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Why Is My Cat Squatting But Not Peeing?

If your cat is squatting, like it wants to pee, but it’s not, this may seem odd or concerning…

Why is my cat squatting but not peeing?

When your cat is squatting but nothing is being produced, they may be suffering from a urinary tract infection. Aside from this, cats produce struvite crystals naturally in their urine, which can eventually lead to painful blockage that prevents them from urinating properly.

With cats, changes in their potty habits are usually the first sign of trouble, so it’s best to get your vet involved quickly if anything changes. Just to be on the safe side!

Should I be concerned if my cat is squatting but not peeing?

A brown and black cat indoors lying on a gray textile while staring.

A brown and black cat indoors lying on a gray textile while staring.

You’ll want to keep an eye on your cat, but yes, if it is apparent that your cat is having potty issues, then you want to bring them in to a vet quickly. Changes in your cat’s potty breaks can be signs of urinary tract infections, struvite stones, or even certain cancers.

Get your kitty in for a checkup to rule out any potential health issues quickly as possible. This is always going to be your best bet.

How often should a cat be peeing?

It depends on the cat, but typically 2 to 4 times a day will be the normal frequency for urination. Cats have quick metabolisms and tend to be quite active, but if your cat is urinating more frequently then it could be a sign of a problem.

Stress, changes in routine, and general anxiety can quickly change your kitty’s potty habits. If you notice changes in the frequency, amount, or color of their urination, then it’s best to get them to the vet for a quick checkup – this is definitely not normal!

Why do cats squat normally?

Usually if a cat is squatting for an inordinate amount of time, then this is a sign that they cannot urinate or they are constipated. While this can happen normally from time to time, it should not be something that you are seeing on a regular basis and could indicate that something serious is going on.

If you have not recently changed your cat’s food and nothing has changed in the household recently, then it’s best to schedule at vet visit at your soonest convenience or, even better, simply bring your cat in right away.

Why is my cat randomly squatting?

Typically, this is indicative of blockage. Cats can get urinary tract infections fairly easily and they also produce struvite crystals naturally in their urine. Over time, these can build up, and form painful stones that prevent your cat from naturally eliminating urine.

If this is completely new, watch your cat for the next 24 hours. Occasionally this sort of thing can occur naturally, but if your cat is still having problems within 24 hours then it’s a good idea to go ahead and get the veterinarian involved.

How do I help my cat who is struggling to pee?

The best that can do is to make sure that your cat has plenty of food and fresh water, as well as a clean litter box, and to keep an eye on them.

While stomach ailments can be helped with foods, such as raw pumpkin, issues with urination are typically going to be related to an infection and you’ll need your vet’s assistance to help your cat.

Watch your kitty and see if they seem to be in pain while trying to urinate – this is generally a good indicator that it’s a urinary tract infection.

How do I know if my cat has a urinary blockage?

Your cat will usually be in visible pain when trying to urinate and sometimes before this, will be ‘marking’ areas around the house aside from their litter box. Since your kitty can’t talk, you’ll need to watch their behavior, and consistent squatting is usually the most common sign.

Thankfully, treatment is fairly easy, and just typically going to require antibiotics and patience, but you’ll want to get your cat in as soon as you notice that there are signs of trouble.

Why is my cat squatting outside the litter box?

A brown cat indoors next to a gray litter robot.

A brown cat indoors next to a gray litter robot.

Aside from urinary tract infections, cats will sometimes do this as a response to anxiety and stress. Try to think if anything has changed recently in the house. New animals, people, or even changes in the furniture can make a cat uncomfortable.

While they seem ‘aloof and mysterious’, cats are actually very much creatures of habit, and even a change in your work schedule can have a heavy impact on their piece of mind. If you have ruled out health issues with the vet, then it is likely that a change at home that is the culprit.

Can a cat UTI go away by itself?

While it is possible that a cat UTI may go away on its own, it’s best for your veterinarian to make that call. A number of factors are involved, such as your cat’s age, overall general health, and if they are a specific breed, then this even adds or reduces certain factors.

It’s an infection, so the best thing to do once it is identified is to treat it the same way that you would if you were sick – get medical assistance from the vet, start antibiotics if needed, and go from there. Leaving an infection alone is never a good idea, so this will always be the best process.

Can a dirty litter box cause UTI?

Yes, unsanitary conditions in a litter box can definitely get your kitty ill. While cats will typically shun a dirty box, some will ‘make do’ and still use it and their chances of a UTI or other infection will be raised. To make things easier, keep a spare box with clean litter inside that you can ‘swap out’ in emergencies.

This will help you to keep the cleaning schedule regular and ensure that you always have a clean box for your kitty right away. Just put it under the sink or another convenient spot and you’ll always have it ready to go when you need it!

Lindsey Browlingdon