If you’ve spotted your cat straining to go to the toilet, this can be due to a few different conditions. Discover some common health problems that cause this issue and what to do about them.
If your cat looks uncomfortable while they’re using the litter box, it can be a sign something’s not right. What to do next depends on whether your cat is straining to poop or pee.
While every cat is different, these subtle clues can help you tell the difference.
Straining to pee
If your cat is seen to be going in and out of their litter box more than they normally do, it can be a sign that they’re struggling to urinate. They may be peeing less but more frequently, have blood in their urine, or they may not be able to pass urine at all.
Peeing should look like an effortless process for your cat. If they have a more hunched posture or are crying out, these are usually signs they are struggling to urinate.
Straining to poop
When your cat is pooping comfortably, you may notice that their back will be slightly arched, with their tail lifted slightly.
Cats that are straining will often go into their litter box more frequently, and they may vocalise while using the litter to show they’re in pain. You may also notice their back is more arched, and they may be moving their tail up and down.
Cat constipation
Constipation happens when your cat’s poop becomes harder and drier than normal when it’s within their intestines. This makes it difficult for them to poop and can cause abdominal pain. Look for signs including:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Swollen abdomen
- Vocalisation
Constipation can happen in cats of all ages, although it’s more common in older cats. Causes include:
- Hairballs
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Eating non-food items
- Changes to their diet
- Pelvic injuries
- Megacolon (a condition where your cat's large intestine — or colon — is stretched out more than it should be)
- Tumours within the colon
How to help a constipated cat
Most cats should poop at least once per day. If you notice your cat hasn’t pooped, there are small things you can first do at home to help them, such as encouraging them to drink more water and adjusting their diet.
However, a cat being unable to go to the toilet – or clearly being in pain when they do – is considered a veterinary emergency. If your cat’s been straining to poop for more than 24 hours – or if they are only passing a small amount of hard poop – it’s best to get them checked out at the vet. By having your cat insured with Petplan, you can also utilise the vet video chat available through My Petplan.
To diagnose the cause of your cat’s constipation, your vet may recommend a range of tests, including:
- X-rays
- Blood tests
- Urinary tests
The treatment offered will depend on the cause of your cat’s constipation. Minor issues may be resolved with dietary changes, including adding more fibre. If the constipation is caused by hairballs, regular grooming can help. Your vet may prescribe medication such as laxatives or stool softeners. Sometimes, manual extraction can help remove any faeces within your cat’s intestines, although this may require sedation.
For certain conditions, including megacolon and tumours, surgery may be necessary. Making sure your cat is insured can help you with the cost of this treatment.
Cat urinary tract problems
Urinary tract problems happen when your cat’s bladder or the urethra (the tube that drains your cat’s bladder) becomes infected or blocked. Blockage and obstruction is much more common in male cats because they have a longer and narrower urethra. However, female cats frequently demonstrate urinary tract symptoms due to cystitis.
This can quickly become a serious problem, so it’s important to look for signs, including:
- Using the litter box a lot more than normal but only passing a little urine or none at all
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent licking around the penis in male cats
- Peeing outside the litter box
- Increased vocalisation
Problems urinating can be caused by a range of issues, so are generally referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) until the cause is narrowed down. These include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI): Bacterial infections in the bladder or urethra that can cause inflammation and pain, although UTIs are quite rare in cats.
- Urinary crystals and stones: Cat urine contains minerals that can clump together. These can range in size from small crystals to large stones. These can cause pain, irritation and sometimes blood in the urine.
- Urethral obstructions: This can happen when your cat’s urethra becomes blocked by urinary stones. This is a medical emergency and needs urgent vet treatment.
- Feline idiopathic cystitis: If there’s no clear cause for your cat’s urinary problems, they may be diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis. This can be caused by a range of issues, from stress to a change in diet.
- Other health issues: Thyroid issues, diabetes and tumours in the urinary tract can cause problems.
How to help a cat with urinary tract problems
Left untreated, urinary tract issues can be life-threatening. If you notice any signs that your cat is struggling to urinate, it’s best to speak to your vet urgently. To diagnose your cat’s urinary tract issues, your vet may recommend a range of tests, including:
- Urine tests
- An ultrasound
- X-rays
The treatment will depend on what’s causing your cat’s urinary problems but may involve antibiotics for an infection. If your cat has crystals or stones in their urine, a special diet and medication may be prescribed.
In serious cases of a urethral blockage, catheterisation is required, where a small tube is inserted into your cat’s urethra. For these cases, the prognosis is usually good, with a high survival rate – but only if your cat receives treatment as soon as possible.