Possible Crystals / Urinary Tract Issues

Not trying to be a beehive here, but PLEASE do not respond to my post with a story about your cat, well wishes, info on what crystals or urinary tract issues are, what the vet should do, etc.  I know all this.  My time is short and I (and anyone else who may read this) need responsive answers.

The last couple of days I've noticed my boy squatting to urinate way more than usual (a lot) in the yard (cat-fenced-in) and subsequently licking that area.  He's not lethargic and has been outside running around and playing.  He is fed only quality wet food mixed with water (Halo), and he's a little over a year old.  He is not stressed in any way.

I will get him to the vet first thing in the morning (7 am) and, if necessary, to an emergency vet before then; but I would much prefer to go to my vet, as I believe he's far better than the emergency vets near me, and he's not a vet for the money.  He's smart, trustworthy and fair in his pricing.  I will pay anything to care for my babies; but, more importantly, I think he gives them the very best care.  I care for 7 animals; believe me, I know.

What I need to know now, if, hopefully, someone can help me, is:

1) Is there anything I can do before tomorrow to help stave off a serious blockage, if one is imminent?  I can give him fluids, and I doubt that will stress him out.

2) How often should I check on him to make sure he's ok (I will not sleep much tonight)?

3) I know that things can turn quickly, but are there any signs I can watch for to indicate that I cannot wait until morning?

TIA for your help.  Seems like the really scary things always happen on a Sunday.....

This worked for my FLUTD cat as well as three more I know of.  Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with "the mother" (the bacteria that turn it to vinegar).  Most supermarkets carry this.  Shake well.  Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and give 1 cc. of the mixture by mouth every half hour until pH of urine is back down to 6.5 or less.  If you don't have pH strips, then hopefully just do until symptoms disappear, should be about the same.  Purpose:  If there are struvite crystals irritating his bladder, they dissolve in slightly acidic urine.  Cats normally have acidic urine BUT there's an "alkaline rush" that sometimes happens about 6 hours after eating where the urine turns slightly alkaline.  Since your cat is on a wet food diet, he should be able to flush them out, but this acidifies the urine again if he's in an alkaline rush situation.

This certainly won't hurt.

Thank you so much.  He's constantly straining to pee right now, and I was thinking I might have to take him to ER.  Came back here and found your message.  I'm very grateful.  I have the Bragg's, syringes and my water comes from a well, so I just gave him his first dose.  

This works as long as they are not blocked, if they are peeing too little and straining because their bladder and urethra are irritated by struvite crystals, because the crystals will be dissolved as soon as the urine starts being acidic again.  It won't unblock them if they have blocked, obviously.  I hope he is doing better today and that you didn't need to go to the emergency hospital.  Let us know how he's doing.