When Litter Box Failures Might Be a Life or Death Issue
June 19, 2025
Dr. Stephanie Monterroso
It is very common to think that when a cat is straining and vocalizing in the litter box, the reason is because they are constipated. Little do owners know that constipation is not the only cause of straining and vocalizing in kitties. This is especially the case if the cat is a male. Male cats have a higher chance of urethral obstruction, and one of the common clinical signs owners report is straining in the litter box and vocalizing.
Why are male cats more likely to suffer from urethral obstruction?
Male cats develop urinary obstruction because the urethra narrows as it enters the penis.
What are other clinical signs of urethral obstructions?
- Difficult or painful urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Small amount of urine produced if urinating
- Crying out while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Frequent licking of the genital region
What are the complications of urethral obstructions?
While all cats have the potential for becoming “obstructed,” it does happen more frequently in males. The feline male urethra is long and narrow, which makes it easier to become plugged-up by debris from the bladder. When the urethra gets blocked, a cat cannot urinate and becomes a life-threatening situation. Signs of urethral blockage are straining to urinate with no urine coming out, constant licking at the penis, and/or painful or distended abdomen. If a cat cannot urinate, their body is not able to get rid of potassium. The overload of potassium is what could lead to heart arrhythmias and could cause the death of the kitty. If you suspect your cat is blocked, seek veterinary attention immediately.
What causes urethral obstructions?
The most common ways that cats may become obstructed include a mucus plug in the urethra, crystals or stones in the urethra, or stones in the bladder. These plugs, crystals and stones may form for a number of reasons, including diet, urine pH, and genetics. All of these possibilities are why it is important if you have a male cat that you see a veterinarian if you notice litter box habit changes. Cats are known to hide their pain from various afflictions, and even if the change seems small we could find something abnormal and help prevent a future issue from becoming an emergency — and a potential need for surgical intervention.
References:
Robakiewicz P., Halfacree Z. Urinary tract trauma in cats: stabilisation, diagnosis and management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2023;25(3). doi:10.1177/1098612X231159073
Lee JA, Drobatz KJ. Characterization of the clinical characteristics, electrolytes, acid-base, and renal parameters in male cats with urethral obstruction. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2003;13:227-233.
Westropp JL, Ruby AL, Bailiff NL, et al. Dried solidified blood calculi in the urinary tract of cats. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:828-834.
Kruger JM, Osborne CA, Goyal SM, et al. Clinical evaluation of cats with lower urinary tract disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991;199:211-216.
Gerber B, Boretti FS, Kley S, et al. Evaluation of clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in European cats. The Journal of small animal practice 2005;46:571-577.