Why Isn’t My Cat Going To The Bathroom?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your cat is not urinating or straining to pee and very little comes out, get them to the vet immediately! This is a concerning sign of

a possible urinary tract obstruction

(also called urethral obstruction), a deadly condition if not recognized and treated promptly.

How long can a cat go without peeing or pooping?

As for pooping, a cat can safely hold it in for

24 to 36 hours

. If it goes over 48 to 72 hours, schedule a visit to her vet. Failure to urinate or defecate creates a risk of injury due to the toxin buildup in your cat’s system. Increase in toxins can make your cat sick and may lead to damage in her vital organs.

What do you do if your cat can’t go to the bathroom?

Contact your

veterinarian

if you notice very hard, dry feces, or that your cat is straining while defecating. You should contact your veterinarian if you note diarrhea, since this can quickly lead to dehydration. To prevent a recurrence, feed your cat a veterinarian-approved diet and be sure to keep your cat active.

What do you do if your cat won’t pee?

Call an Emergency Vet Right Away if Your Cat’s Having Urinating Problems or if They Can’t Pee. There are a plethora of reasons your cat might have problems urinating. The most common is a

UTI

. Cystitis and kidney stones or blockages can cause problems as well.

Can a cat go all day without peeing?

Research suggests that a healthy cat’s bladder is always functioning and active. However, these felines can hold their pee up to

24–48 hours

even after drinking plenty of fluids. While it’s typical for kitties to go without peeing for two days, a cat holding its urine for more than 48 hours should be worrisome.

How long can a cat not urinate?

How Long Can a Cat Live With a Urinary Blockage? When the urethra is obstructed, urine backs up in the bladder and toxins build in the blood. Without treatment to remove the blockage, cats can die

in three to six days

.

Can you massage a cat to help them poop?

Though some pet parents might think that a belly massage could help break up a blockage, Dr. Sarah Wallace, a veterinarian based in Washington, D.C., says that this is not the case and a cat constipation

massage should never be attempted

.

How do I know if my cat has a blockage?

Signs of intestinal blockage

Common symptoms include

diarrhea, vomiting, refusing to eat, weakness and lethargy

, abdominal pain or swelling, cold body temperature, crying and even an unwillingness to lie down, among other issues.

Can you squeeze poop out of a cat?

Sometimes, the liquid feces are mistaken for diarrhea, but in actuality, when the

cat strains, a small amount of liquid fecal material is able to squeeze around the hard fecal mass

.

Can stress cause a cat not to pee?

Frustration, stress, or anxiety can sometimes cause a cat to

change their urinating

habits. Any change in their routine, such as a new person in the household or moving house, can lead to changes in urination. They may also “mark” spots in the house with their urine as a means of marking their territory.

Why does my cat keep going to the litter box but nothing happens?

If your cat keeps going to the litter box but nothing happens, you could be dealing with something other than a urinary issue. Instead, your

cat could have chronic constipation

. Constipation is more often seen in middle-aged to geriatric cats (around 8+ years of age).

How do I know if my cat can’t pee?

Signs Your Cat Is Having Trouble Urinating

Other signs of urinary blockage include

extreme lethargy, increased water intake, loss of appetite, and general discomfort

. Cats may display restlessness by vocalizing or pacing. 1 Or, they may hide and avoid contact with people and other pets because they are in pain.

How Long Can cats hold their poop?

Because they are so routine-based, it won’t take long to notice if your kitty hasn’t used the litter box in a while. If this has happened to you, you are probably wondering how long your cat can go without pooping. The answer is

about two days

.

How do you know when your cat needs to go to the bathroom?


Sniffing the ground, meowing and dashing behind the sofa

can be signs that your kitten needs to go to the toilet. Keep an eye out and gently divert your kitten to, or place him in, the litter tray and give him some privacy. Try not to stare too obviously, as he will find it easier if he feels he’s not being watched.

How many times a day should a cat urinate?

Healthy cats typically pee

between 2 and 4 times each day

. But this frequency is also affected by water intake, diet, heat and humidity. Keep tabs on your cat’s peeing habits. Did it use to pee twice a day but recently started to do so more than usual?

How do I know if my cats bladder is full?

The easiest way to tell is by

feeling in the belly for a distended bladder

. It is often the size of a peach and if there is an obstruction the bladder will be about as hard and firm as a peach.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.