What this guide can help with
Frequent urination, straining, blood, discomfort or accidents can result from several urinary, metabolic or behavioural conditions. Examination and urine testing are often needed to distinguish them.
Every pet is different. A veterinary examination remains the best way to understand symptoms and decide whether waiting is appropriate.
Key points
- Repeated straining with little or no urine can represent obstruction and is an emergency, especially in male cats.
- Cystitis, stones, infection and other conditions can produce similar signs.
- Increased thirst and larger urine volumes may be linked to kidney, endocrine or medication-related causes.
- Urine collected at home may be useful for some tests, while culture may require a sterile sample collected at the clinic.
Helpful things to do at home
- Observe the number and size of urine patches or litter clumps.
- Record water intake when practical.
- Provide clean, accessible litter trays and avoid punishment for accidents.
- Leftover antibiotics or pain medication may be unsuitable, so it is safest to check with the veterinary team first.
When to book an appointment
- Blood in urine
- Frequent small urinations or accidents
- Increased thirst or urine volume
- Licking the urinary opening or signs of discomfort
Seek urgent veterinary advice for
- Repeated straining with little or no urine
- A painful, distressed or vomiting cat with urinary signs
- Collapse or severe weakness
References
This guide is general information only. Your veterinarian will tailor advice to your pet after an examination.