If your cat keeps going to the litter box but little or no urine comes out, especially in a male cat, treat it as urgent. HKSEV explains the warning signs, what to do before travelling to the clinic, and when to call 24-hour emergency support.
What is cat urinary blockage?
Cat urinary blockage means urine cannot pass normally from the bladder through the urethra. Owners may notice repeated litter box trips, straining, crying, blood in urine, or only a few drops coming out. If no urine is being passed, the cat can deteriorate quickly.
Male cats are higher risk because the urethra is narrower. Plugs of mucus, crystals, small stones, inflammation or swelling may block the passage. Stress, indoor lifestyle, diet, previous urinary disease and multi-cat homes can also be part of the picture.
Little or no urine
Repeated litter box trips with only drops, or no urine at all, can mean the bladder is blocked.
Male cats are higher risk
Male cats have a narrower urethra, but any cat with blood, pain or difficulty urinating should be checked promptly.
Do not wait
No urine, vomiting, collapse or a painful swollen belly should be treated as an emergency.
Blocked cat signs: red flags
A blocked cat may look like constipation at first. The key difference is repeated litter box attempts with little or no urine, often with pain or distress. If you are unsure whether it is urine or stool, treat it as urgent until a vet confirms otherwise.
Cat straining to urinate but only passing drops, or no urine at all.
Frequent litter box trips, crying, hiding or restlessness.
Blood in urine, licking the penis or painful belly.
Vomiting, not eating, weakness, collapse or low body temperature.
Male cat urinary blockage history or recurrent urinary signs.
What to do if your cat can't pee
Do not wait overnight to see if it improves. A complete obstruction can become life-threatening because the bladder stays full and toxins/electrolyte problems can build up. Home remedies, forcing water or leftover antibiotics cannot unblock a cat safely.
1
Call first
Tell the clinic: male/female, age, last known urine, vomiting, appetite and energy level.
2
Do not force water
If the cat is nauseous, weak or breathing oddly, forcing water may make things worse.
3
Bring evidence
Take litter photos, urine clumps, videos of straining and any past blood/urine reports.
4
Go emergency
No urine, vomiting, collapse or painful swollen belly should be treated as emergency.
Diagnosis and treatment direction at HKSEV
The first job is to decide whether the cat is blocked, partially obstructed, or has bladder inflammation without obstruction. A vet may palpate the bladder, check pain level, run blood tests for kidney/electrolyte impact, assess urine and use X-ray or ultrasound if stones or other causes are suspected.
If a urinary catheter is needed, sedation or anaesthesia may be required. After unblocking, some cats need hospital monitoring until they can urinate safely. Recurrent cases may be assessed for longer-term prevention or, in selected cases, PU surgery.
Step
Why it matters
What owners may notice
Physical exam
Check bladder size, pain, dehydration and emergency stability.
Repeated litter box trips, crying or a hard painful belly.
Blood / urine tests
Assess kidney values, electrolytes, infection, crystals and inflammation.
Vomiting, weakness, poor appetite or blood in urine.
X-ray / ultrasound
Look for stones, bladder changes or other urinary tract issues.
Recurrent urinary signs or suspected stones.
Catheter / hospital care
Relieve obstruction and monitor urination after swelling improves.
Little or no urine despite repeated attempts.
Day consultation or emergency?
The safest choice depends on whether your cat is still passing urine and how unwell they look. If your cat is bright and passing urine, a day consultation may be suitable. If little or no urine is coming out, or your cat is vomiting, weak, collapsed or painful, call emergency support first.
Day consultation may suit stable cats that are still urinating but showing blood, frequent trips or discomfort.
24-hour emergency support is more appropriate for no urine, vomiting, weakness, collapse or a swollen painful belly.
Bring photos or videos of litter box attempts, urine clumps and any previous blood or urine reports if available.
Fees and Assessment Direction
The figures below help owners understand the starting point before booking. Tests, imaging, medication, procedures and hospital care depend on the cat's condition, age, history and examination findings.
Day consultation
HK$250
For stable cats that are still passing urine but have blood, frequent litter box trips or urinary discomfort.
Urinary tests / imaging
As needed
Blood tests, urine tests, X-ray or ultrasound may be recommended depending on the cat's condition.
Emergency care
Case dependent
If your cat can't pee, is vomiting, weak or collapsed, call HKSEV 24-hour emergency at 2833 6177.
Related HKSEV Pages
Cat urinary blockage main page
A detailed HKSEV urinary emergency guide for local cat owners.
PU surgery for cats
For recurrent blockage or cases where a wider urinary opening may be discussed.
Blood in cat urine
Blood in urine may involve cystitis, stones, infection or other urinary disease.
Frequent urination in cats
Helps separate frequent urination from a true inability to pass urine.
Pet X-ray examination
Imaging may help assess urinary stones, abdomen or other suspected causes.
24-hour emergency vet
No urine, vomiting or collapse should go straight to emergency support.
HKSEV Clinic Locations
You can WhatsApp your pet's age, symptoms, duration, appetite, energy level and any photos or videos. If your cat has breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, cannot pass urine, persistent vomiting or heavy bleeding, call 24-hour emergency at 2833 6177.
44 Nullah Road
G/F, 44 Nullah Road, Mong Kok, near Prince Edward Station. Suitable for day consultation, follow-up and initial assessment.
Yes. If a cat, especially a male cat, is straining but producing little or no urine, this can be life-threatening and should be treated as an emergency.
My cat keeps going to the litter box but no pee - what should I do?
Call a vet immediately. Take videos and litter box photos if safe, but do not wait overnight or try home remedies if no urine is being passed.
Can female cats get urinary obstruction?
Female cats can have serious urinary problems too, although complete obstruction is more common in male cats. Any cat with pain, blood, frequent attempts or no urine should be assessed.
Does PU surgery cure bladder inflammation?
PU surgery can reduce the chance of urethral re-obstruction in selected recurrent cases, but it does not cure bladder inflammation or stop stones/crystals from forming by itself.
If your cat can't pee, call now
For suspected cat urinary blockage, do not wait for the cat to become weak. HKSEV can triage urinary cases through day consultation or 24-hour emergency depending on severity.
