A calm path through a worrying moment.
Start with immediate danger, then use the guidance quiz to identify the most appropriate next step. The result is educational and cannot diagnose your cat.
Straining with little or no urine? Act now.
Repeated attempts to urinate with little or no output can indicate a urethral blockage, especially in male cats. Call a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
What should you do next?
Answer according to what you can observe right now. When uncertain, choose the more cautious answer and call a veterinarian.
Continue with the guide that fits.
Something looks different in the box
Review urine output, frequency, pain, blood, licking, and urgency.
My cat is peeing outside the box
Rule out medical causes, then inspect setup, access, cleanliness, and stress.
My older cat is changing
Track thirst, urine volume, weight, mobility, and box accessibility.
Put the warning signs on your fridge.
Open the one-page checklist after submitting your email. It includes eight warning signs, urgency levels, and pre-call notes.
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