My male cat has not urinated in his litter box in 12 hours. He has not gone anywear else. How long can he go without peeing before I am to think he has a blockage? Im really worried.
2007-11-25 13:51:51 · 7 answers · asked by victoria 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
If you see him "straining" to use the restroom but nothing comes out, there is real cause for alarm. Cats can die if a blocked urethra is not treated quickly.
I would just call the vet and explain his symptoms. They might want you to bring him in asap or they might have you keep an eye on him.
Either way, a blocked urethra cannot fix itself. A blockage is caused by struvite crystals in the urine that can block the passage way out. The crystals tear the urethra lining and can cause pain and infections can develop.
Struvite crystals are often caused by a poor diet...(cheap brand cat foods)
2007-11-25 13:59:28 · answer #1 · answered by ~*Emily*~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is he sitting hunched over with spiky back fur looking miserable? Does he go into the box and try, but only a tiny spot comes out? Is he trying to pee outside the box and nothing comes? These three are danger signs of a blockage and will be followed by kidney failure within 24-36 hours, you need to get him to a vet as this is an emergency.
If he's not seeming to be in pain, he may have gone somewhere else you haven't found yet, but it sure wouldn't hurt to have the vet check on his bladder and to see if it's full.
2007-11-25 22:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be worried- if he is blocked it can be very serious very quickly. Has he been visiting the litter box often in the attempt to urinate? Are you 100% sure he has not gone anywhere else? Is he crying, hiding, not eating, etc? Those are sure signs he should be taken to see the vet right away. You could also try to see if his 'bladder' is full by trying to feel his lower abdomen- be gentle!! If he is very upset with you trying this- that is also a clue he may be blocked and painful. If you can feel a large bladder- sort of firm and 'mass-like'- he absolutely needs to be seen. Keep a close eye on him! If he is acting completely normal then the amount of time that has passed isn't so bad- but he needs to be watched.
2007-11-25 22:02:18 · answer #3 · answered by minuit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if 12 hours is time to panic, but cats are prone to urinary infections, and when males get a blockage, they can rupture themselves and die quickly. It's serious, so it is always best to visit the vet asap just to be safe.
2007-11-25 22:44:20 · answer #4 · answered by theshadowknows 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to go to the vet immediately if your sure he has not urinated. Cats are notorious for having renal (liver and kidney) problems and it sounds like he has one. If I was you, personally, I would call an animal E.R. right now and follow their advice; however, being a vet tech, I would be taking mine into the E.R. right now.
Good luck
2007-11-25 22:20:06 · answer #5 · answered by Victoria S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats normally urinate 4-5 times/day. i'd get him to the vet asap for a urinalysis and check-up.
surely there is something that you have not said that has made you watch this.. has this cat had a previous history?
2007-11-25 21:58:06 · answer #6 · answered by cany 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
meagan is absolutely correct, get the cat to a vet NOW before it dies.
2007-11-25 22:03:18 · answer #7 · answered by barrbou214 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋