What it is
The whole group of bladder and urethra problems is called feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD. Stones, crystals or bacteria can cause it, but a cat's bladder can also become inflamed without any of them. That inflammation is called idiopathic cystitis: the bladder wall becomes irritated and the film of mucus that protects it wears thin.
This kind of cystitis is tied to how a cat feels in its surroundings. A move, a new animal, tension with other cats or a changed litter box can bring on a flare-up. The signs come in episodes: they can settle by themselves and then return.
In male cats, crystals, mucus and cells from the inflammation can form a plug and block the narrow urethra. So a cat that squats in the box and passes nothing needs a vet urgently, not a wait to see whether it passes.
Signs you may notice
- Keeps going to the litter box
- Passes only a few drops
- Pink urine
- Cries while urinating
- Urinates elsewhere in the house
- Licks its genitals
A cat keeps going to the litter box, passes only a few drops, cries while urinating, and the urine may be pink. Some cats start urinating elsewhere in the house or lick their genitals a lot.
When to see a vet
If your cat keeps going to the box, urinates elsewhere or there is blood in its urine, contact a vet the same day. If it strains and nothing comes out, especially a male cat, a vet is needed immediately, day or night.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.