My Pet Is Not Peeing:
When Should You See a Vet?
Here is how urgent it usually is, what may be causing it, and what to do next.
Your cat, dog or rabbit is straining to pee or passing very little?
A pet that is straining to pee with little or no urine needs to be seen urgently. In male cats especially, this can be a blockage, which can become life-threatening quickly.
- Your cat is straining to pee with little or no urine
- Your pet is crying, licking its genitals a lot or seems in pain
- Your pet is vomiting or very quiet, and passing little urine
- Your rabbit has thick, sludgy or no urine and is not eating
- There is blood in the urine along with straining
Closed on Tuesday
ExoCare is not a 24-hour hospital. Outside these hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.
What to do in an emergencyCat Not Peeing
Why it is serious
Male cats have a narrow urethra that can become blocked by crystals or debris. A blocked cat cannot empty its bladder, and this is an emergency.
Common causes
- A urinary blockage, especially in male cats
- Bladder inflammation, often linked to stress
- Bladder stones or crystals
- Infection, more common in older cats
Signs that often come with it
- Going in and out of the litter tray
- Straining with only drops of urine
- Crying while trying to pee
- Peeing outside the tray
- Licking the genital area
What to do now
- Contact us straight away if your cat is straining
- Do not wait to see if it passes
- Note how long it has been since a normal wee
Please do not wait overnight with a male cat that is straining to pee. A blocked bladder needs treatment as soon as possible.
Dog Not Peeing
Why it matters
Dogs that strain to pee, or pass only small amounts, may have a bladder problem or a blockage. Both can be painful and need to be checked.
Common causes
- Bladder infection
- Bladder stones
- Prostate problems in older male dogs
- Pain or injury
Signs that often come with it
- Squatting or lifting the leg often with little coming out
- Blood in the urine
- Accidents in the house
- Licking the genital area
What to do now
- Watch and note how much urine is passed
- Contact us, especially if your dog strains and nothing comes out
- Bring a fresh urine sample in a clean container if you can
Rabbit Not Peeing
Why it matters
Rabbits pass a lot of calcium in their urine. Sometimes it builds up as thick sludge or stones, which can make peeing painful or difficult.
Common causes
- Bladder sludge from excess calcium
- Bladder stones
- Infection
- Not drinking enough
- Pain that stops normal toileting
Signs that often come with it
- Thick, gritty or very cloudy urine
- Straining or sitting hunched in the litter tray
- Wet or soiled fur around the rear
- Not eating
What to do now
- Contact us and describe the urine and how often it is passed
- Bring a fresh sample if you can collect one
- Keep fresh water available
Red urine is not always blood. Rabbit urine can turn red or orange because of diet. Please let us check if the colour is new, or if your rabbit is straining or not eating.
What to Bring to Your Visit?
A secure carrierKeep it covered and calm on the way.
A urine sampleA fresh sample in a clean container, if you can collect one.
Last normal weeA note of when your pet last passed urine normally.
Diet detailsWhat your pet eats and drinks, and any recent changes.
Medicines givenAny medicines or supplements your pet takes.
A short videoA video of your pet straining can help us a lot.
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma monitors valve disease over time, because staging is what determines when treatment should begin.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a clean, dry container, or ask us for a sample pot. For cats, a clean litter tray with non-absorbent litter can help.
Bring a fresh urine sample if possible, a note of when your pet last passed urine normally, and any medicines it takes.
If your cat is straining and passing little or no urine, please do not wait. Contact a veterinarian straight away, as a blockage can become life-threatening quickly.
Rabbit urine can turn red or orange because of diet, which is not always a concern. If the colour is new, or your rabbit is straining or not eating, please let us check.
Some mild cases settle, but a blockage will not. As it is hard to tell the difference at home, please have your pet checked.
It can be a sign of a bladder problem or a blockage. Please contact us straight away, especially if your cat is male.