Taking Kyubi to the Vet now, straining

He's still playful and eating but I'm a worrywart and I don't want to risk anything.  I read that it could be life threatening.  I feed mostly to all wet.  I just noticed him digging around in the litter box, trying to go, not getting anything out, and then just sitting in the litter box.  I went and pet him but he bit me (softly) so maybe he was in pain.  Anyways, I'm a better safe than sorry kind of person.  I even had to call into work.  Thoughts?  Positive vibes please. 

Many good vibes being sent for Kyubi's quick recovery!!!       Those UTI's are no fun, that's for sure.  Poor baby.  He is right where he needs to be - at the vet.   You are absolutely right that being blocked can be life threatening but the vet will be able to insert a catheter and open things up again.     He's back to normal soon!  

It's really a shame to have educated yourself about good cat nutrition & make wet food a big part of their diet - and UTI's still happen anyways!  I think the cat's genetics has a lot to do with it, as well as diet, so trust it's not anything you could have done differently.   You did the right thing getting him into the vet quickly - if it's just a simple UTI, many times antibiotics will clear it up.  If there are crystals in the urine, they will catheterize and flush him out.  In any case, he will be OK - and you're right, it is an emergency when they can't pee - a blocked bladder will eventually erupt, and this is a very painful event that will cause the cat to die.   Hoping you guys are doing better soon!

Okay, so I just got back.  They did a Urinalysis and a Cystocentesis but everything looks normal ($153 including office visit fee).  No infection, no crystals.  His bladder feels normal as well.  The vet said it could be a temporary flare up with unknown causes and prescribed Onsior for possible inflammation and something else (I forgot the name, have to pick it up tomorrow) to relax the urethra.  I have no idea what it was or if I'm just super paranoid. Has this happened to anyone else before?

Anyways, Kyubi just ate some baby food and seems to feel fine.  Vet told me to keep an eye out and make sure he is using the litter box okay.  

Thank you @Margd  @jolie0216

so much for your kind words!! 

Good job noticing and getting him to the vet so quickly! 

Thank you all for the kind words.  Is it normal for a cat to strain and for the vet to not find anything wrong?  The vet called it idiopathic cystitis.

Another question.  You guys don't think I overreacted do you?  I only saw him straining that one day, for a few seconds, and then he sat in the litter box for a few minutes.  I read that it could be life threatening so I took him to the vet as soon as I could.  I had to call into work and take a cab.  I even went to a different Vet Clinic because my normal one was full.  He was playing as I was on the phone making an appointment.  Since the vet couldn't find anything wrong with him, I felt a little bit crazy... I'm glad that it didn't turn out to be serious. 

 it is better to be safe, these things can take a nasty turn very quickly.  You are a good kitty guardian 

No, you absolutely did not overreact.   You needed to go to the vet to find that it was idiopathic cystitis and not a blocked urethra or infection.  Symptoms are similar - it's not something you can diagnose at home.  BTW, the use of the word "idiopathic" doesn't mean it's not real - it just means they don't know what caused it.  

Here's an article that should help you learn a bit more about idiopathic cystitis and a thread about another male cat with this problem..
[article="0"]Feline Idiopathic Cystitis How To Improve Your Cats Life Quality  [/article][thread="261797"]Help Male Cat With Idiopathic Cystitis  [/thread]
In the article above, it mentions medication that can be given, such as anti-spasmodics.  If your vet didn't prescribe any for Kyubi, you might consider calling and asking about them.  Kyubi is experiencing discomfort, regardless of what the diagnosis is.

Note that stress is a big factor in FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis).  There are things you can do to reduce his stress, but first, here's some info on identifying stress in cats.
[article="30316"]Six Surefire Strategies To Reduce Stress In Cats  [/article][article="30274"]Potential Stressors In Cats The Ultimate Checklist  [/article]
To reduce stress, you might consider some of the calming products available on the market.   All of the following products have been recommended by our members at some point.  They don't all work for every cat so it might take awhile to find the best solution.

Feliway is a product based on cat pheromones - either the facial ones emitted when a cat is content and happy, or the ones emitted by lactating mothers.  It's available as a spray and a diffuser - here is their website:  http://www.feliway.com/us/#redirected   If you go for a diffuser, note that one only covers 700 - 900 sq feet so you might need more than one.  They are expensive, but several of our members have found the best prices at amazon.

Composure is a calming product made by Vetriscience.  It comes as a liquid or as treats.

Bach's Flower Remedies has often been recommended:  http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pets-bach-flower/  Many people like Rescue Remedy especially.

Spirit Essences makes several products for cats:  http://www.spiritessences.com/category-s/1898.htm

As an absolute last resort, some vets will prescribe anti-anxiety medication.
[article="30323"]Anti Anxiety Medication For Cats  [/article]
Since hydration is so important in this condition, it's important to ensure your cat gets enough liquids.  It looks like you've already done the research on canned foods vs dried, however, and probably know more than I do on that aspect of things so I won't comment on that.

Good luck!  Poor Kyubi. I hope he feels better soon.