A male cat strains in the litter box but passes little or no urine. What should you do?

Get to a vet right away. It is an emergency.

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  1. Wait a day to see if it passes
  2. Add another litter box and wait
  3. Get to a vet immediately ✔

Why: A blocked urethra can become life threatening fast. Cornell calls urethral obstruction an absolute emergency needing immediate veterinary treatment. Do not wait for it to clear.

Huh, didn't know that: Cornell says a blocked cat will pass little or no urine and become increasingly distressed.

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What do you call a cat who runs the post office? Post Meowster.
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References

Answer: Get to a vet immediately. A blocked urethra can become life threatening fast. Cornell calls urethral obstruction an absolute emergency needing immediate veterinary treatment. Do not wait for it to clear.

  1. Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease
    A urethral obstruction is an absolute emergency, requiring immediate veterinary treatment.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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