October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Entry 717Filed under Breeding

Cat Keeps Trying to Pee but Nothing Comes Out? What to Do Now

If your cat keeps straining in the litter box and produces little or no urine, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. A blockage is one possible cause and needs prompt treatment.
3-minute read By Animalso Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If your cat repeatedly strains in the litter box and produces little or no urine, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. A urinary blockage is one possible cause, can become life-threatening, and cannot be diagnosed or safely treated at home. Do not wait to see if it passes.

When repeated litter-box trips are an emergency

Repeated attempts to urinate with little or no output can signal lower urinary tract disease, including a urethral obstruction. If your cat is straining without producing urine, seems distressed, or you cannot tell whether any urine is coming out, seek emergency veterinary care now. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine calls urethral obstruction a true medical emergency requiring immediate attention: Cornell Feline Health Center guidance.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cornell notes that death may occur less than 24–48 hours after a complete obstruction. This is a warning about how quickly the condition can become fatal, not a safe period to wait. A blockage can interfere with waste removal and the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Call a veterinarian promptly for other urinary signs

Small amounts of urine, blood in the urine, painful urination, crying, frequent genital licking, or urinating outside the box also warrant prompt veterinary assessment. These signs have multiple possible causes; none proves that your cat has a urinary infection.

#1 Best Overall
24-in-1 Dog Vitamins and Supplements 200 Ct Dogs Multivitamin Chewable Contain Chondroitin Probiotics Omega-3 Glucosamine for Dogs Skin Coat Heart Joint Gut Liver Brain Eyes Immune Support - Chicken
  • Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
  • Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
  • Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
  • Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
  • Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy

Could it be constipation instead?

Straining to urinate can look much like straining to pass stool, so an unproductive litter-box visit can be hard to interpret. VCA notes that urinary straining may be mistaken for constipation. If your cat is producing little or no urine, treat the situation as urgent rather than assuming the problem is stool-related. A veterinarian can determine what is happening.

What might cause repeated attempts?

Lower urinary tract disease is a broad description of disorders affecting the bladder and urethra, not a single diagnosis. Common possibilities include feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones, urethral plugs, and obstruction. Infection or another disease may also be involved. Because the signs overlap, appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Rank #2
Zesty Paws Dog Vitamins - Dog Multivitamin Chews, Chicken, 90 Ct
  • 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
  • Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
  • Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
  • Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
  • Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.

Idiopathic cystitis

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common diagnosis when testing does not identify another cause. Stress may contribute, but a stressful event does not establish that FIC is the explanation. The Cornell Feline Health Center describes FIC among the common causes of lower urinary tract signs.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Stones, plugs, and obstruction

Urinary stones can irritate the urinary tract and may obstruct urine flow. Plugs can also block the urethra. With a complete obstruction, urine cannot leave the body, making immediate clinical treatment essential.

Rank #3
Dog Vitamins and Supplements 250 Chews - 26 in 1 Dog Multivitamin Soft Chews with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Probiotics, Omega 3 - Hip & Joint, Skin & Coat, Immune Support - Chicken Flavor
  • COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
  • ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
  • SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
  • PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
  • UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.

Infection and other disease

A urinary infection is one possible explanation, but repeated trips or straining do not by themselves mean a cat has a UTI. Other lower urinary tract conditions can produce similar signs. The International Cat Care guide emphasizes that signs alone are unlikely to reveal the cause and further testing is usually needed.

What happens at the veterinary clinic?

The veterinarian will assess your cat and determine whether urine flow is obstructed. A physical examination and urinalysis are common starting points. Depending on the findings, the veterinarian may recommend blood work, X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, or a urine culture. Treatment depends on the diagnosis; suspected obstruction requires immediate clinical care, which may include catheterization and supportive treatment.

Rank #4
Nutramax Cosequin Joint Supplement for Dogs, Chewable Tablets, 132ct
  • Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
  • Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
  • For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
  • Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
  • Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients

Tell the clinic when the problem began, what you have seen in the litter box, and whether you have observed any urine. Do not delay urgent care to collect a sample or try a home treatment.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which cats are at greater risk?

Male cats, including neutered males, have a greater risk of urethral obstruction because their urethra is longer and narrower. However, any cat producing little or no urine needs prompt attention. Sex, age, or seeming comfortable between attempts cannot safely rule out a serious problem.

Best Value
Omega 3 for Dogs - Fish Oil for Skin & Coat Health, Itch & Allergy Support
  • Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
  • Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
  • Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
  • Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
  • Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.

Cornell also identifies middle age, excess weight, lower activity, indoor living, stress, and household changes as context associated with lower urinary tract signs. These are risk factors, not a checklist that can diagnose an individual cat.

Reducing the chance of recurrence

Once a veterinarian has assessed the episode and advised on treatment, general measures that may help reduce recurrence include:

  • Provide fresh water.
  • Keep litter boxes clean and in quiet, safe locations.
  • Have enough boxes—usually one more than the number of cats in the household.
  • Manage weight and minimize major changes to routine where practical.

Diet depends on the diagnosis, so ask the veterinarian before changing food. Cornell notes that urinary-health diets have not been shown to reduce the incidence of feline lower urinary tract signs themselves; a special diet is not a universal fix.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Field Notes

  1. Entry 01Disaster Preparedness for Pets: What to Plan and PackBreeding6 min
  2. Entry 02Holiday Pet Safety Tips: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe Through the HolidaysBreeding7 min
  3. Entry 03What to Buy for a New Rescue Dog: A First-Week Essentials GuideBreeding3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.