Emergency Guides

Access step-by-step guides for common pet emergencies. Know exactly what to do when every second counts.

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CRITICAL URGENCY

Cat Urinary Blockage

Life-threatening inability to urinate, most common in male cats

Signs & Symptoms
  • Straining to urinate with little or no output
  • Crying out when trying to urinate
  • Frequent trips to litter box with no result
  • Licking genital area excessively
  • Lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite
  • Distended, hard abdomen
What To Do
  1. 1This is a life-threatening emergency — act immediately
  2. 2Do NOT wait to see if it resolves on its own
  3. 3Keep cat calm and warm
  4. 4Go to emergency vet within 1-2 hours
  5. 5Note when cat last urinated successfully
What NOT To Do
  • Don't press on the abdomen
  • Don't give any medications without vet guidance
  • Don't delay — blockage can be fatal within 24-48 hours
  • Don't confuse with constipation
Seek Veterinary Care When
  • Any suspected urinary blockage — go immediately
  • Cat hasn't urinated in 12+ hours
  • Cat is crying or in obvious pain
  • Cat is lethargic or vomiting

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