the litter box can be alarming, and it should never be ignored. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so visible pain with urination can signal a urinary problem that ranges from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Your cat is straining, crying, or repeatedly going to the litter box but producing little or no urine.
- ● Your cat has a painful, bloated belly, seems very distressed, or cries louder over time.
- ● Your cat is vomiting, weak, hiding, lethargic, or refusing food along with urinary signs.
- ● You suspect a male cat may be blocked, especially if he is making frequent unsuccessful attempts to urinate.
- ● There is crying with urination plus collapse or severe lethargy.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Your cat cries, strains, or seems painful when urinating but is still passing some urine.
- ● You notice blood in the urine, frequent small trips to the litter box, or urinating outside the box.
- ● Your cat is licking the genital area more than usual after trying to urinate.
- ● The symptom is new, keeps happening, or returns after seeming to improve.
- ● Your cat has a history of urinary problems, bladder stones, or feline lower urinary tract disease.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Your cat made a single brief vocalization but is urinating normal amounts, acting comfortable, eating normally, and has no repeat signs.
- ● You are only hearing more vocalizing in general, but there are no litter box changes, no straining, and no signs of pain.
- ● You are unsure whether the sound happened during urination or for another reason, but your cat seems otherwise normal.
- ● Even in mild cases, plan to watch the litter box closely because cats often hide illness.
- ● If any straining, frequent attempts, blood, or reduced urine appears, call your vet right away.
Common Causes of Cat Crying When Urinating
Urethral blockage
A blockage can prevent urine from passing and is an absolute emergency. This is especially dangerous in male cats and can become life-threatening quickly.
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)
This common cause of lower urinary tract signs involves inflammation and bladder pain without an obvious infection. Cats may strain, urinate frequently, and cry out in the litter box.
Bladder stones or crystals
Mineral stones or plugs can irritate the bladder and urethra, causing pain, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. In some cases they can lead to obstruction.
Urinary tract infection
UTIs are less common in younger cats than many owners expect, but they can cause painful urination, frequent urination, and discomfort. Older cats and cats with other medical conditions may be at higher risk.
Stress-related urinary disease
Stress and environmental change can contribute to feline lower urinary tract flare-ups, especially in cats with idiopathic cystitis. Multi-cat tension, routine changes, and lack of enrichment may play a role.
Other urinary tract disease
Less common causes include bladder inflammation from other conditions, upper urinary tract infection, or urinary tract masses. A vet exam and urine testing are often needed to find the cause.
What to Do at Home
If your cat cries when urinating, focus on watching for signs of blockage and getting veterinary advice promptly. Because cats are so stoic, pain that is obvious enough for you to notice deserves attention. Do not assume this is a simple behavior issue, and do not wait if your cat is straining or producing little to no urine.
- Check the litter box closely for how often your cat goes and whether any urine is actually being produced.
- If your cat is straining with little or no urine, treat it as an emergency and seek immediate veterinary care.
- Encourage water intake with fresh water bowls or a fountain if your cat will use them, unless your veterinarian has told you otherwise.
- Keep your cat indoors, quiet, and comfortable, and reduce stress while you arrange care.
- If possible, note related signs such as blood in the urine, urinating outside the box, vomiting, hiding, or appetite loss to share with your vet.
- Do not give human pain medicines or leftover pet medications, and do not try home remedies in place of an exam.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my cat crying in the litter box?
Is crying while peeing an emergency for cats?
Can stress make a cat cry when urinating?
What will the vet do for a cat with painful urination?
Can I wait and see if my cat gets better?
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.