Cat Seems to have a hard time Peeing...

jb68711

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Hi guys, I would really appreciate some help. One of my cats is in the box longer than usual, with a very small amount of pee coming out. A few nights ago, I noticed a pile of litter spilled on the side of the litter box... an unusually large amount, I vacuumed it. Then noticed the same thing last night. Frustrated, I vacuumed it up again. A couple hours later, again, I found a bunch of litter on the floor.

When I noticed one of my cats, Levi, go to the litter box, I watched him. He was sitting in the pee position... for about 4 minutes (he usually pees in like 20 seconds). After he was done, he started covering it up more aggressive than normal, knocking the litter out of the box.  I dug up the clumped urine, and it was a lot smaller than usual, probably about 1/5 of how much he normally pees. An hour ago, same thing, sat for an unusual amount of time with minimal excretion. Does anyone have an idea of what's going on here? Thanks so much.

-Jimmy
 
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carolina

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Jimmy, do not wait for Monday, this can be quite serious... This can be an uti, but it can also be a blockage due to crystals- that can be deadly quickly in male cats.
If this was my cat, he would be right now in the carrier headed to the e-vet, especially considering this has been going on for a couple days.
If he is not peeing when he is crouching down, e-vet immediately as this is very likely a blockage.
if you go, remember one thing: some vets push a drug called Metacam, or meloxicam, for pain, REFUSE it- get buprenex or something else.
Now.... Seriously, I would go to the e-vet now :vibes:
 
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ritz

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I agree 200% with Carolina:  e-Vet NOW.  UTIs in cats, especially male cats, can be fatal, quickly.
 
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jb68711

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Thank you so much, I'm on my way... will update.
 
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jb68711

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At the animal emergency center, thanks again for your speedy responses...
 
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jb68711

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Yay everything turned out fine, thank goodness. Thanks again guys
 
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jb68711

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Hey, sorry I haven't given a detailed update, I was on the verge of falling asleep toward the end of examination. Levi may have cystitis (bladder inflammation). I need to follow up with my vet to rule out certain causes, but can't afford the cost of tests and x-rays. I was told that the most common diagnosis is "idiopathic cystitis" (cystitis of an unknown cause) and that it usually resolves itself in 4 to 7 days. 
 

carolina

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Hey, sorry I haven't given a detailed update, I was on the verge of falling asleep toward the end of examination. Levi may have cystitis (bladder inflammation). I need to follow up with my vet to rule out certain causes, but can't afford the cost of tests and x-rays. I was told that the most common diagnosis is "idiopathic cystitis" (cystitis of an unknown cause) and that it usually resolves itself in 4 to 7 days. 
So they told you that without running any tests or x-rays? Just by looking at him and talking to you, palpating his bladder?
Oh boy.... I hope they are right..... at the very least they should have done an x-ray to look for a blockage.... :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
Don't know about this one..... If he didn't have any tests, I wouldn't be comfortable with that at all :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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jb68711

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They could have done the tests and x-rays, I just can't afford it. I don't know what else to do at this point besides wait until I can afford it.
 

carolina

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They could have done the tests and x-rays, I just can't afford it. I don't know what else to do at this point besides wait until I can afford it.
I am sorry to say, but this won't wait until you can afford..... They can't say he has an inflammation and not crystals, without running tests.... This is the reality..... If the ER vet did no tests at all, did no x-rays..... the information they gave you is as good as a guess.... unfortunately,a total gamble..... :(
Can you take him to your vet and pay him later? Make a payment plan? Borrow money from someone? At least a urinalysis and an x-ray you need to do....
For now, do not feed him any dry food - feed him wet only for good measure.
Best of luck for you and your boy.....
 

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My friend just lost her cat because he had crystals and became fully blocked.  She took him to the vet and changed his diet and bought a water fountain for him and he was doing so well she decided to stop giving him his subQ fluids and he became fully blocked.  They wanted 10k to do the surgery and he would need fluids for life.  She had no choice but to put him down.  Can you look around for low cost clinics in your area or do a search on vet assistance for sick cats and see if you can find a group that will donate to the clinic. 
 

carolina

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Well, if it is Crystals, as much as changing diets, and if it is bad, fluids for a while, will do.... But kitty might have to be in a prescription diet for a while, and that might be life-saving..... Thing is, if you don't know that.... things might take a turn for the worst :( and then only surgery will save your boy....
This is the type of situation that the longer you wait, the worst it can get....
Crystals IS bad, but is also treatable with diet and water consumption.... So, please, try to get your little buddy to the vet as soon as you can.... :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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jb68711

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You guys are right, I'm gonna have to come up with the money one way or another. I've been stressed out about finances already, I finally started making a dent on paying off my credit card, and I'm going back to school in two months... I just need worry about that stuff later. When it comes down to it, I'd want to have the peace of mind that Levi is taken care rather than something devastating happen and thinking "what if". I have some money available on my credit card and I'm sure I can borrow money from my mom or boyfriend. Thank you guys for the support and especially for the push. I've been kind of taking the situation lightly, and your responses have made me aware of the seriousness that it is and the urgency which is necessary. Levi will be visiting the vet Wednesday morning. I really appreciate your replies and I will update as soon as we get back from the vet.
 

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Talk to the vet and see if a payment plan is possible.  But kudos for doing what has to be done.
 

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Many of you have giving great advice and I also want to add that JB should also go to YouTube and search Dr. Karen Becker who is a holistic veterinarian.  This will make you more knowledgeable about UTI and and other urinary issues.  There are other resources such as pet MD (part of web md).
 

iris

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My ragdoll also had crystals in his bladder. We have him on CD dry food and wet food..and he has a water fountain for his drinking water. That has helped.
 
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jb68711

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Unfortunately I could not get an appt til Friday morning due to my vet being booked because of Memorial weekend. The good news is I have come up with the money for the exam, tests and x ray needed.
 
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