I'm really hoping to get some advice or insight here. My sweet girl, Luna, who’s been with me for 8 years now, started doing something really concerning today. She keeps going to her litter box every few minutes, but hardly anything is coming out. Sometimes it’s just a tiny clump, sometimes nothing at all. She looks so uncomfortable, and it breaks my heart to see her like this. She’s always been really healthy, but this is the first time I've noticed her acting like this. I’m worried it could be something serious like a bladder infection or even something with her kidneys. Have any of you experienced this with your cats before? I'm really anxious and trying to decide if a vet visit is immediately necessary or if there are any remedies I could try at home first. Any advice would be so appreciated right now. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I'm glad you reached out about your kitty's situation. It sounds like she might be experiencing a condition called "straining to urinate," which is definitely concerning. A few common causes for this include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or inflammation. Cats can also suffer from a condition known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which can lead to similar symptoms.
At home, make sure she's drinking plenty of water to help flush out her system—try setting out multiple bowls or a pet fountain to encourage her. Monitoring her diet may also help, especially if it's rich in moisture. You can try offering wet food if she's not consuming it already.
Watch closely for signs of distress: if your cat seems to be in pain, if her belly feels hard or tender, or if she's avoiding the litter box, these could indicate a more serious issue. Complete blockage is very dangerous and needs immediate attention.
I'd recommend scheduling a video consult with a vet here on Dial A Vet so we can assess her condition more thoroughly and guide you on the best next steps. We're here to help you both!
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