Cat Urinary Blockage: Signs, Symptoms & Emergency Care

A urinary blockage in cats, also called a urethral obstruction, prevents urine from passing through the urethra. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

If your cat is repeatedly straining but producing little or no urine, do not wait or try to treat the blockage at home.

CASE Animal Hospital provides 24/7 walk-in emergency and critical care in Anaheim. Call (657) 999-1150 and come directly to our hospital at 1400 N Burton Pl, Anaheim, CA 92806.

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Signs and Symptoms of Cat Urinary Blockage

Signs of a urinary blockage may become more severe as the obstruction progresses. Watch for the following warning signs.

Common Warning Signs of Urinary Blockage

  • Repeated straining to urinate

  • Little or no urine

  • Frequent trips to the litter box

  • Crying while trying to urinate

  • Blood in the urine

  • Urinating outside the litter box

  • Frequent licking of the genital area

  • Restlessness or discomfort

Straining to urinate can be mistaken for constipation. If you are unsure whether your cat is passing urine, seek veterinary care immediately.

Signs a Blockage May Be Becoming Severe

As the blockage progresses, your cat may develop:

  • Vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Severe lethargy

  • Hiding

  • Weakness
  • Difficulty standing

  • Collapse

  • A firm, tense, or painful abdomen

Do not wait for severe symptoms to develop. If you suspect your cat has a urinary blockage, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Cat Has a Urinary Blockage

If you suspect a urinary blockage, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Do not wait: Seek emergency vet care even if your cat is still passing a few drops of urine.

Do not massage or squeeze the bladder: Trying to relieve the blockage yourself can cause serious injury, including bladder rupture.

Do not treat at home: Avoid medications or home treatments unless instructed by a veterinarian.

Transport your cat safely: Handle them gently and use a secure carrier.

Call CASE Animal Hospital: Call (657) 999-1150 while preparing to leave or on your way.

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657-999-1150

Visit Our Hospital

1400 N Burton Place
Anaheim, CA 92806

What Happens When You Arrive at CASE Animal Hospital

Our emergency team will quickly assess and stabilize your cat, perform necessary testing, and work to relieve the urinary blockage. Diagnostic testing and treatment may occur at the same time depending on your cat’s condition.

Our emergency team will assess your cat’s condition and begin stabilization right away if needed.

  • Physical examination
  • Assessment of the abdomen and bladder
  • Evaluation of overall stability
  • IV access and fluids, if needed
  • Pain management
  • Treatment of immediate life-threatening problems

Testing helps determine how the blockage is affecting your cat and identify complications or possible underlying causes.

  • Bloodwork
  • Kidney function testing
  • Electrolyte testing, especially potassium
  • Urinalysis
  • X-rays or ultrasound, if needed

Once your cat is stable enough, the veterinary team will work to restore urine flow and relieve pressure on the bladder.

  • Sedation or anesthesia
  • Urinary catheterization
  • Flushing to help remove obstructing material
  • Temporary urinary catheter placement, when appropriate

After the blockage is relieved, your cat may need to remain hospitalized for continued treatment and monitoring.

  • IV fluids and pain management
  • Urine production monitoring
  • Kidney function and electrolyte monitoring
  • Urinary catheter monitoring
  • Confirmation that your cat can urinate after catheter removal

Surgery may be recommended when the underlying problem cannot be adequately managed with catheterization and medical treatment alone.

This may include:

  • Surgical removal of bladder stones, when necessary
  • Treatment for recurrent urinary obstruction
  • Perineal urethrostomy (PU) in selected cats with repeated blockages

Why Are Male Cats at Higher Risk for Urinary Blockage?

Male cats are at higher risk of urinary blockage because they have a longer, narrower urethra.

Plugs, stones, or swelling can more easily obstruct the urethra and prevent urine from flowing normally.

Both intact and neutered male cats can develop urinary blockage, while the condition is much less common in females.

What Causes Urinary Blockage in Cats?

Several conditions can obstruct or narrow a cat’s urethra. Common causes and contributing factors include urethral plugs, bladder stones, and inflammation.

A urethral plug is material that becomes lodged in the urethra and prevents normal urine flow.

These plugs may contain a combination of mucus, inflammatory material, cells, and mineral crystals. They are an important cause of urethral obstruction, particularly in male cats.

Mineral deposits can form stones inside the bladder. A stone may enter the urethra and become lodged there, partially or completely blocking urine flow.

The type of stone and appropriate treatment can vary, so veterinary testing may be needed to determine the underlying problem.

Inflammation of the lower urinary tract can cause swelling and urethral spasms that make it more difficult for urine to pass.

Some cats with lower urinary tract disease develop significant inflammation even when no stone or obvious urethral plug is identified.

Less commonly, obstruction may be associated with:

  • Scar tissue or narrowing of the urethra
  • Congenital urinary tract abnormalities
  • Trauma
  • Masses or tumors

Because the cause can vary, veterinary evaluation is needed to identify the underlying problem and determine the appropriate treatment.

Why Choose CASE Animal Hospital

CASE Animal Hospital provides 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary care under one roof for cats with urinary blockages in Anaheim.

This allows cats with severe complications to receive hospitalization, close monitoring, and critical care when needed.

For recurrent or complicated urinary obstruction cases, specialists in Internal Medicine and Surgery are available for further evaluation and treatment.

Advanced Imaging is also available when clinically indicated to further assess the urinary tract and identify abnormalities that may contribute to the obstruction.

Contact Our Emergency Team

📍 Visit Us: 1400 N Burton Pl, Anaheim, CA 92806

📞 Call Now: (657) 999-1150

🕒 Open 24/7

✅ Walk-in emergencies welcome

Continuous vital monitoring
MRI room
Ct scan
ultrasound
Digital Radiography
Dedicated operating suites

Meet Our Emergency Staff

Dr. Sam Rafia, DVM - CASE Animal Hospital in Anaheim

Dr. Sam
Rafia

DVM, DVSC, ECFVG
Full Bio
Dr. Ali Haghnazary, DVM - CASE Animal Hospital in Anaheim

Dr. Ali
Haghnazary

DVM
Full Bio
Dr. Esther Yang, DVM - CASE Animal Hospital in Anaheim

Dr. Esther
Yang

DVM
Full Bio
Dr Cristina Winslow, DVM

Dr. Cristina
Winslow

DVM
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Dr Cristina Guijon DVM

Dr. Cristina
Guijon

DVM
Full Bio
Dr Kyla Arreola DVM

Dr. Kyla
Arreola

DVM
Full Bio
Emergency Care

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions, or wish to speak with someone, please contact our office today.

No. A complete urinary blockage will not resolve on its own and requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. Even a partial obstruction can worsen.

No. A urinary blockage cannot be safely treated or unblocked at home. It requires immediate veterinary treatment to restore urine flow.

Yes. Many cats survive a urinary blockage when they receive prompt veterinary treatment. Without treatment, a complete blockage can cause life-threatening complications. The outcome depends on how long the blockage has been present, its severity, and your cat’s overall condition.

Yes. Many cats recover well after prompt treatment for a urinary blockage. Recovery depends on the severity and duration of the obstruction and whether complications developed.

There is no safe amount of time to wait with a suspected urinary blockage. A complete blockage can quickly cause life-threatening complications.

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CASE Animal Hospital

1400 N Burton Pl
Anaheim, CA 92806
657-999-1150

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Monday through Sunday
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