Urinary Emergency: What you should know.
This resource is here to help you understand whether the signs you are seeing could indicate a more serious condition that needs attention sooner than your scheduled visit. It is not meant to worry you, it is meant to make sure your Cat gets the right level of care at the right time.
If you are unsure about anything, please call us right away. Even if we cannot get to the phone immediately, or if it is after hours, you will be connected to a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician who can triage your Cat’s situation and guide you on next steps.
(303) 622-0068
These signs are not a go-now emergency, but they should not wait until tomorrow. If your appointment is scheduled for later than today, please call us right away so we can get your Cat in sooner.
This May Be an Emergency — Act Now
Call us or go to an ER immediately if you see any of these.
Going to the litter box repeatedly with little or no urine coming out
Crying, yowling, or vocalizing in or around the litter box
Straining hard but producing nothing, or just drops
Abdomen looks or feels tight and hard, or your Cat flinches when you touch it
Lethargic, hiding, or not responding to you the way they normally would
Excessive licking of the genital area combined with any straining
Vomiting alongside any of the litter box signs above
Male Cats who cannot urinate are a critical emergency. This can become life-threatening within hours. Please do not wait to see if it improves.
Your Cat Should Be Seen Today
If your appointment is not today, please call us to move it up.
Blood visible in the urine or on the litter
Urinating outside the litter box for the first time, especially in unusual spots
Frequent short trips to the box but still producing some urine each time
Crying or obvious discomfort while urinating
Not eating today alongside any litter box change
Your Appointment Timing Sounds Right
These signs can wait for your scheduled visit.
Occasional accidents without straining or any signs of distress
Mild change in litter box frequency, no signs of pain
Urinating more or less than usual with no other symptoms
Drinking more water than usual
Litter type or location preference changes
Not sure which category applies? Just call.
You do not have to figure this out alone. If something feels off but you are not sure how serious it is, call us and we will help you sort it out. Our Feline Experience Specialists are available to take your call during clinic hours. If we are unable to answer, or if it is after hours, you will automatically be connected to a licensed RVT who can triage your Cat and guide you, whether that means heading to an ER right now, monitoring at home, or getting your appointment moved up. Call CatsOnly
