Straining to Urinate or Defecate
- Frequent trips in and out of the litterbox
- Vocalizing, Crying
- Inability to pass urine or stool
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Blood in urine
- Slow heart rate, Collapse, Shock
- It can often be difficult for owners to tell whether their cats are straining to urinate or defecate
- Straining in dogs and cats can be caused by: urethral obstruction (fatal if left untreated), urinary tract infection, urinary crystals, bladder stones, an enlarged prostate gland, irritated bowels, cancer of the bladder or bowels, intestinal or bladder polyps, etc.
- Take your pet to a veterinarian for examination and diagnosis - a life-threatening urinary blockage has been mistaken for constipation many times
- In cats with a suspected urinary blockage, carry your pet under the front arms and behind the back legs to avoid putting any pressure on the bladder
- Do not delay in getting your pet examined
- Do not administer medications unless directed to do so by a veterinarian